English Language Foundations

Credential:: Course - no credential awarded More info on program credentials
Program length:: 8 weeks Learn more about program length
Location:: In person (Main Campus) More info on program location
International applicants:: Accepted Not PGWP eligible Learn more about international applicant eligibility
Faculty:: Academic Services

Credit credentials

A credit credential includes courses with post-secondary credit applied.

These credits will be used towards your specific program and may be accepted towards a credential at SAIT or a different post-secondary institution.

The credit credentials include a bachelor's degree, applied degree, diploma, certificate and post-diploma certificate.

Bachelor Degree

SAIT has bachelor's degree programs in business, construction, and hospitality and tourism management.

Bachelor's degrees are generally four-year programs, but you have up to 10 academic years to complete your courses.

Applied Degree

SAIT's full-time applied degree programs involve one year of study through classes and lab work followed by one year of directed studies in a workplace setting. This builds on the completion of a recognized two-year diploma, which you must have to be admitted to an applied degree program.

You then have seven academic years to finish your applied degree, starting from the day you begin the first course in that program.

Diploma

At SAIT, over 40 full-time diploma programs cover a broad range of areas, from aircraft maintenance to travel and tourism.

Most diploma programs are completed in two years, though you can take up to seven academic years to complete the requirements.

Certificate

SAIT has several certificate programs in the sciences, health and trades.

These programs provide the essential skills to start a career but are shorter in length than SAIT's diploma programs - usually a year or less. However, you have up to five years to complete your program.

Post-Diploma Certificate

These programs build on skills developed through a diploma or degree program and combine classroom instruction with a workplace practicum.

They are often completed in a year or less.

Journeyperson

A certified journeyperson is recognized as a qualified and skilled person in a trade and is entitled to the wages and benefits associated with that trade. You must complete all apprenticeship periods and pass the exams to earn a journeyperson designation.

Non-credit credentials

A non-credit credential comprises courses and programs designed for professional or personal development.

Because these do not have post-secondary credits attached, they cannot be used towards any of the credentials above. We also cannot guarantee an external institute will accept these courses or credentials for transfer credit.

SAIT's non-credit certificates of achievement and completion are offered through Continuing Education and Professional Studies.

Certificate of Achievement

Certificates of achievement recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 144 (required and elective) course hours.

Certificates of achievement typically develop broader, complex skill sets. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began these programs before July 1, 2022, you still have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Certificate of Completion

Certificates of completion recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 143 course hours.

These certificates are shorter in duration than certificates of achievement and offer a focused education program. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began before July 1, 2022, you will have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Professional Certificate

Program certificates recognize completion of a program that includes the formal evaluation of performance, and that is a minimum of one year in length.

These certificates have program-specific admission requirements.

Micro-credential

A micro-credential recognizes the completion of a non-credit course that includes a formal performance evaluation and verifies you have demonstrated specific competencies.

Micro-credentials focus on the mastery of specific skills. You receive a digital, shareable badge upon completing a SAIT micro-credential (SAITMicro).

Overview

We designed the English Language Foundations (ELF) program for learners whose first language isn't English. Our aim? To help you improve your English skills. Many students choose ELF as a way into SAIT career programs.

Here's what to expect.

Admission

We'll place you in the program based on your current English skills. We use tests like the Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to assess your abilities. Depending on your score, you may begin at any point between levels one and five.

Language foundations curriculum

We're here to give you a strong language foundation. We work on speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. There are five levels, each with two courses-one for reading and writing, the other for listening and speaking.

Flexible class times

Six start dates a year, eight-week terms, full-time or part-time options.

Skill development

Your learning experience will be customized to your abilities, so you'll progress based on your skills. We'll assess you through classroom assignments, participation, and exams. If you get at least a 50% (D) in all subjects, you can move up to the next level.

Completing ELF 5 meets the English proficiency pre-requisite for admission into most SAIT academic programs, saving you time and effort.

Remember, SAIT career programs require strong English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. ELF is a fast-paced program, so be ready to study and use English outside class.

To succeed in the English Language Foundations program, you need some key qualities and abilities, including:

motivation and a strong desire to improve your academic skills and achieve your educational goals
time management skills to balance coursework and other responsibilities
self-discipline so you can stay focused while studying and completing assignments
computer literacy
study skills, how to take notes and prepare for exams.

Download program info

Courses

Course delivery

Full-time program:

Two courses per level for eight weeks
20 hours per week in class, Monday through Friday, plus 15 to 20 hours of homework
Courses are available in the morning or the afternoon

Part-time program:

One course per level for eight weeks
10 hours per week in class, plus seven to ten hours of homework
Courses are available in the morning or the afternoon

Course	Credits
Communications 1 (COMN 151) is designed to advance the reading and writing skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 4. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for building fluent basic reading and writing skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending instructions and reproducing information; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners begin to develop the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts. Pre-requisites: One of: CLBW 04 - Canadian Language Benchmark - Reading/Writing IELR 3.5 - IELTS Academic Reading and IELW 3.5 - IELTS Academic Writing LIN4 - Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada LINC Level 4 ENGL 102	3
Communications 2 (COMN 152) is designed to advance the reading and writing skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 5. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for building intermediate-level reading and writing skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending instructions and reproducing information; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners develop the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts. Pre-requisites: One of: CLBW 05 Canadian Language Benchmark - Reading/Writing IELR 4 IELTS Academic Reading and IELW 4 IELTS Academic Writing COMN 151	3
Communications 3 (COMN 153) is designed to advance the reading and writing skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 6. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for continuing to develop intermediate-level reading and writing skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending instructions and reproducing information; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners build the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts. Pre-requisites: One of: CLBW 06 Canadian Language Benchmark - Reading/Writing IELR 4.5 IELTS Academic Reading and IELW 4.5 IELTS Academic Writing COMN 152	3
Communications 4 (COMN 154) is designed to advance the reading and writing skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 7. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for building adequate intermediate-level reading and writing skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending instructions and reproducing information; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners develop the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts. Pre-requisites: One of: CLBW 07 Canadian Language Benchmark - Reading/Writing IELR 5 IELTS Academic Reading and IELW 5 IELTS Academic Writing COMN 153	3
Communications 5 (COMN 155) is designed to advance the reading and writing skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 8. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for building fluent intermediate-level reading and writing skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending instructions and reproducing information; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners continue to develop the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts. COMN 155 is the final English Language Foundations COMM course and fulfills the English language reading and writing requirements for entry into most SAIT programs. Pre-requisites: One of: IELR 5.5 IELTS Academic Reading and IELW 5.5 IELTS Academic Writing COMN 154	3
Speech 1 (SPCH 151) is designed to advance the listening and speaking skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 4. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for building fluent basic listening and speaking skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending and giving instructions; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners begin to develop the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts. Pre-requisites: One of: CLBS 04 Canadian Language Benchmark - Listening/Speaking IELL 3.5 - IELTS Academic Listening and IELS 3.5 - IELTS Academic Speaking LIN4 - Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada LINC Level 4 ENGL 102	3
Speech 2 (SPCH 152) is designed to advance the listening and speaking skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 5. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for building intermediate-level listening and speaking skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending and giving instructions; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners develop the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts. Pre-requisites: One of: CLBS 05 Canadian Language Benchmark - Listening/Speaking IELL 4.0 IELTS Academic Listening and IELS 4.0 IELTS Academic Speaking SPCH 151	3
Speech 3 (SPCH 153) is designed to advance the listening and speaking skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 6. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for continuing to develop intermediate-level listening and speaking skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending and giving instructions; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners develop the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts. Pre-requisites: One of: CLBS 06 Canadian Language Benchmark - Listening/Speaking IELL 4.5 IELTS Academic Listening and IELS 4.5 IELTS Academic Speaking SPCH 152	3
Speech 4 (SPCH 154) is designed to advance the listening and speaking skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 7. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for building adequate intermediate-level listening and speaking skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending and giving instructions; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners develop the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts. Pre-requisites: One of: Canadian Language Benchmark - Listening/Speaking 07 IELL 5.0 IELTS Academic Listening and IELS 5.0 IELTS Academic Speaking SPCH 153	3
Speech 5 (SPCH 155) is designed to advance the listening and speaking skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 8. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for building fluent intermediate-level listening and speaking skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending and giving instructions; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners continue to develop the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts. SPCH 155 is the final English Language Foundations SPCH course and fulfills the English language listening and speaking requirements for entry into most SAIT programs. Pre-requisites: One of: IELL 5.5 IELTS Academic Listening and IELS 5.5 IELTS Academic Speaking SPCH 154	3

Progression

Level 1 (communications and speech) leads to level 2, which leads to levels 3, 4 and 5. However, if you're entering the program with a CLBA, CLPBT or ELF PPT, you may begin between levels 1 and 5, depending on your score.

Depending on your band score on the IELTS academic test, you may begin at any point between levels 1 and 5.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Admission requirements

To register for the English Language Foundations program, you must complete one of the following:

a Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA), Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) or an ELF Proficiency Placement Test (PPT) and obtain a minimum score of 4 in all categories, or
an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assessment and obtain a minimum band score of 3.5 in all categories.
CLBA, CLBPT or IELTS tests must be completed at least four weeks before the course starts.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

The IELTS Test Centre at SAIT provides proficiency testing.

We accept IELTS band scores from any approved centres. However, you must submit an official copy of your IELTS test report form (TRF).

Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA)

An entrance ELF Proficiency Placement Test (ELF PPT) for international students is free. Domestic students can get a free CLBA or CLBPT at CLARC (Calgary Language Assessment and Referral Centre) if eligible.

English Language Foundations proficiency placement test (ELF PPT)

Your ELF placement will be based on your CLBA, CLBPT, ELF PPT or academic IELTS score.

ELF level 1:

Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 4
Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 4
English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 4
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 3.5

ELF level 2:

Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 5
Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 5
English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 5
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 4.0

ELF level 3:

Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 6
Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 6
English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 6
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 4.5

ELF level 4:

Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 7 (must take levels 4 and 5)
Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 7
English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 7
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.0

ELF level 5:

Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 8
English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 8
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5

IELTS: A band score of 6.0 in all categories or completion of ELF level 5 meets the English language requirements to enter SAIT programs.

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

Students coming from the LINC program with a certificate of completion for LINC (CLBA) level 4, 5 or 6 can be accepted to the ELF program as below:

LINC (CLB 4) Graduates - ELF level 1
LINC (CLB 5) Graduates - ELF level 2
LINC (CLB 6) Graduates - ELF level 3

Teacher-assessed CLBA scores from LINC schools are not accepted.

Bridging pathways

You may also be accepted if you have completed some coursework at either one of the SAIT pathway program partners or other post-secondary academic English as an Additional Language (EAL) programs.

Call 403.210.4045 or email english.language@sait.ca for more information about English language bridging pathways.

Transfer agreements

At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.

We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.

Submit a transfer credit application

There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.

Transfer options for graduates

Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.

🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for all transfer agreements in Alberta (including UCalgary, MRU and BVC).

If there are transfer agreements with other institutions outside of Alberta, nationally or internationally, they will be listed below.

Available intakes

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Oct 21, 2024

Domestic students: Closed: Application deadline: September 21, 2024
International students: Closed: Application deadline: September 21, 2024

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: December 6, 2024
International students: Open: Application deadline: December 6, 2024

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: February 10, 2025
International students: Open: Application deadline: February 10, 2025

Spring 2025

Start dates:

May 05, 2025

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: April 30, 2025
International students: Open: Application deadline: April 30, 2025

Fall 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: July 25, 2025
International students: Open: Application deadline: July 25, 2025

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: Sept. 20, 2025
International students: Open: Application deadline: Sept. 20, 2025

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the number of courses taken in a semester.
Number of courses	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per semester
1	$699	$207.69	$906.69
2	$1,398	$256.38	$1,654.38
3	$2,097	$804	$2,901
5	$3,495	$804	$4,299

The estimated cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the number of courses taken in a semester.
Number of courses	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per semester
1	$1,473	$382.69	$1,855.69
2	$2,946	$431.38	$3,377.38
3	$4,419	$804	$5,223
5	$7,365	$804	$8,169

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

No textbooks are required for this program.

Financial aid

You could potentially qualify for funding for your courses if you are out of high school for more than 12 consecutive months, are unemployed, working less than 20 hours per week, and/or earning a modest annual income, or are 18 years old and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or convention refugee.

Foundational Learning Program

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 the typical 15-week program.

2024/25 fees per semester

Fees are subject to change without notice.

A breakdown of mandatory fees based on whether you are taking less than or more than nine credits per semester
SAIT fees	Less than 9 credits/semester	9 or more credits/semester
Campus athletic and recreation fee: supports the provision of recreation and fitness facilities, movement classes, wellness programs, events, intermural activities, varsity sports programs, and a variety of initiatives offered throughout the academic year. Exemptions to recreation fees are made in some circumstances.	$51.50	$103
Student support fee: supports services and resources to help you succeed throughout your academic career, including Career Advancement Services and Student Development and Counselling.	$53.75	$107.50
Student technology fee: supports improvements to cybersecurity to protect student and institutional information, access to learning material outside the classroom, and technology to enhance your experience.	$53.75	$107.50
UPass: provides you with unlimited access to Calgary Transit. Additional eligibility requirements apply to obtain a UPass.	n/a	$165
Saitsa fees
Saitsa fee: supports the student-led, non-profit organization representing students. Fees support the operation of various student services, activities, and programming. Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.	$16.23/credit	$146 maximum
Health and dental plan: provides access to thousands of dollars in coverage for prescription medication, dental treatments, paramedical services, and multiple other benefits. Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. Find more details at saitsa.com/benefits. In most cases, your fees are quoted based on 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 dental coverage may opt-out.	n/a	$91 for health $84 for dental

Application process

All applicants must undergo an English Language Foundations proficiency placement test.

Once you receive confirmation your application has been received, call 403.210.4045 or email english.language@sait.ca to schedule your test.

Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal.

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $175 for international applicants.

Apply now

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the admission process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.

We recommend you add the english.language@sait.ca to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

What sets SAIT apart
An introduction to the program and area of study
Admission requirements
Future career paths
Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

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