- Level
- ESL / English Pathway Program
- CIP code
- 32.0109
- Duration
- 4-12 month foundation program
- Open intakes
-
Off-shoreJan 2027, May 2027, Sep 2027
- Field
- Linguistics and Translation Studies
- Institution
- Public University
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
- Next deadline
- 2027-01-01
Program overview
A four to twelve month foundation programme combining academic English with university preparation coursework, designed to move international students into a MacEwan degree or diploma.
International Foundation Program is recorded at CAD 12,996, roughly half the cost of a degree year, and it accepts IELTS 5.5 where the degrees demand 6.5. It is the cheapest of the three entry routes here and the only one that combines English teaching with credit bearing university coursework.
International Foundation Program is taught at MacEwan University in downtown Edmonton, Alberta. Understand what International Foundation Program is before applying: it is a foundation programme, not a credential, and it does NOT lead to a Post-Graduation Work Permit under any circumstances. You can hold a study permit while taking International Foundation Program and progress into a degree or diploma afterwards, and it is that credential which would carry work permit rights. An Alberta attestation letter is still required with the study permit application for International Foundation Program.
Candidates for International Foundation Program present Grade 12 or Class 12 at 60 percent. The English requirement is IELTS 5.5 with no band below 4.5, and tuition for International Foundation Program is recorded at CAD 12,996 a year with a CAD 110 application fee. No scholarship is recorded against International Foundation Program. International Foundation Program lists seven entry windows a cycle, the most flexible pattern at this university. Apply Study Visa manages the International Foundation Program application, the deposit, the letter of acceptance and the Canadian study permit as one process.
What it costs per year · indicative
Living cost is an estimate; tuition is the institute's published international fee. We confirm exact, current figures before you pay anything.
Do you qualify?
These are the published minimums. Whether your profile fits — with your marks, gap and budget — is exactly what a free counsellor check confirms.
Admission requirements
Who can apply (guide for international students):
- Education: Grade 12 or Class 12 at the percentage stated for this programme.
- English (meet any one): IELTS Academic 5.5 overall with no band below 4.5; TOEFL iBT 70 with no minimum section; or the Duolingo English Test at 85. PTE Academic is NOT accepted.
- Application and deposit: An application fee of CAD 110 applies, the same on all 38 programmes. Confirm the tuition deposit and its refundability in writing before any money is transferred.
- Scholarship: No scholarship is recorded against this programme. Budget the full tuition.
- Work permit: International Foundation Program does NOT support a Post-Graduation Work Permit, because it is a foundation programme rather than a credential and no study on International Foundation Program counts toward work permit eligibility. Treat International Foundation Program as a route into a degree or diploma and check the work permit position of that instead. No spousal open work permit arises, because that needs a master programme of 16 months or longer and MacEwan awards none. An Alberta attestation letter is required with the study permit application.
- Study permit: Apply Study Visa handles the Alberta attestation letter, the study permit application and the biometrics appointment with you.
English requirements
Documents you'll need typical · we confirm yours
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets and certificates
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Financial proof — bank statement / loan sanction + GIC
- Passport-size photographs
- Study-gap affidavit or work-experience letter (if applicable)
Getting documents right is the #1 reason applications succeed or get refused — our team checks every file before submission.
Career opportunities
Typical destinations for graduates:
- Entry to a MacEwan Degree: the intended destination
- Entry to a MacEwan Diploma: the alternative route
- Improved Academic English: for degree level study
- Canadian Classroom Experience: before a full course load
- University Study Skills: research, writing and referencing
- Alternative Entry: where direct admission was not met
Reality check: this produces no credential and therefore no work permit, so its only value is as a bridge into the degree or diploma that follows it.
About MacEwan University
- Type
- University
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.6
- World rank
- #708
- Established
- 1971
- Reference No.
- O19092022262
