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.

Institution size
Mid-sized
Min. CGPA floor
2.5
Tuition / yr
C$17k–C$21k
Type
Public university
Key Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Type | Public university |
| Institution size | Mid-sized |
| Rankings | Not typically featured in QS/THE global rankings; recognised nationally in Canada as a strong primarily undergraduate-focused institution. |
| Notable feature | Hosts approximately 750 international students from over 50 countries |
| Official website | macewan.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
| Item | Approximate 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
- Confirm the specific CGPA, GPA, or classification requirement for the target programme directly with the admissions office
- Complete required English proficiency testing (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) if applicable
- Prepare transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters or references, and a resume or CV
- Submit the application through the university’s official admissions portal and pay the application fee
- Await the admission decision and, once accepted, pay any required deposit
- 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
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical intakes | September (Fall) is the primary intake; many universities also offer January (Winter) and May (Summer) intakes with varying programme availability. |
| English language requirement | IELTS overall band 6.5 (no component below 6.0) is typical for graduate admission. |
| Student visa type | Study Permit |
| Post-study work options | The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows work authorisation matching the length of the completed programme, up to 3 years, for eligible degrees. |
Official Resources
- University homepage: macewan.ca
Compare MacEwan University against other accessible universities on our Find a Course page, or contact us for help confirming eligibility.