Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) – MacEwan University
SpaceCat Fit Notes
- CASPer: Not mentioned on the requirements page. Not confirmed required or not required. details
- GPA window & upgrading strategy: Post-secondary applicants (24+ credits) need minimum 2.0 AGPA on 4.0 scale, but competitive range is 3.4-3.8 for 2026/27. Evaluated under “Previous Post-Secondary Work” category. Must also present Alberta Grade 12 equivalents (English 30-1, Bio 30, Chem 30 or Science 30, Math 30-1/30-2/31). Program structure changed effective Fall 2025. details
- Experiential / written advantage: None – grades-based competitive admission. details
- Out-of-province: No Alberta residency restriction found. details
- Overall assessment: Reach – THE KEY QUESTION: MacEwan classifies applicants with 24+ university credits as “Previous Post-Secondary” with a minimum 2.0 AGPA. However, the competitive AGPA for 2026/27 is 3.4-3.8, which is high. Unlike Mount Royal, MacEwan does not specify using only the “most recent” courses – the AGPA calculation method is not detailed on the page (may be cumulative or on a subset). Without a clearly resettable GPA window, SpaceCat’s weak Dalhousie GPA could drag down her AGPA even after upgrading. The competitive range of 3.4-3.8 is significantly higher than the 2.0 minimum. No CASPer confirmed, so SpaceCat’s strongest non-academic asset may not help. The lack of detail about GPA calculation method and the high competitive average make this a reach. Must confirm AGPA calculation method with admissions.
Quick Facts
- Institution: MacEwan University
- Program name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
- Degree granted: BScN
- City, Province: Edmonton, Alberta
- Program type: Standard (4-year; program structure changed Fall 2025)
- Duration: 4 years
- Delivery format: In-person
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time only
- Language of instruction: English
- Start date(s): Fall (September)
- Intake frequency: Annual
- Application deadline(s): See MacEwan Dates & Deadlines page
- Application system: ApplyAlberta
- Program URL: https://www.macewan.ca/academics/programs/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing/
- Accredited: Yes – CASN accredited
Admission Requirements
GPA
- Minimum GPA: 2.0 AGPA on 4.0 scale (post-secondary with 24+ credits); 65% overall (high school)
- Competitive GPA (if known): Post-secondary: 3.4-3.8 (2026/27). High school: high 80s to mid 90s.
- GPA calculated on: Post-secondary: “Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA)” – calculation method not detailed on the requirements page. High school: specified Grade 12 courses.
- Number of credits in GPA window: Not specified. May be cumulative, may be on a recent subset.
- GPA scale used: 4.0
- Do post-degree upgrading courses count? Not stated
- “Entire record” caveat? Not stated
Prerequisites
All applicants must present (Alberta equivalents):
| Course | Subject Area | Required / Recommended | Min Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELA 30-1 | English | Required | Not specified per course | From Regular or Mature category |
| Biology 30 | Biology | Required | Not specified per course | |
| Chemistry 30 or Science 30 | Chemistry/Science | Required | Not specified per course | |
| Mathematics 30-1/30-2/31 | Mathematics | Required | Not specified per course | One Group A-D course |
For Ontario applicants: Grade 12 U English, Biology, Chemistry, Math would be equivalents.
CASPer
Not confirmed. CASPer/Acuity Insights is not mentioned on the requirements page. This differs from Mount Royal (which requires it). Should be confirmed directly.
Supplementary Requirements
- Interview: Not required
- Personal statement: Not required
How Applications Are Evaluated
- Admission model: Competitive, GPA-ranked. “Assessment occurs at specified intervals until all available seats are filled.”
- Published formula: None
- Admission categories: Regular (HS), Mature (20+, out of HS 1+ year), Previous Post-Secondary (24+ credits)
Mature Student Pathway
Must be 20+ years old and “out of full-time high school at least one year.” Same course requirements as regular admission. Can substitute another Group C course for Mathematics. Minimum 65% average.
For SpaceCat: The mature pathway uses Grade 12 marks, but SpaceCat has 24+ university credits, so she would be classified as Previous Post-Secondary instead.
The Key Question: BA Holder with Strong HS Marks
SpaceCat would be classified as “Previous Post-Secondary” (24+ credits, minimum 2.0 AGPA). Her HS marks would NOT be the primary ranking factor – the AGPA from her post-secondary record is used. Without clarity on whether AGPA is cumulative or based on recent courses, and with a competitive range of 3.4-3.8, this is challenging for someone with a weak university GPA.
Out-of-Province Considerations
- Residency restrictions or quotas: None found. Alberta public universities generally accept applicants from all provinces.
- Out-of-province tuition differential: Not specified. Alberta universities generally charge the same domestic tuition.
No residency restrictions found on the admissions page. Source
Cost
- Tuition (total program, approximate): Not published on requirements page. Estimated ~$24,000-$28,000 domestic over 4 years.
Competitiveness
- Cohort size: Not published
- Competitive AGPA: 3.4-3.8 for post-secondary applicants (2026/27)
Licensing & Career Path
- Licensing exam: NCLEX-RN
- Graduates eligible to practice in all provinces? Yes
Information Not Found
- How exactly AGPA is calculated (cumulative? last X credits? specific courses?)
- Whether CASPer is required
- Exact cohort size
- Out-of-province tuition
- Whether post-degree upgrading courses change the AGPA
- Application deadlines for 2026/27
Contact: MacEwan University Office of the Registrar; Faculty of Nursing
Sources
- Official requirements page: MacEwan BScN Requirements
- Academic calendar: MacEwan BScN Calendar
- Dates & Deadlines: MacEwan BScN Dates