BRIDGE to CANADIAN NURSING
English Language Proficiency
The English Language Proficiency requirement is designed to ensure that you have the best opportunity for success in your university studies. To apply to undergraduate programs, you must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency (ELP) prior to admission, regardless of citizenship or country of origin.
Your primary language is defined as the language in which you are most proficient. It is your language of instruction in the last three years of formal study as well as the language you use at home for daily written and oral communication.
If your primary language is English, you meet the ELP requirement. All other applicants must demonstrate fulfillment of ELP by presenting the appropriate requirements for their program and admission intake.
MacEwan University reserves the right to use discretion to determine an applicant’s language proficiency.
ELP
Applicants to the Bridge to Canadian Nursing must present one of the following to demonstrate fulfillment of English Language proficiency (ELP). Test scores more than two years old will not be accepted for admission.
English language proficiency tests
IELTS–Academic
Minimum overall band score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 5.5 in Reading and Writing, 6.0 in Listening and 7.0 in Speaking.
Internet-Based Test (iBT)
Minimum total score of 86 and a minimum score of 21 in Reading and Writing, 23 in Listening and 26 in Speaking.
Minimum overall band score of 70 and minimum scores of 60 in Reading and Writing and 70 in Listening and Speaking.
PTE - Academic
Minimum overall score of 59 and a minimum score of 56 in Reading and Writing, 58 in Listening, and 71 in Speaking.
Cambridge English: Advanced/Proficiency
Minimum overall score of 180 and a minimum score of 165 in Reading and Writing, 172 in Listening, and 188 in Speaking.
Minimum overall score of 85 and a minimum score of 80 in GCVR and Writing, 85 in Listening, and a 4- in the Speaking Test.
English language experience
Successful completion of at least two years of full-time nursing education in English outside of Canada in the past two years. English must be recognized as the official/primary language of the instruction.
Two years of full-time nursing practice in a recognized clinical setting in the past three years, where English is the official/primary language of communication. A letter from your employer attesting that English was the official/primary language of communication in the clinical setting is required.
Exemptions
An applicant who is completely bilingual and fluent in English is entitled to submit a written petition to the Office of the University Registrar providing evidence that the applicant’s English language proficiency exceeds the specified minimum levels, and requesting exemption from the English language proficiency (ELP) requirement.
If you are fully bilingual and fluent in English, your petition should detail:
- your background;
- your educational and personal experience with English;
- the language of instruction throughout your schooling and the language you use at home and on a daily basis;
- why you believe that an exception to the requirement is warranted in your situation.
Attestations from former English instructors and reports of any standardized English language proficiency tests may be supportive of your petition.
The Admissions Unit of the Office of the University Registrar will review the petition for possible waiver. A successful petition will not guarantee admission to another institution.