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 International English Language 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.
Program highlights include:
- Five-levels. Each level has two courses; one in reading and writing (COMN) and the other in listening and speaking (SPCH)
- Six start dates per year (eight-week terms)
- Full and part-time options; 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.
Is this the right fit for me?
Progress in the ELF program depends on your demonstration of English proficiency. Instructors regularly assess your progress through classroom assignments, participation and examinations. If you achieve a rating of 50% (D) in all subjects, you can be recommended for promotion to the next level.
ELF is a fast track program. You should be prepared to dedicate considerable time to study and actively use English outside of class. SAIT career programs require academically appropriate English skills in all areas, including 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
Program 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 at least one week before the course start date.
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).
Entrance CLBA tests for international students are free. Domestic students can get a free CLBA or CLBPT at CLARC (Calgary Language Assessment and Referral Centre) if eligible.
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
Based on the English Language Foundations (ELF) equivalency policy, if you have successfully completed some level at either one of the SAIT pathway program partners or other post-secondary academics English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, you may also be accepted.
Call 403.210.4045 or email english.language@sait.ca for more information about English language bridging pathways.
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.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Entry process
Step 1: Read the program information.
Step 2: Apply to English Language Foundations and 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: After you apply and receive communication regarding your application from Admissions, schedule an ELF PPT by calling 403.210.4045 or email english.language@sait.ca.
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.
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.
No application is required.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Winter 2024 | Jan. 8, 2024 | Dec. 13, 2024 |
| Winter 2024 | March 4, 2024 | Feb. 28, 2025 |
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 in the afternoon
Part-time program:
- One course per level for eight weeks
- 10 hours per week in class, plus 7 to 10 hours of homework
- Courses are available in the morning or in the afternoon
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, CLPBT or ELF PPT may begin at any point between levels 1 and 4, depending on their score.
Depending on their band score, students entering with IELTS Academic Test may begin at any point between levels 1 and 5.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
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** | $16.23/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
You'll need to register for your classes ahead of each semester.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn how to register for your classes and find important registration deadlines.
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
Rosanna Quintieri, Academic Chair
Email: rosanna.quintieri@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.
Your journey starts here
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