Edmonton, Canada
MacEwan University: English test requirements
One set of undergraduate scores applies to most programmes for Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 entry. Nursing programmes and the Speech Language Pathologist Assistant diploma publish their own higher section scores on their programme pages.
Checked on 2 Nov 2026 against the university's own pages. Universities change their requirements, and some courses ask for more. Always confirm on the university's page before you book a test or apply.
IELTS
UG from 6.5
TOEFL iBT
UG from 4.5 / 86
PTE Academic
UG from 59
Duolingo English Test
UG from 115
Undergraduate
Applies to everyone whose primary language is not English, whatever their citizenship. Test scores more than two years old are not accepted. Many non-test routes exist (Alberta English 30-1 at 75%, IB, AP, British-patterned English grades, university English courses, MacEwan or University of Alberta EAL courses, three years of full-time education in English, or a degree taught in English). A fully bilingual applicant may petition the Registrar for an exemption. TOEFL code 0720. English as an Additional Language, Foundation Program pimâcihisowin and Academic Upgrading also have their own criteria, not recorded here.
| Course group | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate programmes (2026/27 criteria)Source for this group | 6.5Listening 5.5, Reading 5.5, Speaking 5.5, Writing 5.5 | 4.5 (tests taken as of 21 Jan 2026) / 86 (tests taken before 21 Jan 2026)new scale: 4.5 in each section. Older tests: 21 in each section | 59Listening 56, Reading 56, Speaking 56, Writing 56 | 115no subscore minimum listed |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursinge.g. Bachelor of Science in NursingSource for this group | 6.5Reading 5.5, Writing 5.5, Listening 6.0, Speaking 7.0 | 4.5 (tests taken as of 21 Jan 2026) / 86 (tests taken before 21 Jan 2026)new scale: Listening 5, Reading 4.5, Speaking 5, Writing 4.5. Older tests: Listening 23, Reading 21, Speaking 26, Writing 21 | 59Reading 56, Writing 56, Listening 58, Speaking 71 | Not on the listNot in this programme's list of tests. |
| Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursinge.g. Bachelor of Psychiatric NursingSource for this group | 6.5Reading 6.5, Writing 6.5, Listening 7.0, Speaking 7.0 | 4.5 (tests taken as of 21 Jan 2026) / 86 (tests taken before 21 Jan 2026)new scale: Listening 5, Reading 4.5, Speaking 5, Writing 4.5. Older tests: Listening 23, Reading 21, Speaking 26, Writing 21 | no overall figure statedReading 66, Listening 73, Writing 68, Speaking 75The page gives section scores only, worded as a minimum overall score in each section. | Not on the listNot in this programme's list of tests. |
| Bridge to Canadian Nursinge.g. Bridge to Canadian NursingSource for this group | 6.5Reading 5.5, Writing 5.5, Listening 6.0, Speaking 7.0 | 4.5 (tests taken as of 21 Jan 2026) / 86 (tests taken before 21 Jan 2026)new scale: Listening 5, Reading 4.5, Speaking 5, Writing 4.5. Older tests: Listening 23, Reading 21, Speaking 26, Writing 21 | 59Reading 56, Writing 56, Listening 58, Speaking 71 | Not on the listNot in this programme's list of tests. |
| Speech Language Pathologist Assistante.g. Speech Language Pathologist AssistantSource for this group | 6.55.5 in each bandA separate spoken English requirement also applies: IELTS Speaking 7.0. | 4.5 (tests taken as of 21 Jan 2026) / 86 (tests taken before 21 Jan 2026)new scale: Listening 4.5, Reading 4.5, Speaking 5, Writing 4.5. Older tests: Listening 21, Reading 21, Speaking 26, Writing 21Spoken English requirement: TOEFL Speaking 26. | 5956 in each bandSpoken English requirement: PTE Speaking 71. | 115no subscore minimum listedDuolingo is not listed among the tests for the separate spoken English requirement. |
Undergraduate programmes (2026/27 criteria), other tests: Cambridge English: Advanced/Proficiency 180; CAEL 70
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, other tests: Cambridge English: Advanced/Proficiency 180; CAEL 70
Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing, other tests: Cambridge English: Advanced/Proficiency 180; CAEL 70
Bridge to Canadian Nursing, other tests: Cambridge English: Advanced/Proficiency 180; CAEL 70; CELBAN no overall figure stated
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant, other tests: Cambridge English: Advanced/Proficiency 180; CAEL 70
“MacEwan University reserves the right to use discretion to determine an applicant’s language proficiency.”
English Language Proficiency requirements (undergraduate)
Other tests the university lists
- EIKEN Grade 1 (general undergraduate)
- CELBAN (Bridge to Canadian Nursing)
The page says these are not accepted
- Test scores more than two years old
- Petitions or waivers for the Speech Language Pathologist Assistant spoken English requirement
“Not on the list” means the test does not appear on the university page we checked. It does not mean the test is refused: the course page or the admissions office may still accept it, so ask them.
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