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.
Specialized intakes
International bundle program
International applicants may apply to this program as part of a program bundle - two programs delivered consecutively.
You will complete English Language Foundations first. Then, you will complete the Business Administration - Supply Chain Management major. This bundle is not available for other Business Administration majors at this time.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of both programs in the bundle. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
Upon completing both programs in a bundle, you may qualify for a post-graduate work permit.
Learn more about international bundle programs >
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:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
The IELTS Test Centre at SAIT provides proficiency testing.
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)
An entrance ELF Proficiency Placement Test (ELF PPT) for international students is free. Domestic students can get a free CLBA or CLBPT at CLARC (Calgary Language Assessment and Referral Centre) if eligible.
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 or 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 (CLB 4) Graduates - ELF level 1
- LINC (CLB 5) Graduates - ELF level 2
- LINC (CLB 6) Graduates - ELF level 3
Teacher-assessed CLBA scores from LINC schools are not accepted.
Bridging pathways
You may also be accepted if you have completed some coursework at either one of the SAIT pathway program partners or other post-secondary academic English as an Additional Language (EAL) programs.
Call 403.210.4045 or email english.language@sait.ca for more information about English language bridging pathways.
Application process
All applicants must undergo an English Language Foundations proficiency placement test.
Once you receive confirmation your application has been received, call 403.210.4045 or email english.language@sait.ca to schedule your test.
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 5, depending on your score.
Depending on your band score on the IELTS academic test, you 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 our advising team.
Phone: 403.210.4045
Email: english.language@sait.ca
