Southern Alberta Institute of Technology offers Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology, a diploma in Aviation Studies programme in Calgary, Canada. The programme runs for 2 years. It carries 60.0 credits. Tuition for international students is CAD 661 per credit (CAD 425 per credit for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Diploma
Field:Aviation Studies
Duration: 2 years
Credits: 60.0
Local tuition: CAD 425 / credit
International tuition: CAD 661 / credit
Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
This two-year diploma is delivered in person at SAIT's Art Smith Aero Centre, located at the Calgary International Airport, and is accredited by Transport Canada. It prepares students to work toward an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer 'M' licence, covering aircraft systems such as engines, electrical, hydraulic, fuel, and flight control systems, along with aerodynamics, structural materials, and troubleshooting techniques. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training and includes some web-based coursework for added flexibility, though lab work takes place at the dedicated aviation facility. Students who maintain at least 95% attendance and a minimum 70% grade average receive Transport Canada credit toward 18 months of the work experience required for AME licensing, which shortens the post-graduation path to certification for those who qualify. The program suits candidates with mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, physical fitness for climbing and reaching in aircraft spaces, comfort working at heights, and strong problem-solving skills. It accepts international students and meets Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility requirements. Graduates are prepared for aircraft maintenance roles across general aviation, corporate jets, helicopters, and commercial airliners, reflecting the breadth of aircraft systems covered in the curriculum. The program sits within SAIT's School of Transportation.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Domestic applicants need at least 50% in Math 30-1 or 30-2, and at least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2. SAIT accepts recognised high school course equivalents for applicants educated outside Alberta, and applicants educated outside Canada must provide an international document assessment showing they meet the same standard. All applicants, including those educated in Canada, must demonstrate English language proficiency before admission (SAIT admissions, English Proficiency). SAIT's institution-wide scale accepts IELTS Academic at 6.0 in each skill, TOEFL iBT at a total score of 4.5 with a 4.5 minimum per section, PTE Academic at 53, the Duolingo English Test at 115 overall with 95 minimum per sub-score, and CAEL at 60 overall with 60 in each skill, among other accepted tests. Applications go through SAIT's online portal with the standard non-refundable fee (CAD 120 domestic, CAD 175 international); international applicants should confirm the program's own international-applicant and Post-Graduation Work Permit status.
Application Details
Application Deadline:Domestic applicants apply through ApplyAlberta: for Fall 2027 entry applications opened 7 October 2026 and close 30 June 2027, while Winter 2027 entry (opened 4 March 2026) closes 23 October 2026 and Spring 2027 entry closes 30 April 2027. International applicants apply through SAIT's Virtual Admissions System; the Fall 2027 window opened 4 August 2026 but SAIT lists the international closing date as still to be announced, while the Winter 2027 international deadline is 30 October 2026. Some allied-health programs, including Respiratory Therapy and Medical Laboratory Technology, close earlier to allow time for entrance testing, though the exact 2027-cycle testing dates were not yet posted. Admission is not rolling: SAIT enforces firm published deadlines, though popular programs can close early and some domestic programs reopen after their deadline if seats remain. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.
