Diploma

Diploma of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)

Calgary, Canada
2 years
English
On campus
Diploma

About the program

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems associate degree offered by the School of STEM at MVCC's Utica Campus.

Program highlights

Internship available: no
Placement support: yes
Work during study: yes
Post-study work rights: yes
PR pathway friendly: no

What you will learn

Apply foundational knowledge of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
Practise foundational concepts
Research and professional practice related to Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
And develop transferable analytical and communication skills for further study or relevant work.

Career outcomes

Agriculture
Inspection and emergency services roles in remotely piloted aircraft operations

Curriculum

Covers mechanics
Electronics and programming of remotely piloted aircraft
Building and repair
Autonomous flight programming
Mapping with PIX4D
ERDAS Imagine and ArcGIS Pro
Remote sensing (thermal
Multispectral
LiDAR)
Fusion 360 fabrication and a pilot qualification.

Entry requirements

Academic

Educated in Canada (with English proficiency): a minimum of 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
a minimum of 50% in Math 30-1 or Math 30-2
a minimum of 50% in one Grade 12 Science course. Educated outside Canada: international document assessment proving the programme requirements
plus proof of English proficiency.

Accepted academic background

Canadian-educated: typically at least 50% in Math 30-1 or 30-2 and 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 60% in 30-2 (example: Business Administration diploma), with programme-specific course and average requirements. Educated outside Canada: international document assessment (https://www.sait.ca/admissions/documentation/international-document-assessment) proving the programme's admission requirements, plus English proficiency. Some health programmes need entrance tests (CASPer 40 CAD + 16 CAD per score distribution; programme-specific assessment 20 CAD).

Language tests

IELTS 6.0 in each skill
TOEFL iBT 4.5 (new 1-6 scale
PTE Academic each category)
Duolingo PTE Academic 53
Cambridge Duolingo 115 (at least 95 in each subscore)
Oxford Test of English Cambridge 169 in each skill
IELTS Academic 6

Documents you’ll need

Academic Transcripts

How to apply

Check the programme page for admission requirements
entrance testing and intakes
the international deadline (Winter 2027 closes 30 Oct 2026; Spring 2027 closes 5 Feb 2027; Fall 2027 to be announced) at Apply online as an international applicant (175 CAD application fee). Submit transcripts
an international document assessment and proof of English proficiency. Complete health program entrance testing if your programme requires it. Accept the offer and pay the tuition deposit (3
500 CAD). Use the letter of acceptance and the provincial attestation letter to apply to IRCC for a study permit (and TRV or eTA if needed). Register for classes about six weeks before the start and pay tuition.

Other costs

Tuition per year	$21,715 CAD
Application fee	$175 CAD
Deposit	_

Program details

Campus	Art Smith Aero Centre and Point Trotter Campus
Faculty or school	School of Transportation
Department	_
Teaching language	English
Credit value	60
Study pace	Fixed
Post-study stay	_
Scholarship note	Institutional scholarships or awards may be available to eligible applicants. Confirm program-specific eligibility, funding and application deadlines.

Intakes and deadlines

Program starts
January 2027
Applications closed
30 Oct 2026
Closed
Program starts
May 2027
Apply by
No deadline listed
Program starts
September 2027
Apply by
No deadline listed

Frequently asked questions

The program takes 2 years.