All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Winter 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. Learn more
Overview
This two-year diploma program is Western Canada’s only management-oriented training program designed in cooperation with, and specifically for, the automotive industry.
Learn from industry-connected instructors the communications, marketing, management and automotive skills you need to start your career on the business side of the industry.
Valuable industry experience will be gained through a paid summer work practicum.
Our blended learning environment includes classroom instruction, collaborative coursework and e-Learning.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in:
- automotive dealership operations
- automotive management (parts, sales, service and finance)
- automotive manufacturing
- finance companies
- aftermarket companies
- insurance or credit companies
Related careers include:
- automotive services expert


Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $5,838
Year 2: $5,418
Year 1 (International): $18,156
Year 2 (International): $16,625
Year 1: TBA
Year 2: TBA
Year 1 (International): $17,180 (+fees TBD)
Year 2 (International): $16,712 (+fees TBD)
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications open for fall 2021 on Oct. 7, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
Term | Program start |
---|---|
Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
Read more
“I’ve realized that if I want to remain an asset I have to continue to upgrade myself.”
After working in vehicle manufacturing in the Middle East for 12 years, Niloufar was ready to learn another side of the industry and came across the globe to upskill at SAIT.
Admission Requirements
Admission and Selection
- Fall 2021 start: applications open Oct. 7, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
Admission Requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- At least 50% in Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 or Pure Math 30, or at least 60% in Applied Math 30,
- At least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-2.
- All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct Entry: Four-Step Process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Business Administration — Automotive Management and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add transportation.info@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe sender's list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Courses
Program Outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First Year
Semester 1
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
BMAT-230 | Business Mathematics | 3.0 |
COMP-220 | Computer Fundamentals | 3.0 |
ECON-250 | Microeconomics | 3.0 |
INRY-206 | Introduction to Automotive Technology | 1.5 |
MKTG-206 | Concepts of the Automotive Industry | 1.5 |
MKTG-260 | Marketing Essentials | 3.0 |
Semester 1 Total | 15.0 |
Semester 2
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
ACCT-215 | Introductory Financial Accounting I | 3.0 |
COMM-256 | Professional Communication and Presentation Skills | 3.0 |
MKTG-306 | Brand Management | 3.0 |
MNGT-250 | Organizational Behaviour | 3.0 |
STAT-270 | Quantitative Methods | 3.0 |
Semester 2 Total | 15.0 |
Semester 3 (May - August)
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
PRAC-284 | Automotive Industry Work Term | 3.0 |
Semester 3 Total | 3.0 | |
First Year Total | 33.0 |
Second Year
Semester 4
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
BFIN-301 | Finance for Managers | 3.0 |
BLAW-300 | Business Law | 3.0 |
FNCE-207 | Leasing, Finance and Insurance | 1.5 |
MKTG-216 | Canadian Auto Aftermarket | 1.5 |
MKTG-336 | Marketing Action | 3.0 |
MKTG-375 | Integrated Marketing Communications | 3.0 |
Semester 4 Total | 15.0 |
Semester 5
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
ECON-305 | Macroeconomics | 3.0 |
FNCE-205 | Introduction to Fixed Operations | 1.5 |
HRMT-320 | Human Resources Management | 3.0 |
PROJ-365 | Automotive Management Capstone | 3.0 |
PRTS-302 | DMS - Parts and Service | 1.5 |
SELL-315 | Automotive Business and Sales Management | 3.0 |
Semester 5 Total | 15.0 | |
Second Year Total | 30.0 | |
Program Total | 63.0 |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer Options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- Athabasca University
- Griffith University
- NAIT
- Northwood University
- Royal Roads University
- University of Lethbridge
To learn more, visit Transfer Options.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $4,616 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $5,838 |
2 | $4,196 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $5,418 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $16,843 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $18,156 |
2 | $15,312 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $16,625 |
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 domestic tuition and fees.
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
2 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 fees and program total.
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $17,180 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
2 | $16,712 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies are approximately $1,500 per year.
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Fall 2020
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 4, 2020.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines.
How to register for classes
You'll follow an adjustable block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Other requirements
A driver's license, the ability to maneuver vehicles in tight spaces and operate a manual transmission vehicle is highly recommended for success in this program and industry.
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8471
Email: transportation.info@sait.ca
Academic chair
Matt Carpenter, Academic Chair
Email: matt.carpenter@sait.ca