English Language Foundations and Business Administration Plus
Credential: Diploma
Length: 2 years
International Students: Accepted

Available Intakes
Delivery options
On-Campus Day* - Your course activity is done in-person Monday - Friday, before 6 PM.
On-Campus Evening/Weekend - Your course activity is done in person on weekdays from 6 PM or later, or Saturdays and Sundays.
Online Day* - Your course activity is done online Monday - Friday, before 6 PM.
Online Evening/Weekend - Your course activity is done online on weekdays from 6 PM or later, or Saturdays and Sundays.
Online Flexible Delivery - Your course activity is not scheduled and therefore you can determine when to do the coursework.
Blended Delivery - Both On-Campus and Online - Some of your coursework will be in-person, on-campus and some will be done online.
* There may be circumstances that require some day delivery of classes to be scheduled into the evenings.
Please note due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these delivery options may shift from term to term. Please consult your program for details on delivery options.
Program length
Estimated program length is based on the recommended course load per semester as outlined in the Courses tab.
Actual program length will vary based on the number of courses registered in and successfully completed per semester.
Learn more about program length on SAIT Credentials and the Academic Calendar.
International Students
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option).
International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
International Students
This program is available to international students, however, program availability may be limited. This program does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program.
Program menu
Overview
English Language Foundations and Business Administration Plus is a new admission option that allows international applicants who meet the academic requirements of the Business Administration diploma but do not meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements.
Qualified applicants will complete the ELF portion of their studies and upon completion of the appropriate ELF level 5 will transition to the Business Administration program.
Please note that depending on the ELF level new students are starting at, it may take them longer to successfully meet the required ELF level.
How do I gain admission?
Applicants must meet the published program admission requirements for the Business Administration Diploma program at the time of application. Applicants must present IELTS scores of at least 4.5
Successful applicants will be offered to the Business Administration program for Fall 2022 with the condition that they achieve an ELF level 5.
Career opportunities
Career potential for graduates of this program varies by major. Potential positions include:
- Accounting: accountant, accounting clerk, bookkeeper, business analyst, payroll clerk, royalty analyst, tax accountant
- Financial Services: fraud investigator, financial planner, financial services representative, insurance claims representative, mortgage assistant, personal banking specialist
- Human Resource Management: benefits advisor, HR coordinator, payroll coordinator, recruiter
- Management: account manager, conference director, management trainee, operations manager, project coordinator, purchasing specialist, store manager
- Marketing: advertising coordinator, business analyst, business development advisor, marketing and communications specialist, marketing coordinator, online advertising sales representative
- Supply Chain Management: buyer, commodity manager, inventory analyst, logistics coordinator, supply chain analyst, procurement specialist
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
International total 2023/24
- English Language Foundations: $16,305.10
- Business Administration year 1: $20,506.30
- Business Administration year 2: $20,506.30
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When do classes start?
Classes begin | Year start date |
---|---|
Fall 2022 | Aug. 29, 2022 |
Fall 2022 | Oct. 24, 2022 |
Admission requirements
Program requirements
- Applicants must meet the published program admission requirements for the Business Administration diploma program at the time of application. Applicants must present IELTS scores of at least 4.5
- Successful applicants will be offered to the Business Administration program with the condition that they achieve an ELF level 5.
Get your documents assessed for admission
Applicants who were educated outside of Canada require an international document assessment.
Please submit your original English tests results and secondary school/ or post-secondary documents with certified English translations. Scan your original documents in colour.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to "Intl English + Diploma" and submit your transcripts and or final anticipated grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor changes to your application status through mySAIT.ca
If the student has an IELTS 5 or equivalent score, they will be offered a seat in the May intake for ELF:
- Start Date: May 9, 2022
If the student has and IELTS 5.5 or equivalent score, they will be offered a seat in the July intake for ELF:
- Start Date: July 4, 2022
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add business@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Courses
Program outline
Qualified applicants will complete the English Language Foundations portion of their studies and upon completion of the appropriate ELF level 5 will transition to Business Administration program term.
Please note that depending on the ELF level new students are starting at, it may take them longer to successfully meet the required ELF level.
Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
---|---|---|
COMN-151 | Communications 1 | 3.0 |
COMN-152 | Communications 2 | 3.0 |
COMN-153 | Communications 3 | 3.0 |
COMN-154 | Communications 4 | 3.0 |
COMN-155 | Communications 5 | 3.0 |
SPCH-151 | Speech 1 | 3.0 |
SPCH-152 | Speech 2 | 3.0 |
SPCH-153 | Speech 3 | 3.0 |
SPCH-154 | Speech 4 | 3.0 |
SPCH-155 | Speech 5 | 3.0 |
Total Credits | 30.0 |
Progression
Level 1 (communications and speech) leads to level 2, which in turn leads to level 3, 4 and 5. However, students entering the program with a CLBA may begin at any point between levels 1-4 depending on their score. Students entering with IELTS, depending on their band score, may begin at any point between levels 1-5.
Costs 2022/23
International tuition and fees
English Language Foundations
Cost per credit: $491.17
Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | $14,735.10 | $916 | $291 | $16,204.10 |
Business Administration
Cost per credit: $606.93
Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | $18,207.90 | $916 | $553 | $19,676.90 |
2 | 2 | $18,207.90 | $916 | $553 | $19,676.90 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students are eligible for health and dental benefits once they begin the Business Administration program.
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 to $1,500 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
This program is only open to international applicants.
English Language Foundations
Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | $14,735.10 | $948 | $622 | $16,305.10 |
Business Administration
Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | $18,936.30 | $948 | $622 | $20,506.30 |
2 | 2 | $18,936.30 | $948 | $622 | $20,506.30 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the international fee table.
What your SAIT fees pay for
Student support fee: supports student services and resources to help you succeed throughout your academic career, including services such as Career Advancement Services, and Student Development and Counselling.
Student technology fee: supports improvements to cybersecurity to protect student and institutional information, access to learning material outside the classroom, and technology to enhance the student experience.
Campus recreation fee: supports the provision of recreation and fitness facilities, movement classes, wellness programs, student events, intermural activities, varsity sports programs, and a variety of student engagement initiatives offered throughout the academic year. Exemptions to recreation fees are made in some circumstances.
Upass: provides you with unlimited access to Calgary Transit. Ineligible students are not required to pay this fee. Learn more about eligibility requirements.
Lab and materials fees: ensures SAIT labs and living classrooms have the required equipment and materials to support the necessary training for students.
Laundry fee: covers the cost of laundering the required uniforms. Applicable only to certain programs and apprenticeships.
Saitsa fees: supports the student-led, non-profit organization representing students. Fees support the operation of a variety of student services, activities, and programming.
Health and dental fees: provides access to thousands of dollars in coverage for prescription medication, dental treatments, paramedical services, and multiple other benefits. Domestic students with existing health and dental coverage may opt out. Find more details at saitsa.com/benefits.
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 of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
SAIT fees | ||
Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
UPass* | N/A | $160 |
Total | $157 | $474 |
Saitsa fees | ||
Student association fee** | $16.22/credit | $146 |
Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students 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/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 to $1,500 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Have questions about this program?
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