Available Intakes
Overview
The English Language Foundations (ELF) program provides English language upgrading for learners whose first language is not English.
Students are placed into the program based on demonstrated proficiency in English, using the Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. Most students use the ELF program as entry into SAIT career programs.
The ELF curriculum encourages development in all language areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
- Five-level program
- Six start dates per year (eight-week terms)
- Full and part-time studies; evening/weekend courses available
- Intensive, skills-focused approach
- Proficiency-based placement and advancement
- Completion of ELF 5 is accepted in lieu of English 30 for most programs at SAIT
ELF is a five-level program and each level has two courses: one in reading and writing (COMN), and the other in listening and speaking (SPCH).
Full-time day language instruction:
- Two courses per week for eight weeks
- 22 hours per week in class, Monday - Friday, plus 15-20 hours of homework
- Courses are available in the morning (8 am, 10 am) or afternoon (12 pm, 2 pm)
Part-time instruction:
Day:
- One course per week for eight weeks
- 11 hours per week in class, plus 7-10 hours of homework
- Morning or afternoon courses are available
Evening:
- One or two courses per week for 16 weeks
- Five hours and two evenings per week (2.5 hours each evening)
- Online registration available
International students
The International Centre provides assistance to international students interested in studying at SAIT. International students can take the English Language Foundations program in preparation for SAIT career programs.
Is this the right fit for me?
Progress in the ELF program depends on the student's demonstration of proficiency. Instructors regularly assess student progress through classroom assignments, participation and examinations. Students who achieve a rating of 50% (D) in all subjects can be recommended for promotion to the next level.
ELF is a fast-track program. Students should be prepared to dedicate considerable time to study and actively use English outside of class time. SAIT career programs require academic-appropriate English skills in all areas: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Get important updates about our programs
Prepare for SAIT programs
After successfully completing the ELF program, the majority of graduates are prepared for admission into SAIT career programs as completion of ELF level 5 is accepted as equivalent to English 30 for most programs at SAIT.
Students in ELF Levels 4 and 5 may combine ELF coursework with Academic Upgrading subjects in math or science.
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per semester:
Domestic total 2023/24
- 1 course: $904
- 2 courses: $1,652.32
- 3 courses: $2,725
- 5 courses: $4,123
International total 2023/24
- 1 course: $1,844.08
- 2 courses: $3,366.16
- 3 courses: $5,048.26
- 5 courses: $7,995.10
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.
Get to know us
Our English language program will help you build the confidence and skills to further your education and career.
Admission requirements
Admission dates
This program may not have an intake every semester. See available intakes above.
Classes for this program may not start on the day term begins. Please see the specific start and end dates below or log into mySAIT to view your schedule.
Applications are accepted until the start of classes but are subject to change.
| Intake semester | Semester begins | Applications open |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | March 30, 2022 |
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | June 13, 2022 |
| Summer 2023 | July 4, 2023 | Oct. 5, 2022 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | Oct. 5, 2022 |
| Winter 2024 | Jan. 8, 2024 | March 29, 2023 |
| Spring 2024 | May 6, 2024 | June 12, 2023 |
Admission requirements
To register for the English Language Foundations program, you must complete either a Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) 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 at least one week before the course start date.
English Proficiency Test - CLBA and IELTS (Academic test).
- For international students, your entrance CLBA in ELF is free.
- For domestic students, you can get a free CLBA at ILVARC (Immigrant Language and Vocational Assessment - Referral Centre) if you are eligible.
- Except for the above free CLBA, all students are charged a test fee, similar to challenge tests.
- CLBA at SAIT for full-test: $175 and partial test (R/W or L/S): $87.50 (test fee is subject to change.) To make an appointment for the CLBA, please call 403.210.4045 or email english.language@sait.ca.
- IELTS at SAIT:$309 (test fee is subject to change).
- To discuss IELTS, please email ielts@sait.ca. We accept IELTS band scores from any approved centres - however, you must submit an official copy of your IELTS test report form (TRF).
- It is recommended that the results from CLBA and IELTS are current within six months of applying to this program. Test results older than one year will not be accepted.
Benchmark 8 and completion of ELF level 5-----Meets English language requirements to enter SAIT career programs.* Students with a CLBA score of 3 in each category can take ENGL 102-English Language Readiness. *The SAIT Respiratory Therapy program requires Enhanced Language Training Placement Assessment (ELTPA) with a score of 9 in all sections. An IELTS band score of 6.0 in all categories or completion of ELF level 5 meets the English Language requirements to enter SAIT career programs. Students with an IELTS band score of 3 in each category can take ENGL 102. Please note:
|
Bridging pathways
Based on the English Language Foundations (ELF) equivalency policy, students who have successfully completed some level at either one of the SAIT pathway programs partners or other post-secondary academics English as a Second Language (ESL) programs may also be accepted. For more information, please contact the ELF office 403.210.4045 or english.language@sait.ca.
Are you interested in applying for the Business Administration program?
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.
Direct entry
International students: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information.
Step 2: Apply to English Language Foundations select a start date.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 3: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Step 4: Once you receive your SAIT student ID number, schedule a CLBA by calling 403.210.4045 or email english.language@sait.ca.
Please note: We recommend that you arrive in Calgary at least one week before classes start so you can complete the CLBA and receive your scores to register for courses.
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.
Domestic students
Canadian citizens (including those with dual citizenship), permanent residents, and those with refugee status in Canada can register for courses by emailing english.language@sait.ca directly without submitting an application.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2022 | July 4, 2022 | June 30, 2023 |
| Fall 2022 | Aug. 29, 2022 | Aug. 25, 2023 |
| Fall 2022 | Oct. 24, 2022 | Oct. 20, 2023 |
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | Dec. 15, 2023 |
| Winter 2023 | March 6, 2023 | March 1, 2024 |
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
| Summer 2023 | July 4, 2023 | June 28, 2024 |
| Fall 2023 | Aug. 28, 2023 | Aug. 23, 2024 |
| Fall 2023 | Oct. 23, 2023 | Oct. 25, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
View additional English Language Foundations program information including course-specific descriptions and requisites.
| 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 levels 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.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $228
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $6,840 | $916 | $553 | $8,047 |
Domestic cost per course
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 3.0 | $684 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $491.17
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $14,735.10 | $916 | $553 | $16,204.10 |
International cost per course
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 3.0 | $1,473.51 |
*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
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
- Universal transit pass (Upass)
The above fees are based on a course load of nine (9) or more credits per semester. Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for the UPass. Other fees will be adjusted based on reduced credit load.
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 with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for health and dental benefits.
Books and supplies*
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 course load per semester.*
Students taking three (3) or more courses in a semester are considered full-time and may qualify for the UPass and health and dental benefits.
Domestic cost per semester
| Number of courses | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $699 | $157 | $48.66 | $904.66 |
| 2 | $1,398 | $157 | $97.32 | $1,652.32 |
| 3 | $2,097 | $317 | $311 | $2,725 |
| 5 | $3,495 | $317 | $311 | $4,123 |
International cost per semester
| Number of courses | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,473.42 | $157 | $213.66 | $1,844.08 |
| 2 | $2,946.84 | $157 | $262.32 | $3,366.16 |
| 3 | $4,420.26 | $317 | $311 | $5,048.26 |
| 5 | $7,367.10 | $317 | $311 | $7,995.10 |
*To understand more about tuition and fees, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
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*
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 your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Program orientation for students beginning in Winter 2023 will take place on SAIT campus on Friday, Jan. 6. Look for ORNT 118 in your schedule in mySAIT for the time and exact location.*
You can also prepare by attending Big SAIT Welcome, online information sessions, international or Indigenous orientation, and completing the preparation courses below.
*If your orientation takes place on the first day of classes, you will not see a separate ORNT 118 in your schedule. Students registering in classes via open registration will need to enroll themselves in ORNT 118.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on March 1 through March 15 for Spring 2023.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
No textbooks are required for this program.
Contact
Phone: 403.210.4045
Email: english.language@sait.ca
Academic chair
Rekiyat Modeste, Academic Chair
Email: rekiyat.siyaka@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
