Bringing Your Children
Child Care Options
If your spouse or partner plans on working during your full-time studies you will have to find a suitable childcare centre for your non-school aged children. Consider these options:
The University of Alberta is affiliated with six non-profit day care centres. These quality child care facilities are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of parents and community members.
The government of Alberta offers tools for children and families to thrive in healthy families and communities.
Family day home educators provide home-based child care and operate under licensed family day home agencies.
Childcare Subsidies and Financial Support
Child care services cost anywhere from $600 - $1500 per month. While there are several subsidies to help low-income parents with child care expenses; you may not be eligible for many of them immediately after you arrive.
The University of Alberta’s GSA offers a childcare subsidy for graduate students with dependent children to assist with daycare costs. Application details are available on the Graduate Students' Association (GSA) website.
A tax-free monthly payment to help eligible families with the cost of raising children under 18. International students may qualify if they meet residency and tax requirements. Check eligibility at Canada Child Benefit.
The government of Alberta offers subsidies and benefits to offset the cost of child care for eligible families. Eligibility is based on income and other factors. Learn more at
Many childcare centres have long waiting lists. Make sure to put your child's name on the waiting list as soon as possible. Call every few months to get an update on your status. Doing so keeps your waiting list registration active and reminds the centre that you are still interested in a spot.
Child care programs, resources, and incentives offered in Alberta.
- Finding and Choosing Child Care
- Child Care Lookup
- Parenting Supports and Tips
- Family Resource Networks
Community Resources
Edmonton Schools
There are no tuition fees charged for elementary, junior high and senior high schools for children of international students in the two government-supported school systems in Edmonton: Public and the Catholic (Separate) school systems. You must be registered and pay tuition for either a) a full-time degree program (minimum duration of two years) or b) a full-time graduate or post-doctoral program (minimum duration of one year).
There are, however, a number of private schools approved by the Department of Education which do charge tuition fees. For information on the school that will be most convenient, contact either:
Edmonton Public School Board
780-429-8000
www.epsb.ca
Edmonton Catholic School District
780-441-6000
www.ecsd.net
Catholic schools are for families who wish their children to have Catholic religious training as part of their school curriculum.
Note: enrolment in an ESL program does not qualify.
Enrolling Your Child in School
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
According to section 8 guidelines of the School Act, Alberta Education:
If you have been issued a student study permit and has registered and paid tuition for a full-time provincially recognized diploma program or full-time degree program of study that is a minimum of 2 years in duration; or a full-time graduate or post-doctoral program of study that is a minimum of 1 year in duration, your children have a right of access to basic education in Alberta and are eligible for provincial grants.
Children of ESL international students do not have access to schooling in Alberta without paying international student fees.
Information on School Systems and Programs in Edmonton:
- Edmonton Public Schools
- Edmonton Catholic Schools
- Edmonton Private Schools
- Special Programs (see under Programming for details)