MacEwan University

MacEwan University is a public university in Edmonton, Alberta, hosting a substantial international student population and offering a range of graduate and applied programmes with an accessible published GPA floor.

MacEwan University
MacEwan University

Institution size

Mid-sized

Min. CGPA floor

2.5

Tuition / yr

C$17k–C$21k

Type

Public university

Key Facts

CategoryDetail
LocationEdmonton, Alberta, Canada
TypePublic university
Institution sizeMid-sized
RankingsNot typically featured in QS/THE global rankings; recognised nationally in Canada as a strong primarily undergraduate-focused institution.
Notable featureHosts approximately 750 international students from over 50 countries
Official websitemacewan.ca

Admission Requirements for Low CGPA and Backlog Applicants

  • Published minimum GPA: 2.5
  • Specific admission requirements vary by programme
  • Assessed alongside the applicant’s full academic file

Tuition and Fees

ItemApproximate Range
Graduate tuition (international)C$17k–C$21k per year
Living costs (Edmonton)Below Toronto and Vancouver

Figures are indicative and reviewed annually by the institution. Confirm current rates directly with the university before budgeting.

Programmes Offered

  • Business Administration
  • Nursing
  • Public Relations
  • Social Work
  • Fine Arts and Communications
  • Music
  • Health Sciences
  • Human Services

This list covers the primary subject areas available; it is not the full course catalogue. Confirm the complete, current list of programmes directly on the university’s official course finder.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Diploma / Certificate: Offered
  • Undergraduate (Bachelor’s): Offered
  • Postgraduate (Master’s / MSc / MA): Offered
  • Doctorate (PhD): Not offered at this institution
  • Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Not offered at this institution
  • Short Courses: Offered

Availability of Short Courses and Post-Doctoral Fellowship positions can vary by department and is not always centrally advertised; confirm current openings directly with the relevant faculty.

Scholarships and Funding

  • Entrance scholarships available for qualifying international students, assessed at time of admission
  • Confirm current award amounts and eligibility with MacEwan’s international office

Application Process

  1. Confirm the specific CGPA, GPA, or classification requirement for the target programme directly with the admissions office
  2. Complete required English proficiency testing (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) if applicable
  3. Prepare transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters or references, and a resume or CV
  4. Submit the application through the university’s official admissions portal and pay the application fee
  5. Await the admission decision and, once accepted, pay any required deposit
  6. Apply for the relevant student visa or study permit using the offer letter and financial documentation

Admission Outlook

MacEwan’s small class sizes and accessible GPA floor make it a genuine mid-tier option for students prioritising individual faculty attention over a large-university environment.

Campus Life

Edmonton provides a lower cost of living than Canada’s largest metro areas, alongside Alberta’s provincial immigration pathways for international graduates.

International students generally have access to a dedicated international student office, orientation programming, and student clubs and societies. Housing options typically include on-campus or university-affiliated accommodation alongside private rental options; applicants should apply for housing as early as possible after accepting an offer, since availability varies by intake and city.

Other Essential Information

CategoryDetail
Typical intakesSeptember (Fall) is the primary intake; many universities also offer January (Winter) and May (Summer) intakes with varying programme availability.
English language requirementIELTS overall band 6.5 (no component below 6.0) is typical for graduate admission.
Student visa typeStudy Permit
Post-study work optionsThe Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows work authorisation matching the length of the completed programme, up to 3 years, for eligible degrees.

Official Resources

Compare MacEwan University against other accessible universities on our Find a Course page, or contact us for help confirming eligibility.