Feb 13, 2025

PUBLISHED 2025-2026 Credit Catalog

English Language Foundations

Location(s): In Person (Main Campus)

We designed the English Language Foundations (ELF) program for learners whose first language isn't English. Our aim? To help you improve your English skills. Many students choose ELF as a way into SAIT career programs.

Admission

We'll place you in the program based on your current English skills. We use tests like the Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA), Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to assess your abilities.

Language foundations curriculum

We're here to give you a strong language foundation. We work on speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. There are seven levels, each with two courses - one for reading and writing, the other for listening and speaking.

Flexible class times

Five start dates a year, eight-week terms, full-time or part-time options.

Skill development

Your learning experience will be customized to your abilities, so you'll progress based on your skills. We'll assess you through classroom assignments, participation, and exams. If you get at least a 50% (D) in all subjects, you can move up to the next level.

Completing ELF Level 5 courses meets the English proficiency pre-requisite for admission into most SAIT academic programs, saving you time and effort.

Remember, SAIT career programs require strong English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. ELF is a fast-paced program, so be ready to study and use English outside of class.

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.

Accreditations, designations or certifications

The ELF program is accredited through Languages Canada.

Program length

CLB levels 2 through 3 specialization: 16 weeks

CLB levels 4 through 8 specialization: 40 weeks

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.

Not eligible for CAJG

This program is not eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant.

Admission requirements

To register for the English Language Foundations program, you must complete one of the following:

A Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA), Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT), Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) or an ELF Proficiency Placement Test (PPT) and obtain a minimum score as indicated below, for the level to which you are applying.
An International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assessment and obtain a minimum band score, as indicated below, for the level to which you are applying.

CLBA, CLBPT, CLBPA, or IELTS tests must be completed at least four weeks before the course starts.

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).

A band score of 6.0 in all categories or completion of ELF level 5 meets the English language requirements to enter SAIT programs.

Canadian Language Benchmark Assessments

An entrance ELF Proficiency Placement Test (ELF PPT) for international students is available. If eligible, domestic students can get a CLBA, CLBPT, or CLBPA at CLARC (Calgary Language Assessment and Referral Centre).

English Language Foundations proficiency placement tests

Your ELF placement will be based on your CLBA, CLBPT, CLBPA, ELF PPT or academic IELTS score.

ELF Communication Foundations

Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 2
Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 2
Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) score of 2
English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 2
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 2

ELF Communication Fundamentals

Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 3
Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 3
Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) score of 3
English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 3
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 3

ELF Speech Foundations

Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 2
Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 2
Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) score of 2
English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 2
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 2

ELF Speech Fundamentals

Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 3
Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 3
Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) score of 3
English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 3
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 3

ELF level 1:

Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 4
Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 4
Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) 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
Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) 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
Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) 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
Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 7
Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) 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
Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) score of 8
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

The ELF program works with many Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programs. These programs are offered by many organizations and institutions.

If you are coming from the LINC program with a certificate of completion stating CLB Levels 2 to 7, you can be accepted into the ELF program as follows:

CLB 2: Communication Foundations and Speech Foundations
CLB 3: Communication Fundamentals and Speech Fundamentals
CLB 4: Communications and Speech Levels 1
CLB 5: Communications and Speech Levels 2
CLB 6: Communications and Speech Levels 3
CLB 7: Communications and Speech Levels 4

Teacher-assessed CLBA scores from LINC schools are not accepted.

Bridging pathways

You may also be accepted if you have completed some coursework with either one of the SAIT pathway program partners or other post-secondary academic English as an Additional Language (EAL) program.

Application process

After we confirm we have received your application, international applicants must schedule their English Language Foundations Proficiency Placement Test (PPT) by calling 403.210.4045 or emailing 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.

Required courses

Required courses - Specialization CLB Levels 2 - 3

COMN 122 - Communication Foundations 3 Credits
COMN 123 - Communication Fundamentals 3 Credits
SPCH 122 - Speech Foundations 3 Credits
SPCH 123 - Speech Fundamentals 3 Credits

Required courses - Specialization CLB Levels 4 - 8

Progression

Communication Foundations and Speech Foundations lead to Communication Fundamentals and Speech Fundamentals. Completion of Communication Fundamentals and Speech Fundamentals lead to Communications 1 and Speech 1 and the subsequent ELF levels 2, 3, 4 and 5.

CLB 2: Communication Foundations and Speech Foundations
CLB 3: Communication Fundamentals and Speech Fundamentals
CLB 4: Communications 1 and Speech 1
CLB 5: Communications 2 and Speech 2
CLB 6: Communications 3 and Speech 3
CLB 7: Communications 4 and Speech 4
CLB 8: Communications 5 and Speech 5

Depending on your score, when entering the program with a CLBA, CLBPT, CLBPA or ELF PPT, you may begin at any level in the program.

Depending on your band score on the IELTS academic test, you may begin at any point between Communication Foundations and Speech Foundations up to Communications 5 and Speech 5.

Learn more by reading AC.3.1.1 Grading and Progression - Credit Courses 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