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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.
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
Communications
| 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:
|
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:
|
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:
|
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:
|
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 fulfils the English language reading and writing requirements for entry into most SAIT programs. Pre-requisites:One of:
|
3 |
Speech
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
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:
|
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:
|
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:
|
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:
|
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:
|
3 |
Progression
Level 1 (communications and speech) leads to level 2, which leads to levels 3, 4 and 5. However, students entering the program with a CLBA, CLPBT or ELF PPT may begin between levels 1 and 4, depending on their score.
Depending on their band score, students entering the IELTS Academic Test may begin at any point between levels 1 and 5.
Admission requirements
To register for the English Language Foundations program, you must complete either:
- a Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA), Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) and ELF Proficiency Placement Test (PPT) and obtain a minimum score of 4 in all categories, or
- complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and obtain a minimum band score of 3.5 in all categories.
CLBA or IELTS tests must be completed four weeks before the term starts.
International English Language Testing System
The IELTS Test Centre at SAIT provides proficiency testing for $329.
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
Entrance CLBA tests for international students are free. If eligible, domestic students can get a free CLBA or CLBPT at CLARC (Calgary Language Assessment and Referral Centre).
English Language Foundations (ELF) proficiency placement test
Your ELF placement will be based on your CLBA, CLBPT, ELF PPT or academic IELTS score:
| ELF levels | CLBA | CLBPT | ELF PPT | IELTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELF Level 1 | CLBA 4 | CLBPT 4 | ELF PPT 4 | IELTS 3.5 |
| ELF Level 2 | CLBA 5 | CLBPT 5 | ELF PPT 5 | IELTS 4.0 |
| ELF Level 3 | CLBA 6 | CLBPT 6 | ELF PPT 6 | IELTS 4.5 |
| ELF Level 4 | CLBA 7 - must take level 4 & 5 | CLBPT 7 | ELF PPT 7 | IELTS 5.0 |
| ELF Level 5 | N/A | CLBPT 8 | ELF PPT 8 | IELTS 5.5 |
IELTS: A band score of 6.0 in all categories and 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 (CLBA) level 4 Graduates → ELF level 1
- LINC (CLBA) level 5 Graduates → ELF level 2
- LINC (CLBA) level 6 Graduates → ELF level 3
Teacher-assessed CLBA scores from LINC schools are not accepted.
Bridging pathways
Based on the English Language Foundations (ELF) equivalency policy, you may also be accepted if you have completed some level at either one of the SAIT pathway program partners or other post-secondary academic English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.
Call 403.210.4045 or email english.language@sait.ca for more information about English language bridging pathways.
Available intakes
Spring 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Closed
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Application deadline: March 29, 2024
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- International students: Open
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Application deadline: March 29, 2024
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Summer 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: June 2, 2024
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- International students: Open
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Application deadline: June 2, 2024
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Fall 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: n/a
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- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: n/a
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- International students: Open
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Application deadline: n/a
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Winter 2025
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: n/a
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- International students: Open
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Application deadline: n/a
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- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: n/a
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- International students: Open
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Application deadline: n/a
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Costs
2024/25 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.
Domestic students
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.
2023/24 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective until June 30, 2024.
Domestic students
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 ProgramApplication process
Canadian citizens and permanent residents must apply to the program through Apply Alberta.
International students, temporary residents (with a study permit, work permit or visitor visa), or those living in Canada but do not have permanent resident or refugee status must apply to the program via the virtual application system.
After we confirm we have received your application, schedule your English Language Foundations proficiency placement test (PPT) by calling 403.210.4045 or email english.language@sait.ca.
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 $150 for international applicants.
Apply nowReady to apply?
Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.
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.
Contact us
English Language Foundations
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Phone - 403.210.4045
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Email - english.language@sait.ca
International Student Advising
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Phone - 403.284.8852
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Email - international@sait.ca
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