Top Automobile Courses In Canada And Fees (2025)

In this detailed guide, we cover the top automobile courses in Canada, their program types, fees for both domestic and international students, and what you can expect in terms of career prospects.

Automotive Courses In Canada

1. Certificate Programs

Short programs (usually 6 months to 1 year) that focus on fundamentals of automotive servicing, repairs, and diagnostics. Ideal for students who want quick entry into the industry.

2. Diploma Programs

These 1-2 year programs provide in-depth knowledge of automotive service, motive power, body repair, or hybrid vehicle systems. They are very popular among international students.

3. Advanced Diplomas

Advanced diplomas run for 2-3 years and usually include co-ops or internships. They often specialize in automotive design, power systems, or engineering technology.

4. Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees

Universities like Ontario Tech offer specialized programs in automotive engineering, product design, and applied research. These programs are more academic and focus on innovation.

5. Apprenticeships & Trade Certifications

In many provinces, you can enter apprenticeship routes after completing a diploma. Automotive Service Technician (AST) and Red Seal programs are highly recognized.

Automobile Courses in Canada by Province and Fees

Ontario

Ontario is home to some of the largest automotive manufacturing hubs in North America. Many colleges here offer diploma and advanced diploma programs.

Centennial College (Toronto)

• Program: Auto Body Repair Technician Diploma

• Duration: 2 years

• Fees: ~ CAD 17,550 per year (international), domestic students pay less

• Highlights: Hands-on training at the Ashtonbee campus, industry-standard labs, and apprenticeship pathways.

Fanshawe College (London, ON)

• Program: Motive Power Technician – Automotive

• Duration: 1 year diploma

• Fees: ~ CAD 16,000 for international students

• Highlights: Focuses on diagnostics, electronic control systems, and practical shop work.

Niagara College (Welland, ON)

• Program: Motive Power Technician – Automotive (Co-op)

• Duration: 2 years

• Fees: ~ CAD 13,740 per year

• Highlights: Includes co-op opportunities, strong industry connections in Ontario’s auto sector.

St. Clair College (Windsor, ON)

• Program: Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology – Automotive Product Design

• Duration: 3 years

• Fees: ~ CAD 15,700 per year

• Highlights: Designed for students interested in product design, CAD modelling, and automotive R&D.

Ontario Tech University (Oshawa, ON)

• Program: Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Automotive Engineering

• Duration: 2 years

• Fees: ~ CAD 31,929 per year (international)

• Highlights: Advanced focus on electric vehicles, autonomous systems, and sustainable transportation.

British Columbia

BC offers several technical programs in automotive service and repair.

College of New Caledonia (Prince George, BC)

• Program: Diploma in Automotive Service Technician

• Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)

• Fees: ~ CAD 15,631 for international students

• Highlights: Strong hands-on lab component, smaller class sizes, practical training.

BC Institute of Technology (BCIT, Burnaby)

• Program: Automotive Service Technician Foundation

• Duration: ~ 1 year certificate

• Fees: CAD 7,000 – 9,000 (domestic), higher for international

• Highlights: Focused on Red Seal trade certification, strong apprenticeship pathways.

Alberta

Alberta is known for its strong trade and apprenticeship programs.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT, Edmonton)

• Program: Diploma in Automotive Service Technology

• Duration: 2 years

• Fees: ~ CAD 22,785 per year (international)

• Highlights: NAIT is one of Canada’s largest polytechnics, offering advanced facilities and strong employer partnerships.

Manitoba

Manitoba Institute of Trades & Technology (MITT, Winnipeg)

• Program: Automotive Service Technician

• Duration: 1 year diploma

• Fees: ~ CAD 5,766 + CAD 350 (fees) for international students

• Highlights: One of the most affordable programs for international students in Canada.

Red River College (Winnipeg)

• Program: Automotive Technician Certificate

• Duration: 1 year

• Fees: ~ CAD 8,740 per semester

• Highlights: Practical learning and pathways to apprenticeships in Manitoba.

Quebec

Quebec’s trade schools are popular with both domestic and international students.

Aviron Technical Institute (Montreal)

• Program: Automobile Mechanics (DVS Diploma)

• Duration: 1,800 hours (approx. 16 months)

• Fees: CAD 19,950 (local), CAD 23,950 (international)

• Highlights: Industry-recognized diploma with a strong hands-on focus.

Lester B. Pearson School Board – West Island Career Centre

• Program: DEP in Automobile Mechanics

• Duration: ~16 months

• Fees: CAD 26,600 (international tuition)

• Highlights: Career-oriented vocational diploma with French/English options.

Atlantic Provinces

Holland College (Prince Edward Island)

• Program: Automotive Technology Diploma

• Duration: 2 years

• Fees: Domestic: ~ CAD 6,035 per year; International: ~ CAD 12,000 – 13,000 per year

• Highlights: Small class sizes, strong local industry support, and practical labs.

Fee Ranges for Automobile Courses in Canada

To give you an overview:

• Certificates (6 months – 1 year): CAD 4,000 – 10,000 (domestic); CAD 12,000 – 20,000 (international)

• Diplomas (1–2 years): CAD 10,000 – 20,000/year (domestic); CAD 20,000 – 35,000/year (international)

• Advanced Diplomas (2–3 years): CAD 12,000 – 25,000/year (international)

• Master’s Degrees: CAD 25,000 – 35,000/year (international)

Career Opportunities After Automobile Courses

Graduates of Canadian automotive programs can pursue careers such as:

• Automotive Service Technician

• Auto Body Repair Specialist

• Diagnostic Technician

• Motive Power Technician

• Automotive Product Designer

• Automotive Engineer (for advanced diploma/degree holders)

• EV and Hybrid Vehicle Specialist

With Canada’s focus on electric and sustainable transportation, the demand for technicians with knowledge of EV and hybrid systems is growing rapidly.

Tips for Choosing the Right Automobile Course

1. Check if it includes apprenticeship or co-op opportunities – these help build industry experience.

2. Compare tuition vs ROI – some provinces like Manitoba and PEI have more affordable options for international students.

3. Look at specialization – EV, body repair, product design, or general service.

4. Consider location – living costs in Toronto and Vancouver are higher than Winnipeg or PEI.

5. Review prerequisites – some programs require Grade 12 math, physics, or English.

Conclusion

Studying automobile courses in Canada is a smart investment for anyone passionate about cars, automotive technology, and the future of transportation. Whether you choose a short certificate, a 2-year diploma, or a postgraduate engineering degree, Canada offers world-class facilities and strong industry ties.

From affordable programs at MITT in Manitoba to advanced engineering at Ontario Tech University, there is a course for every budget and career goal. As the automotive industry evolves towards electric vehicles, automation, and sustainable design, students trained in Canada will remain highly competitive in the global job market