Overview
Courses in power theory, thermodynamics and extensive lab training prepare you to take responsibility for complex power systems working as a plant operator or design, research or development assistant in industries like petroleum, petrochemical and refining.
Our Power Engineering Technology diploma arms you with the skills to become a third-class power engineer responsible for controlling large, complex power and process systems and performing production work in the operation and development of large-scale energy projects.
Is this the right fit for me?
Manual dexterity and mechanical ability are helpful. Students should be aware that colour blind testing may be required by some employers.
A minimum of 80% attendance is a requirement to successfully complete the program.
Successful students will have the ability to gather technical information and use it to troubleshoot large electromechanical systems.
Accreditation
This program is nationally accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC).
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Power Engineering Technology.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):
- plant operator
- design assistant
- research and development assistant
- process operator
Related careers include:
- field and design
- mechanical or industrial sales


Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $6,176
Year 2: $6,424
Year 1 (International): $20,042
Year 2 (International): $20,978
Year 1: $6,683
Year 2: $6,951
Year 1 (International): $21,091
Year 2 (International): $23,057
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
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 for fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date.
- Applications for winter 2022 open March 31, 2021, and are accepted until the program start date.
Term | Program start |
---|---|
Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
Winter 2022 | Jan. 10, 2022 |
Admission Requirements
Admission and selection
- Fall 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Winter 2022 start: applications are open March 31, 2021, until the program start date but are subject to change.
Admission requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- At least 60% in Math 30-1 or Pure Math 30, or at least 75% in Math 30-2
- At least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 75% in English Language Arts 30-2
- At least 60% in Physics 30.
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 Power Engineering Technology 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.
Reserved seats
Eight seats are reserved for applicants who have completed and obtained a minimum of 70% in each of the following Career and Technology Studies courses:
- PRS1010 - Overview of Alberta Geology
- PRS1020 - Non-renewable Resources
- PRS1060 - Consumer Products and Services
- PRS2030 - Non-Conventional Hydrocarbon Exploration
- PRS2060 - Refining Hydrocarbons
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.
Courses
Program outline
This program is being reviewed and could undergo changes.
SAIT students are offered an opportunity to develop lifelong learning skills in an online environment. One or more courses in the program are offered fully or partially online.
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First year
Semester 1
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
COMP-261 | Microsoft Office: An Introduction | 1.5 |
ELCT-254 | Electrical and Controls I | 1.5 |
PENG-201 | Power Theory I | 3.0 |
PENG-203 | Power Lab I | 3.0 |
SFTY-215 | Safety and Environment | 1.5 |
THRM-208 | Thermodynamics I Theory | 3.0 |
Semester 1 Total | 13.5 |
Semester 2
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
COMM-238 | Technical Communications I | 3.0 |
MATH-238 | Mathematics for Engineering and Technology I | 3.0 |
PENG-251 | Power Theory II | 3.0 |
PENG-253 | Power Lab II | 3.0 |
PWEN-282 | Unit Operations | 1.5 |
THRM-258 | Thermodynamics II Theory | 3.0 |
Semester 2 Total | 16.5 | |
First Year Total |
30.0 |
Second year
Semester 3
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
AMEC-306 | Applied Mechanics I | 3.0 |
ELCT-304 | Electrical & Controls II | 3.0 |
MATH-288 | Mathematics for Engineering and Technology ll | 3.0 |
PENG-301 | Power Theory III | 3.0 |
THRM-317 | Thermodynamics III Theory | 3.0 |
THRM-319 | Thermodynamics I Lab | 1.5 |
Semester 3 Total | 16.5 |
Semester 4
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
AMEC-356 | Applied Mechanics II | 3.0 |
ELCT-354 | Electrical & Controls III | 1.5 |
PROJ-351 | Power Engineering Technology Capstone Project | 3.0 |
PENG-351 | Power Theory IV | 3.0 |
THRM-359 | Thermodynamics II Lab | 1.5 |
THRM-357 | Thermodynamics IV Theory | 3.0 |
Semester 4 Total | 15.0 | |
Second Year Total | 31.5 | |
Program Total | 61.5 |
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
- Thompson Rivers University
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 | $4,954 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $6,176 |
2 | $5,202 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $6,424 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $18,729 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $20,042 |
2 | $19,665 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $20,978 |
*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*
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $5,350 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $6,683 |
2 | $5,618 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $6,951 |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $19,666 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $344 | $21,091 |
2 | $21,632 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $344 | $23,057 |
*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: $183.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $150
Student technology fee: $150
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*
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- 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.
Winter 2021
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place closer to the program start date. Watch your inbox for details.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Winter 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
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.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
We recommend you wear CSA-approved (green triangle, above ankles) protective footwear in our labs. A hard hat and safety glasses will be provided to you.
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience, ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices, MATH 123: Mathematics Refresher and SAFE 160: Safety Orientation.
Required textbooks
The Winter 2021 booklist will be available beginning in late November.
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: 403.284.8543
Email: macphail.students@sait.ca
Academic chair
Mitch McNeil, Academic Chair
Email: mitch.mcneil@sait.ca
OrientationOrientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 4, 2020. To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page. DeliveryThis program will be delivered in a blended format for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus. How to register for classesYou'll follow an adjustable block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page. Computers and laptopsThis is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page. Required personal protective equipment (PPE)The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes. We recommend you wear CSA-approved (green triangle) protective footwear in our labs. You'll also need to purchase a hard hat and safety glasses from the student club when you arrive. Preparation coursesTo support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience, ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices, MATH 123: Mathematics Refresher and SAFE 160: Safety Orientation. Required textbooksThe 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. |
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.