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MacEwan University
MacEwan's City Centre Campus sits in the middle of downtown Edmonton, and paying for a degree here means juggling Alberta Student Aid, MacEwan's own awards, and a budget that has to cover rent in one of the city's priciest neighbourhoods. This is what that actually looks like: what Alberta Student Aid covers, which awards close before you think, and where the money goes once it lands.
2,700+
MacEwan students helped
Using hi finance to track aid, awards, and where the money goes.
$9.9M
Administered in student funding
5,958 scholarships, awards, and bursaries distributed to MacEwan students in 2023/24.
Source$2.43M
MacEwan Access Bursary
Allocated in 2023/24 to give 1,348 students financial assistance.
Source$18,700
Estimated first year costs
MacEwan's 2026/27 estimate for a Canadian student in a first-year Bachelor of Arts — $10,214 in tuition, fees, and books, plus $8,499 for an 8-month bachelor suite in residence.
Source
Apply to Alberta Student Aid
There's no single opening date. Student Aid recommends applying at least 60 days before your study period starts, because processing time is what makes people late, not eligibility. Starting on or after August 1, 2026 means the 2026/27 application.
Entrance scholarship admission deadline
Apply for admission by March 1 for Fall or July 1 for Winter to be automatically considered for the Chancellor's Scholarship Series. No separate application. Your admission average decides which tier you land in.
Residence fees due for Fall 2026
Your residence fees are posted about a month before move-in and must be paid by the date in your welcome email. For Fall 2026 that's September 22. Payment plans are available.
Fall 2026 tuition and fees payment deadline
Pay in full by this date or set up a payment plan. An outstanding balance is charged 1% interest monthly and blocks you from enrolment-related activity until it's cleared.
Admission confirmation deposit refund deadline
If you withdraw before July 1 for the Fall term, you can get 50% of your $400 admission confirmation deposit back. The deposit is applied to your tuition if you stay.
Or don't keep track of any of it
hi finance watches these dates for you and says something before they close.
Cheapest food on campus at MacEwan
Eat on campus at MacEwan without spending much. The Building 6 cafeteria, Takam Market, and free programs like the Breakfast Club and The Pantry.
MacEwan tuition due date: Sept 29
Your MacEwan tuition is due September 29, 2026. What to do in your first week, the add/drop dates, and the money moves that set up your term.
MacEwan residence costs: what you'll actually pay
MacEwan's cheapest residence is a $6,510 two-bedroom suite. What on-campus and off-campus housing cost, and where to save.
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Does MacEwan University use OSAP?
No. OSAP is Ontario's program. If Alberta is your province of residence, you apply through Alberta Student Aid, even if you moved here for school. Your province of residence is generally the last province you lived in for 12 consecutive months outside of full-time study.
Can I get Alberta Student Aid as an out-of-province student at MacEwan?
You apply to your home province's program, not Alberta's. A student from Ontario studying at MacEwan applies through OSAP. The school you attend doesn't determine which program funds you. Your province of residence does.
Do I have to apply separately for MacEwan scholarships?
Entrance scholarships are automatic based on your admission average, as long as you apply for admission by the scholarship deadline. Most continuing awards and every bursary need an application through myStudentSystem under the Financial Aid tile. Bursary applications require three months of bank statements.
What happens if my student aid doesn't cover my tuition?
You're responsible for the shortfall by the payment deadline. Options include MacEwan's bursaries like the Access Bursary, a student payment plan for those who can show financial need, or a student line of credit. Bursary money doesn't have to be paid back, so it's worth applying first.
Do I need to file taxes as a MacEwan student with no income?
You should. Filing is how you claim your T2202 tuition credit and carry it forward, and it's what registers you for benefits like the GST/HST credit. Your T2202 is available in myStudentSystem by the end of February each year.
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