How to apply Online

Applications for the February 2025 intakes are now closed. Please email isp@epsb.ca for more information.

Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now open.

Diversity Statement for EPSB International Programs

The EPSB International Student Program strives to provide a world class educational experience to students from across the globe and enrich the culture, relationships and perspectives of resident students. We are committed to championing diversity by bringing people together from multiple backgrounds to create productive, authentic learning environments that reflect the world into which students will graduate.

Student Selection Process for International Students

Student selection for entrance into EPSB International Programs is completed based on multiple criteria, including consideration of our Diversity Statement.

Applications must be complete with all required documentation before a decision on acceptance can be determined; this includes a confirmed address.
Acceptance into the EPSB International Program will be based on meeting/exceeding the criteria for admission.
Priority will be given to Secondary High School student applications (grades 10-12).
Confirmation that EPSB has the required capacity to accommodate the student in their age-appropriate grade placement.
In accordance with our Diversity Statement, the student’s country of residence will be a consideration for acceptance into the program.

EPSB International Programs acceptance is not based on a first come, first serve system but rather based on the above criteria.

Please visit the Edmonton Public Schools’ International Student Program website to complete an online application:

True North - Edmonton Public Schools (International Programs)

STEP 1: PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

Prepare the following documents and have them ready to upload:

Valid student Passport for the duration of the applied study program.
Transcripts of marks for the past two school years translated in English, with an official school stamp. (Please Note: To be accepted, an applicant must hold a minimum of passing grades of at least 65% in core courses taken)
Letter of recommendation from a current teacher or principal, translated in English, with an official school stamp.
Immunization records, if available.
Notarized Custodianship Declaration Form, if under the age of 18 and living in a private arrangement (download blank form from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website)

This document is not required for students applying for Homestay services.
This document is not required for students accompanied by a parent with Visitor status who will be living with them full-time in Edmonton during their studies. A copy of the parent passport(s) must be uploaded.

Signed and dated Applicant/Parent Commitment and Signatures Form. The form can be found here.
Signed and dated Consent Form for International Student Activities. The form can be found here.

STEP 2: APPLY ONLINE

Complete an online application to the International Student Program.

STEP 3: PAY YOUR FEES

Once an application has been approved, an invoice for your requested study period will be e-mailed along with payment instructions. Arrange for payment in full of the academic invoice to receive the Letter of Acceptance and Receipt. If payment has not been received within 30 days, the application will be cancelled.

STEP 4: (HOMESTAY APPLICANTS ONLY)

If applying for Homestay, complete an online Homestay application with The Canada Homestay Network (CHN). Once your application is received by CHN, you will be contacted to complete any necessary documentation for custodianship and provided with your Homestay invoice. Arrange for payment in full of the Homestay invoice. ISP can only issue the Letter of Acceptance and Receipt after the CHN application has been completed.

AFTER STEPS 1-4 ARE COMPLETED:

A final school match will be confirmed for the applicant.
The applicant will receive an official Letter of Acceptance (LoA) to Edmonton Public Schools, and a Receipt for academic fees. If the student applied for Homestay and is under the age of 18, a CHN Custodianship Declaration form will also be provided. Health insurance documents will be sent to the submitter of the application before the study program begins.
If the applicant's study program is 6 months in duration or longer, they are required to use the Letter of Acceptance to apply for a Study Permit with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The student must wait to receive approval on their Study Permit application before travelling to Canada to begin their studies. In addition to a Study Permit, citizens of certain countries may also be required to obtain a Visa or (eTA) Electronic Travel Authorization to enter/transit Canada.

Attention:

To the parents of the applicant:

You must inform international program staff if you are applying for a work/study permit.
If you have applied for a work/study permit, your application will not be processed. You must wait for your work/study permit results.
If you knowingly have applied for a work/study permit during your international student application process, you will not be eligible for a refund.

How to Apply FAQ

Am I guaranteed to attend my first school preference?
Specific school placements for international students are not guaranteed. Final decisions regarding school access and placements for international students will be made solely by Edmonton Public Schools, depending on capacities to accommodate.

The high school I want to attend is not listed under school preference in the online application.
If a high school is not listed in the application form, it is not available for international students to attend.

I do not have all my documents prepared yet. Should I submit the application?
If an incomplete application is received, it will be cancelled and the applicant will be asked to apply again.

Are certificates of enrolment accepted in place of a letter of recommendation?
No. We require a letter of recommendation from a current teacher or principal, translated into English, with an official school stamp.

Can I upload multiple separate files to the same file upload field in the application?
No, you can only upload one file per field. If you try to upload multiple files in the same field, only one will be saved. Combine multiple files into one before uploading.

What if I do not have transcripts for the past two school years?
Upload the most recent transcripts you have and explain in the “additional notes” section of our application why you do not have transcripts available.

When do I pay the application fee?
The application fee is paid together with tuition and health insurance fees once the applicant has been invoiced.

What are the requirements for a Custodian?
Custodians should be easily accessible at all times to attend any in-person appointments.

If the custodian is unable to continue taking care of the student for any reason, they are responsible for discussing alternate arrangements with the biological parents. The custodians need to ensure that alternate arrangements are made.

It is important to note that EPSB is not responsible for arranging care of the student in such situations.