Foundational Learning Program
Foundational Learning funding is provided on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants. There are a limited number of funded seats available so it is highly recommended that you apply for funding at least 6 - 8 weeks prior to the start of your program to allow proper time for funding approval and to ensure tuition and living allowance benefits are received on time.
If you apply after the program begins, you risk a lack of funding availability. In addition, living allowance benefits will not be backdated, and the funding will start for the month that the application was received by the Alberta Works-Learner Income Support Office (LISO Edmonton) and not the start of the program. Applications received after the last day of training are not eligible for funding.
English as a Second Language (ESL) applicants
Students requesting funding for the English Language Foundations (ELF) program are expected to access language instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) training prior to applying for ESL under the Foundational Learning Supports program.
Employment Insurance (EI) applicants/recipients
If you are receiving or have recently applied for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, you are required to apply for funding by completing the Alberta Works-Learner Income Support application. EI benefits while attending training will not be paid without approval from Alberta Works.
Eligible programs
Full-time funding
Foundational Learning Supports program
Please review and each of the steps below to determine your eligibility and to complete the application process.
To be eligible for Foundational Learning funding, the following criteria must be met:
- You must be an Alberta resident at the time of application.
- You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or convention refugee with valid study permit, work permit and Notice of Decision. Study and work permits must have end dates that cover the entire training period. International students and visitors do not qualify for funding.
- You must be 18 years of age or older at the start of your program.
- You have been out of high school for 12 or more consecutive months.
- Unemployed, or working on average less than 20 hours per week for the last 12 weeks, and planning to remain employed while attending training. Individuals working more than 20 hours per week will not be considered for funding automatically, and they will be referred to Community and Social Services for career counselling to explore options available.
- You must be ready, willing and able to attend training each day, and to keep acceptable academic progress.
- You are in financial need.
- Sponsored immigrants enrolled in full-time studies are only eligible for tuition, books and supplies.
If you meet the criteria stated in Step 1 please email a copy of your Program Plan (PP) to funding@sait.ca. A PP can be obtained from either the English Language Foundations or Academic Upgrading department as applicable.
A Financial Advising assistant will send you the appropriate application and supporting forms by email. Please ensure you have a reliable email account and check your junk mail folder.
If you have not received feedback within 3 business days please email the Financial Advising office.
Complete all forms and email them to funding@sait.ca for review. Financial Advising will highlight any potential concerns related to your eligibility. Please submit all required documents, along with your funding application, at the same time to avoid delays.
Students applying directly to Alberta Works must still contact funding@sait.ca before submitting a funding application for the English Language Foundations or Academic Upgrading programs. This will ensure SAIT sends a Training Provider Information (TPI) form on your behalf and will prevent delays in your application. Without the TPI form, your funding application will be considered incomplete and will not be processed by the Learner Income Support Office.
Once your application has been reviewed by an advisor and approved for submission, send your funding package to the Learner Income Support Office.
Learner Income Support Office
PO Box 17000 STN Main
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 4B3
Part-time funding
Skills Investment Bursary (SIB)
The Skills Investment Bursary (SIB) is only available for students enrolling in English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading on a part-time basis.
The maximum cumulative amount issued for SIB part-time is $5,000 per calendar year, Jan. 1 - Dec. 31 SIB part-time does not cover living costs associated with attending training.
The following training benefits are provided up to the maximum amount for incremental costs necessary to participate in part-time training:
- Tuition, mandatory fees, and student association fees
- Books and supplies
- Installation and monthly fees for a basic internet package the learner currently doesn't have internet access if such is required for participation or if the training course is online
- Transportation costs if there is a need for the learner to attend training
- Childcare costs if there is a need for the learner to attend training
Please note: All funding applications must be received by the Alberta Works-Learner Income and Support Office (LISO) from the Financial Advising office prior to the course end date. Otherwise, funding applications will not be processed, and it can take several weeks for the LISO offices to review applications and approve funding. Please ensure you have followed the steps below and submitted all relevant information at the time of your application.
Financial advising cannot release funds for part-time funding until after the second class has been attended.
To be eligible for Foundational Learning funding, the following criteria must be met:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Out of elementary, junior or senior high school for 12 consecutive months
- Be a resident of Alberta at the time of application
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or convention refugee with valid study and work permits and Notice of Decision. Study and work permits must have end dates that cover the entire training period. International students and visitors don't qualify.
- Must be below the applicable income threshold according to line 236 of your most recent Income Tax Return.
| Household Unit Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net income | 35,000 | 40,000 | 45,000 | 50,000 | 55,000 | 60,000 |
*For each additional child, add $5,000
- You must meet the following asset requirements:
- RRSP's owned by the learner and/or spouse/partner must not exceed $100,000
- Liquid Assets — savings, term deposits, GICs, Bonds, Stocks, cash on hand etc. — must not exceed $5,000 (family combined assets)
- Complete and pass all of the training providers' rules, including acceptable attendance and progress
- Income Support recipients must notify their Income Support worker when applying for part-time training
- EI recipients must consult with Service Canada about collecting EI benefits while attending training
- Full-time Foundational Learning funded students can access part-time funding to repeat courses they failed as a full-time student, provided they are now attending SAIT on a part-time basis
- Must have already registered and paid for your course(s) to apply for part-time funding
- Can be employed or unemployed
- Must provide the Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) report if applying for ESL training
- Must provide the program plan if applying for Academic Upgrading
If you meet the criteria stated in Step 1 please email a copy of your Program Plan (PP) to funding@sait.ca. A PP can be obtained from either the English Language Foundations or Academic Upgrading department as applicable.
A financial advising assistant will send you the appropriate application and supporting forms by email. Please ensure you have a reliable email account and check your junk mail folder.
If you have not received feedback within 3 business days please email the Financial Advising office.
Complete all forms and email them to funding@sait.ca for review. Financial Advising will highlight any potential concerns related to your eligibility. Please submit all required documents, along with your funding application, at the same time to avoid delays.
Students applying directly to Alberta Works must still contact funding@sait.ca before submitting a funding application for the English Language Foundations or Academic Upgrading programs. This will ensure SAIT sends a Training Provider Information (TPI) form on your behalf and will prevent delays in your application. Without the TPI form, your funding application will be considered incomplete and will not be processed by the Learner Income Support Office.
Once your application has been reviewed by an advisor and approved for submission, send your funding package to the Learner Income Support Office.
Learner Income Support Office
PO Box 17000 STN Main
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 4B3