2024/2025 Applications are on hold
Funding applications for the 2024/25 year are on hold. We are currently not accepting applications. Applications may resume May 13, 2024 if funding permits.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for Foundational Learning Assistance funding, you must:
- plan to attend SAIT's English Language Foundations (ELF), Academic Upgrading, or Indigenous Pathways programs
- be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident or Protected Person (must have a valid work and study permit and a Notice of Decision)
- be an Alberta resident with an Alberta address
- be 18 years or older by the start of your studies
- have limited financial resources.
For complete eligibility requirements, visit the Foundational Learning Assistance page.
If you require a reduced course load due to a permanent disability or medical condition, contact Accessibility Services for assistance in starting the application process.
| Academic Upgrading | 3 courses per semester |
| English Language Foundations | 2 courses per intake |
| Indigenous Pathways program | 3 courses per semester |
| Academic Upgrading | 1 or 2 courses per semester |
| English Language Foundations | 1 course per intake |
A part-time student and their spouse/partner must not have combined net incomes (from line 23600 of their most recent tax return) that exceed the yearly income threshold levels.
| Household Unit Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | For each additional child, add $5,000 |
| Net Income (Line 23600) | $35,000 | $40,000 | $45,000 | $50,000 | $55,000 | $60,000 |
Before you apply
Before requesting a funding application, you'll need the following verified login and documentation.
The first step in applying online for Foundational Learning Assistance is to create an account through Alberta.ca. This account will need to be a verified account, not a basic account. To verify your account, you will require the following:
- a permanent address
- an Alberta driver’s license, or identification card.
A valid driver’s license or identification card is proof of residency in Alberta. Having a verified account ensures the personal information provided belongs to you.
Program Plans/Level Placement forms are required to apply for funding at SAIT. This helps us to determine the following:
- your academic goals
- the courses/levels you are required to take
- how many terms are required to reach your goals.
To request the required documentation contact the department below:
- Academic Upgrading – Program Plan - Upgrading@sait.ca
- English Language Foundations – Level Placement Form - English.Language@sait.ca
- Indigenous Pathways Program – program plan not required.
Application process
Begin your Foundational Learning Assistance application by following the below steps depending on the program you are requiring funding for.
Step 1: Request a level placement form from ELF
Email english.language@sait.ca to request a level placement form to indicate what level you will start at based on your proficiency scores.
ELF will provide you with the completed level placement form and a link to the Foundational Learning Assistance (FLA) eligibility assessment form.
Step 2: Complete the Foundational Learning Assistance eligibility assessment form
Complete the form to the best of your ability with your level placement form attached.
Once you submit the assessment, Financial Advising will receive the results and contact you within three business days.
Step 3: Apply to English Language Foundations
If you are eligible for Foundational Learning funding, you can apply to the ELF program via Apply Alberta and pay the $120.00 application fee.
Once you are accepted, you will need to pay a $500.00 tuition deposit to hold your seat. This will be put towards your first-term tuition if you start the program on the date you applied for and refunded if you are approved for funding. If you do not start the program, you forfeit the tuition deposit.
Step 4: Register for your courses
Once you have paid your tuition deposit, contact the English Language Foundations team at english.language@sait.ca to have them register you for your courses.
Then, notify Financial Advising to request a Foundational Learning Assistance application on your behalf.
Step 5: Complete FLA funding application
Once Financial Advising sends the funding request, you will receive an email from foundational.learning.assistance@gov.ab.ca within 72 hours inviting you to complete the funding application.
🚨 Please check all folders in your inbox for the Foundational Learning Assistance email, including your spam, junk mail and other inboxes.
To complete the application, you will require:
- Your application ID number – this is included at the top of the email with the application link from Foundational Learning Assistance.
- Your verified Alberta.ca account login information
- Your Social Insurance Number
- Your Alberta Student number (ASN) Look up or create your number.
- Your direct deposit information (transit #, bank #, and account #)
Once you submit your application, you will receive the decision via email in one to two weeks.
If you have questions about your funding application, contact Foundational Learning at 1.800.222.6485.
Step 1: Apply to Academic Upgrading
To start the process you will need to apply to the Academic Upgrading program. You can apply for Academic Upgrading via Apply Alberta and pay the $120.00 application fee.
Step 2: Request a program plan from Academic Upgrading
Email upgrading@sait.ca to request a program plan outlining what courses you will need to take and during what semester.
Step 3: Request and complete the Foundational Learning Assistance (FLA) eligibility assessment form
Complete the form to the best of your ability and attach your program plan.
Once you submit the assessment, Financial Advising will receive the results and contact you within three business days.
Step 4: Pay your tuition deposit to hold your seat
Once you are accepted, you will need to pay a $500.00 tuition deposit to hold your seat. This will be put towards your first-term tuition if you start the program on the date you applied for and refunded if you are approved for funding. If you do not start the program, you forfeit the tuition deposit.
Step 5: Register for your courses
Enroll in your courses according to your program plan through your MySAIT account.
Then, notify Financial Advising to request a Foundational Learning Assistance application on your behalf.
Step 6: Complete FLA funding application
Once Financial Advising sends the funding request, you will receive an email from foundational.learning.assistance@gov.ab.ca within 72 hours inviting you to complete the funding application.
🚨 Please check all folders in your inbox for the Foundational Learning Assistance email, including your spam, junk mail and other inboxes.
To complete the application, you will require:
- Your application ID number – this is included at the top of the email with the application link from Foundational Learning Assistance.
- Your verified Alberta.ca account login information
- Your Social Insurance Number
- Your Alberta Student number (ASN) Look up or create your number.
- Your direct deposit information (transit #, bank #, and account #)
Once you submit your application, you will receive the decision via email in one to two weeks.
If you have questions about your funding application, contact Foundational Learning at 1.800.222.6485.
Next steps
Financial Advising tracks all Foundational Learning funding approvals directly from the Foundational Learning program.
If you have been approved for Foundational Learning funding, Financial Advising will notify SAIT's Office of the Registrar to delay tuition deadlines until funds are received.
Approved education costs (tuition, mandatory fees, student association fees) will be sent to SAIT directly. All other costs will be deposited into the bank account you provided on your funding application. It may be a one-time or monthly deposit, depending on the approval.
Approved funding may include:
- standard educational costs, including tuition, mandatory fees, books, supplies
- additional educational expenses, up to $525 per academic year, such as computer hardware, software, or internet access
- other exceptional expenses up to $1500 per academic year, such as additional transportation costs, health, dental, and optical costs not covered by insurance or special dietary needs
- monthly childcare costs for dependent children under the age of 12, amount dependent on full-time or part-time funding and with or without receipts
- standard living costs for full-time funding only, provided monthly and determined by family size.