ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL)

how to apply

2024/25

You must meet the following requirements to apply to the English as an Additional Language program.

Apply to the program

Domestic and International students will be required to meet the same requirements.

All applicants must meet an acceptable level of English language proficiency. This program requires proof of CLB scores of 5 in at least 2 categories (with no skill under 4), an overall IELTS score of 4.0 (with no skill below 3.5), or equivalent.

Once admitted, students may be required to write a placement test to determine their current academic standing and placement level in the program. Students will be placed in English class levels based on their submitted language proficiency.

International applicants must:

  • be eligible to apply for a study permit which is valid for 6 months or longer.

Questions

If you have any questions related to admissions, please contact us at 780-497-4000 or sceadmissions@macewan.ca

 

The Duolingo English Test (online test) has been added as an option to demonstrate fulfillment of the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement for all preparation programs. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are delivering online at-home versions of their English language assessment tests. The TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition Test and IELTS Indicator test will be accepted in the same way as the regular TOEFL and IELTS tests are today. The tests, which will be available until testing centres reopen, are not available in all countries. 

Canadian Language Benchmark Test (CLB-PT)

Scores of 5 in at least 2 categories (with no skill below a 4). This test is only available for permanent residents and Canadian citizens.

WEBSITE

Duolingo English Test

Minimum overall band score of 55.

WEBSITE

IELTS–Academic

Overall score of 4.0 (with no skill below a 3.5).

WEBSITE

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Minimum total score of 31.

WEBSITE


Other ELP testing options are accepted. Scores are assessed on a case by case basis.

The application deadline for programs at MacEwan University is based on when you want to start your studies (the intake term). Check admission dates and deadlines to learn the deadline to apply for fall, winter or spring/summer intake. If you apply after a deadline has passed, your application fee is not refunded.

You will need to attach proof of your English language proficiency such as:

  • Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores
  • Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) reports
  • IELTS results
  • TOEFL scores

A non-refundable application fee must be included with your application. The application fee must be paid each time an application for admission is submitted.

Apply to English as an Additional Language through the School of Continuing Education. 

Watch this step-by-step video on on how to apply to EAL.

Next steps

Username and password

After you apply, we will send your Network ID to the email account you listed on your application. This will be the username and password you use to log in to myPortal.MacEwan.ca. If you have not received your Network ID, you can email sceadmissions@macewan.ca.

Check your MacEwan Gmail account and student system regularly for updates on your admission status. Once your application has been evaluated, you will receive an admit or deny email with further instructions. You may also have outstanding items which will be listed on your to-do list in your student system.

myPortal.MacEwan.ca

myPortal.MacEwan.ca is the university student portal where you can find several applications and tools for your use, such as:

  • Your student email account. The university uses Gmail to communicate to students.
  • myStudentSystem: To review your student record.
  • Blackboard/mêskanâs: To access electronic materials for your classes.
  • Library access: To search for books, articles, and more.
  • TechSupport: For troubleshooting help.

Student email

You are automatically assigned a student Gmail account when you apply to the program. It is crucial that you check this account regularly. You must send all emails to MacEwan University faculty and staff from your MacEwan University student account. Access your email through myPortal.MacEwan.ca.

myStudentSystem

myStudentSystem is MacEwan's online student enrolment system. You can find myStudentSystem when you log in to myPortal.MacEwan.ca. Use myStudentSystem to check:

  • Your admission status.
  • Your tuition and fee amounts owing.
  • Your class schedule, including room numbers and course start and end dates.
  • Grades for courses completed at MacEwan University.

International students only:

Once you receive an offer of admission or conditional admission, you must confirm that you plan to attend MacEwan University.

  1. Use myStudentSystem to accept or decline your offer of admission. The earlier you accept, the sooner you can get ready for classes.
  2. Log in to myPortal.MacEwan.ca.
  3. Launch myStudentSystem.
  4. Click on the Admissions tile.
  5. The Accept/Decline button will be available beside your application if you have been offered admission or conditional admission.
  6. Review the details of your application, and click ACCEPT/DECLINE to indicate your response.
  7. Pay your admission confirmation deposit.

Once you have accepted your offer and paid your deposit, you are officially a student in your program. Visit MacEwan.ca/GettingStarted to find out what's next.

Outstanding items

The "To Do List" will indicate items that are outstanding in your application.

Note: Placement testing is temporarily suspended.

As placement testing is temporarily suspended, students will be placed in courses based on their submitted English proficiency scores.

You are responsible for checking and adhering to all posted dates/deadlines and university policies.

Academic Schedule

The Academic Schedule lists all important dates and deadlines for the coming academic year including when classes start, tuition deadlines, add/drop deadlines, withdrawal deadlines, and exam periods.

University Policies

You must check the University Policies that affect your program including the Academic Standing, Student Academic Integrity, Student Non-Academic Misconduct, Grading, and Repeating Credit Courses policies.

Academic Calendar

The authoritative source for official course descriptions and the rules and regulations that apply to MacEwan University students is the Academic Calendar.

Foundational Learning Assistance Program

Formerly known as Learner Income Support and Skills Investment Bursary program or Alberta Works, this program offers funding opportunities for students that qualify.

Please review the eligibility requirements for the Foundational Learning Assistance Program at the Government of Alberta website for part-time and full-time learning support options. Funding is limited and is not guaranteed.

Students must first be admitted and registered into classes in the English as an Additional Language program before they can apply for funding.

Government of Alberta // foundational learning assistance

Visit our frequently asked questions about the new Foundational Learning Assistance Program.

Tuition and fees

International applicants are required to pay an admission confirmation deposit.

You must pay your tuition and applicable fees by the deadline each term. If you are expecting funding through sponsorship, you are responsible for confirming that all tuition and fees have been paid.

For information on the refund policy visit: MacEwan.ca/Refunds.

Find out what you owe

Tuition and fee amounts owing are updated overnight. If you adjust your enrolment, make sure you check myStudentSystem the next day to verify the amount you owe.

Make a payment

There are several ways make a payment.

New Students

Once you have been admitted to the program, we will assess your course placement and our office will contact you to complete your registration for the upcoming term

Returning Students

If you are a returning student, you can self-enroll into classes using myStudentSystem.

Enrolment dates

You can begin using myStudentSystem to enrol in your classes on or after your enrolment date. It is a good idea to plan your schedule in advance by using the shopping cart feature. The shopping cart generally opens one week prior to the first enrolment date. Your shopping cart is a planning tool and does not hold your spot in a class or represent your final enrolment. You need to click on the "finish enrolling" button to add these courses to your official term schedule.

Using myStudentSystem to enrol

Check out the step by step instructions for using myStudentSystem for guidance on how to add or drop classes and confirm your final enrolment.


Some terms and information you need to know:

Prerequisite checking in myStudentSystem

When you enrol, myStudentSystem will check for post-secondary prerequisites. If you have the prerequisite but myStudentSystem is preventing you from enrolling, contact your program immediately.

You may be withdrawn from a course at any time if you start the course without the prerequisite or co-requisite. Credit for that course may be withheld. You may enrol in a course in the winter term and complete the prerequisite course in the fall term. However, if you withdraw or fail to successfully complete the prerequisite course, you must remove yourself from the winter term course immediately.

Withdrawing from courses

The deadlines listed in the Academic Schedule for adding, dropping and withdrawing from courses are strictly adhered to. Non-attendance in a course does not constitute a withdrawal from a course.

Manage your studies

The MacEwan Card photo ID

The MacEwan Card is the official student identification and library card. Get your card from the library before classes start.

Activate your U-Pass

The U-Pass is provided by the Students' Association of MacEwan University (SAMU). It gives you access to Edmonton, Strathcona County, St. Albert, Leduc, Fort Saskatchewan, Spruce Grove, and Beaumont transit services for every term you are registered in classes.

You can add the U-Pass to a new or existing ARC Card each term using myStudentSystem.

Learn more about the U-Pass and the Arc Card from SAMU.

Textbooks

We recommend that you wait until the middle of the first week of classes before buying your textbooks.

To find the correct text books, you must know the courses and sections you are enrolled in. You can see which sections you are enrolled in on myStudentSystem. You can purchase your books online or buy them at the bookstore on campus.

Your syllabus

A syllabus is distributed in the first class of each course. It is an official outline of what you can expect to learn in the course and what is expected of you. It will list deadlines for assignments and required readings. Refer to your syllabus throughout the term.

Lockers

Each MacEwan University student is entitled to rent one locker.

You register and pay for your locker online. Unregistered or unpaid lockers are subject to cuts and the contents may be discarded or donated.

MacEwan University is not responsible for items stored in lockers.

Register & pay for a locker

  1. Choose your locker and make note of the building and locker number. Any empty locker without a "Reserved" sticker is available.
  2. Place a lock on it. Do not leave your locker without a lock at any time. If you remove your lock, the locker is considered vacated and will become available for another student.
  3. Register and pay for your locker online on the day that you begin using it. Only credit cards are accepted for payment. Locker fees are charged per term and are non-refundable.

Get involved

SAMU has information on clubs, activities, events and other ways to get involved on campus.

MacEwan University has many resources to help you succeed in your academic career. Don't wait until you are having problems to take advantage of these resources. Find a complete list on the Advising & Support page.

advising & support

Assignments

Talking to your instructors often about assignments or course content is a smart way to succeed in your courses. Your instructor is an expert on the content and will be marking your assignments. Don’t be shy! Your instructors’ office hours are listed on your course syllabus.

Final exams

Exam schedules are listed in each course syllabus. You should consult your instructors as well as the exam schedule prior to the exam period. It is your responsibility to know when and where your final examinations are scheduled and to arrive on time.

Final exam deferrals

Requests for deferred final exams are considered only when you miss final examinations due to acceptable extenuating circumstances such as illness accompanied by a signed note from a doctor, death in the family, serious family crisis, accident, etc. You must request a deferred exam no later than 2 business days after the missed examination. Permission to defer a final exam is not automatically granted by submitting a request. Talk to your instructor for permission. For any further questions, see a program advisor.

If you need to request a deferral for a midterm exam or assignment, talk to your instructor.