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.
SAIT also offers flexible continuing education training for fifth to first-class to prepare you for your ABSA exams, or you can pursue a bachelor’s degree with our transfer options.
In Canada, power engineering certification progresses from fifth to first-class (most advanced) and the ABSA is the pressure equipment safety authority for Alberta.
Is this the right fit for me?
Manual dexterity and mechanical ability are helpful.
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.
Learn more about our energy and environmental programs
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
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $7,690
- Year 2: $7,996
International total 2023/24
- Year 1: $22,585.30
- Year 2: $23,636.07
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
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Admission requirements
Program requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- at least 60% in Math 30-1 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. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
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 the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through mySAIT.ca.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
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 the macphail.students@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | April 28, 2023 |
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Open Studies courses available
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies.
Open Studies is a great way to explore a certain subject before diving into the full program. See what courses are offered by finding this program on the Open Studies courses tab.
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.
First year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMP-261 | Applied Digital Technologies | 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 and 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.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $191
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $5,730 | $916 | $553 | $7,199 |
| 2 | 2 | $6,016.50 | $916 | $553 | $7,485.50 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $673.57
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $20,207.10 | $916 | $553 | $21,676.10 |
| 2 | 2 | $21,217.46 | $916 | $553 | $22,686.46 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: [brick: saitsa-fee l ref: fees-year22-23]
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
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 computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
The list of courses below will require Power Engineering Fourth Class Textbook Set - Part A, Part B and Academic Supplements from PanGlobal.
- PENG201
- PENG203
- PENG251
- PENG253
- THRM208
- THRM258
The list of courses below will require Power Engineering Third Class Textbook Set from PanGlobal.
- ELCT304
- PENG301
- PENG351
AMEC356 will require Mott, Robert L; Untener, J. A. (2015). Applied Fluid Mechanics (7th in SI Units ed.), Pearson from the SAIT Bookstore.
ELCT354 will require Power Engineering Second Class Textbook – Part B3 from PanGlobal.
SFTY215 will require Power Engineering Fourth Class Textbook Set - Part A from PanGlobal.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $6,120 | $948 | $622 | $7,690 |
| 2 | 2 | $6,426 | $948 | $622 | $7,996 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $21,015.30 | $948 | $622 | $22,585.30 |
| 2 | 2 | $22,066.07 | $948 | $622 | $23,636.07 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.22/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
The list of courses below will require Power Engineering Fourth Class Textbook Set - Part A, Part B and Academic Supplements from PanGlobal.
- PENG201
- PENG203
- PENG251
- PENG253
- THRM208
- THRM258
The list of courses below will require Power Engineering Third Class Textbook Set from PanGlobal.
- ELCT304
- PENG301
- PENG351
AMEC356 will require Mott, Robert L; Untener, J. A. (2015). Applied Fluid Mechanics (7th in SI Units ed.), Pearson from the SAIT Bookstore.
ELCT354 will require Power Engineering Second Class Textbook – Part B3 from PanGlobal.
SFTY215 will require Power Engineering Fourth Class Textbook Set - Part A from PanGlobal.
*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.
Orientation
Program orientation for students beginning in Winter 2023 will take place on SAIT campus on Friday, Jan. 6. Look for ORNT 118 in your schedule in mySAIT for the time and exact location.*
You can also prepare by attending Big SAIT Welcome, online information sessions, international or Indigenous orientation, and completing the preparation courses below.
*If your orientation takes place on the first day of classes, you will not see a separate ORNT 118 in your schedule. Students registering in classes via open registration will need to enroll themselves in ORNT 118.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on March 1 through March 15 for Spring 2023.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
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.
Required equipment/tools
You'll require a scientific calculator capable of performing linear regression.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
MATH 123: Mathematics Refresher
Give your math skills a boost, refresh some of the basics and get ready for calculus with a review of algebra, geometry, functions, graphs, trigonometry, exponents, systems of equations and more.
MATH-123 is specifically designed to help prepare students who must take MATH 238 as part of their program.
The course is virtual, self-paced, and can be accessed on Brightspace (D2L) from January 3, 2023 until April 28, 2023.
Register online between November 23, 2022 and January 23, 2023.
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
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
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.
Your journey starts here
Sign up to get important updates on: