Where to study and live

Where can I study

International students entering Alberta during COVID-19 pandemic

Alberta’s primary and secondary schools are approved to reopen to international students.

Alberta school authorities who plan to welcome international students during the 2020-21 school year must meet specific COVID-19 requirements to confirm their readiness.

Several school authorities have already met the requirements - the list is below.

Alberta school authority regions

Alberta's schools offer Alberta's core academic curriculum, as well as optional programs and courses that may vary from one school authority to another.

These 25 school authorities offer an international student program. This means they provide all the support required for international students to succeed in Alberta schools, including homestay and English as a Second Language (ESL) support.

Approved Alberta school authorities that offer programming and supports for international students during the international pandemic

Edmonton area

• Edmonton Public Schools
• Edmonton Catholic Schools

Calgary area

• Alberta Ballet School
• Banbury Crossroads School
• Calgary Board of Education
• Calgary Catholic School District
• Edge School for Athletes Society

Alberta north

• Fort McMurray Public School Division

Alberta Rockies

• Canadian Rockies Public Schools

Alberta central

• Battle River School Division
• Red Deer Catholic Schools
• Red Deer Public Schools
• Wolf Creek School Division

Alberta south

• Golden Hills School Division
• Horizon School Division
• Lethbridge School District​
• Livingstone Range School Division
• Medicine Hat School District
• Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education
• Palliser Regional Schools

Where can I live

You can stay with:

• family, friends or relatives (who are adults holding a legal status within Canada)
• live with a homestay family
• in dormitories - there are a limited number of these

Homestay

Homestay families provide international students with a private room and 3 meals a day... But they are so much more! They are a home away from home for the student and communicate regularly with the student's parents and teachers.

Homestays are arranged through the school authorities. Most school authorities have a homestay coordinator to help find a responsible, enthusiastic and qualified homestay family. Homestay families are carefully selected and their homes are inspected to ensure a good fit for the student.

Boarding schools/dormitories

A few Alberta schools are equipped with dormitory facilities where international students may live while they study. Students in dormitories are usually cared for by a resident supervisor. To determine whether or not dormitory accommodation is available, please contact the local school district.