Traits, skills and aptitudes
To succeed in the English Language Foundations program, you need some key qualities and abilities, including:
- motivation and a strong desire to improve your academic skills and achieve your educational goals
- time management skills to balance coursework and other responsibilities
- self-discipline so you can stay focused while studying and completing assignments
- computer literacy
- study skills, how to take notes and prepare for exams.
Accepts international applicants - not-PGWP eligible
This program is open to international applicants; however, program availability may be limited. This program does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program.
Admission requirements
To register for the English Language Foundations program, you must complete one of the following:
CLBA or IELTS tests must be completed at least one week before the course starts.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
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).
Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA)
Entrance CLBA tests for international students are free. If eligible, domestic students can get a free CLBA or CLBPT at CLARC (Calgary Language Assessment and Referral Centre).
English Language Foundations proficiency placement test (ELF PPT)
Your ELF placement will be based on your CLBA, CLBPT, ELF PPT or academic IELTS score.
ELF level 1:
- Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 4
- Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 4
- English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 4
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 3.5
ELF level 2:
- Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 5
- Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 5
- English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 5
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 4.0
ELF level 3:
- Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 6
- Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 6
- English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 6
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 4.5
ELF level 4:
- Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 7 (must take levels 4 and 5)
- Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 7
- English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 7
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.0
ELF level 5:
- Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 8
- English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 8
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 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
Teacher-assessed CLBA scores from LINC schools are not accepted.
Bridging pathways
Based on the English Language Foundations (ELF) equivalency policy, you may also be accepted if you have completed some level at either one of the SAIT pathway program partners or other post-secondary academic English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.
Call 403.210.4045 or email english.language@sait.ca for more information about English language bridging pathways.
Application process
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.
International students, temporary residents (with a study permit, work permit or visitor visa), or those living in Canada but do not have permanent resident or refugee status must apply to the program via the virtual application system.
After we confirm we have received your application, schedule your English Language Foundations proficiency placement test (PPT) by calling 403.210.4045 or email english.language@sait.ca.
Program outline
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 the afternoon
Part-time program:
- One course per level for eight weeks
- 10 hours per week in class, plus seven to ten hours of homework
- Courses are available in the morning or the afternoon
Progression
Level 1 (communications and speech) leads to level 2, which leads to levels 3, 4 and 5. However, if you’re entering the program with a CLBA, CLPBT or ELF PPT, you may begin between levels 1 and 4, depending on your score.
Depending on your band score, entering the IELTS academic test may begin at any point between levels 1 and 5.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Books and supplies
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
No textbooks are required for this program.
English Language Foundations program advising
For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please get in touch with Academic Services.
Phone: 403.210.4045
Email: english.language@sait.ca
Return to: