Petroleum Engineering Technology

Diploma

Apply Now

Need more info? Learn how to apply.

Petroleum Engineering Technology is a two-year diploma program that will prepare you for employment in the upstream (drilling and production) and midstream (pipeline) energy sectors.

The world demand for energy is growing and the oil and gas industry will supply the majority of this energy for decades to come. Western Canada has an abundance of conventional and unconventional energy reserves that provide lucrative careers for petroleum engineering technologists.

Learn from experienced professionals in state-of-the-art labs that utilize industry-standard tools and equipment, working oil and gas systems and high-tech, custom-made simulators.

Upcoming Intakes

Select your preferred intake to see relevant program information. Program details, including tuition and course information, may vary by intake.

Selection Start Date Delivery Mode Time Campus Length Domestic Status International Status
Sep. 02, 2025 (Fall) In-person Weekdays - Daytime Main 2 Years (Full-time) Open Open
 
             
 

Swipe table to view more information for each intake.

Delivery Mode

  • In-person - All your class activity will be delivered in person, on campus.
  • Online - All your class activity will be delivered online.
  • Hybrid - Your classes will be a mixture of in person and online learning. You must be able to come to campus and participate remotely online.
  • Your choice - Your program offers a variety of class delivery options (in person, online, or a mixture of both) and you can select which type of classes to take. If you wish, you can complete your entire program either in-person or online.
  • HyFlex - All your classes are delivered for simultaneous participation in person and online. You can choose daily to attend your classes in person or join remotely online.

Time

  • Your choice - You can select class times and days that fit your schedule. There are a variety of class options for you to choose from including daytime, evening, weekdays or weekends.
  • No set time - No set class days or times, content is access on-demand. You can complete your studies on your own schedule within the scheduled class dates; may have set due dates and deadlines.
  • Evenings & Weekends - Classes are scheduled after 5 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends.
  • Weekdays - Daytime - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start before 6 p.m.
  • Weekdays - Evening - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start after 6 p.m.
  • Weekends - Classes are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.

Campus

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at this campus location.

View Campus Map

Length

  • Full-Time - This is the standard length to complete the program, with a full course load per term.
  • Part-Time - Students follow a structured schedule of classes so they can progress in their studies part-time while balancing everyday life.

Domestic Status

The program availability status for domestic applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

International Status

The program availability status for international applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Limited - For international applicants, the program intake is now only available if you already have a valid study permit.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

Credit programs that accept international applicants also meet the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, including programs with a Hybrid delivery mode. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Hands-on, industry-relevant skills

Industry demand continues to grow for well-trained professionals with strong theoretical and practical skills – the kind of skills developed through NAIT's hands-on approach to learning. 

In both classroom and laboratory settings, you'll use custom-made, award-winning drilling simulators to learn rig operations, the safety and science of drilling and well completion processes through virtual reality.

Over the course of the program, you'll be instructed in the major disciplines of:

  • natural gas processing
  • oil and gas production optimization
  • drilling and well planning
  • completions and well interventions
  • formation evaluation and reservoir engineering
  • petroleum geology
  • conventional and enhanced oil recovery
  • project management
  • economics

Petroleum engineering technologists require a special set of skills, keen spatial awareness and the ability to work in a team. The Petroleum Engineering Technology program will ensure you're ready to enter the workforce by showing you how to:

  • Analyze, optimize and calculate economics of well operations and industry projects
  • Select and troubleshoot basic oil and gas facilities
  • Interpret subsurface data to evaluate reservoir potential
  • Adhere to regulatory frameworks to protect personnel, the public, and the environment
  • Demonstrate professional conduct and communication skills

Standardized industry training 

In the second year of the program, you'll complete a 5-day training session a the Energy Safety Canada Oil and Gas Production Facilities in Nisku, Alberta. Here you'll develop an important real-world understanding of theoretical concepts and participate in equipment optimization and process troubleshooting. 

PET Simulation PET students

Career Outcomes

Build your resume before you even graduate

Explore work experience opportunities that help grads get hired even sooner.

View Work Integrated Learning

Work Experience Placements

Courses and Advanced Credit

Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.

Advanced Credit

You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).

Transfer Credit

In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:

  • You must have completed the course or program no more than 7 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
  • You must have a minimum mark of C in the course(s) or program

Applicants who have successfully completed other post-secondary courses may be eligible for advanced standing in Petroleum Engineering Technology courses. Applicants wishing to investigate this option must present the following:

  • mark transcripts of the previous related training
  • course outlines or adequate description of the courses

Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)

Please see below for the list of courses available for prior learning assesment and recognition (PLAR) credits in this program. Click on the course name for more information on the evidence required for that course.

Please refer to the Credit for Work and Life Experience page for more information on how to apply for PLAR credits.

Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.

Scholarships & Awards

NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!

Learn how to apply for awards

International Applicants

This program is not eligible for a post-grad work permit.

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.








Hidden








Stay connected

Sign up to receive information about NAIT programs, services, and upcoming events.

Send me more info

Apply to NAIT

Apply to NAIT programs through the Alberta Post-Secondary Application System (APAS).

Apply now How to apply guide

Visit us

Take an in-person or virtual campus tour to see all that NAIT has to offer.

See tour options

Shopping Cart Quick View
Open Shopping Cart