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 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 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
Program start and end dates*
Full and part-time language instruction:
- Jan. 10 - March 4, 2022
- March 7 - April 29, 2022
- May 9 - July 1, 2022
- July 4 - Aug. 26, 2022
Part-time (evening) language instruction:
- May 10 - Aug. 27, 2021
- SPCH course (Mon/Wed): May 10 - Aug. 25, 2021
- COMN course (Tues/Thurs): May 11 - Aug. 26, 2021
*Dates are subject to change
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 their 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
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $8,047
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $16,204.10
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits 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 can you apply?
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for spring 2022 opened on June 14, 2021.
- Applications for summer and fall 2022 open Oct. 6, 2021.
- Applications for winter 2023 open March 30, 2022.
| Classes begin | Year start date |
|---|---|
| Spring 2022 | May 9, 2022 |
| Summer 2022 | July 4, 2022 |
| Fall 2022 | Aug. 29, 2022 |
| Fall 2022 | Oct. 24, 2022 |
| Winter 2022 | Jan. 9, 2023 |
| Winter 2023 | March 6, 2023 |
Get to know us
Our English language program will help you build the confidence and skills to further your education and career.
Admission requirements
Application dates
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Spring 2022 intake: applications open June 14, 2021.
- Summer and fall 2022 intake: applications open Oct. 6, 2021.
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: four step process (International students)
Step 1: Read the program information.
Step 2: Apply to English Language Foundations through Apply Alberta 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: 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.
Domestic students
You can register for courses by emailing english.language@sait.ca directly without submitting an application.
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 2021/22
Domestic tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6,635 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $7,716 |
Domestic cost per course
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 3.0 | $648 |
International tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14,341 | $1,045.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $15,674 |
International cost per course
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 3.0 | $1,434.09 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside of this time frame.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $183.20
- Student support fee: $150
- Student technology fee: $150
- Universal transit pass (Upass)
Students taking less than nine credits per semester do not qualify for the Upass and will not be charged the Upass fee.
Health and dental fees
Domestic students
- Health plan: $122
- Dental plan: $130
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
International students
- Health and Dental plan: $252
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
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 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.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
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.
Next steps
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Spring & Summer 2022
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place during your first two days of class. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about our SAIT-wide orientation activities.
How to register for classes
You will be registered for courses by your program advisor.
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, two 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.
Part-time students may 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.
