- Level
- ESL / English Pathway Program
- CIP code
- 32.0101
- Duration
- 4-12 month high school equivalency diploma
- 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 high school equivalency and upgrading programme, covering the Grade 12 level subjects required for university entry alongside academic skills and study preparation.
University Preparation is upgrading rather than a qualification, and at CAD 22,770 it is charged at essentially the full degree rate while producing no credential of its own at the end. Compare that directly against the International Foundation Program at CAD 12,996, which costs little more than half as much.
University Preparation is taught at MacEwan University in downtown Edmonton, Alberta. Understand what University Preparation is before applying: it is a high school equivalency and upgrading 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 University Preparation 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 University Preparation.
Admission to University Preparation requires Grade 12 or Class 12 at 50 percent. The English requirement is IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.0, and tuition for University Preparation is recorded at CAD 22,770 a year with a CAD 110 application fee. No scholarship is recorded against University Preparation. University Preparation lists seven entry windows a cycle, the most flexible pattern at this university. Apply Study Visa manages the University Preparation 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 6.0 overall with no band below 5.0; TOEFL iBT 69 with no minimum section; or the Duolingo English Test at 95. 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: University Preparation does NOT support a Post-Graduation Work Permit, because it is a high school equivalency and upgrading programme rather than a credential and no study on University Preparation counts toward work permit eligibility. Treat University Preparation 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
- Improved Subject Prerequisites: for science and business routes
- Grade 12 Equivalency: where your results fall short
- Academic Study Skills: before a full degree load
- Canadian Classroom Experience: in a smaller setting
- Alternative Degree Entry: where direct entry was not met
Reality check: upgrading adds a year of tuition and living costs at full international rates without producing a credential, so compare it against improving your marks at home first.
About MacEwan University
- Type
- University
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.6
- World rank
- #708
- Established
- 1971
- Reference No.
- O19092022262
