Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the application fee included in the tuition price or is it a separate fee?
It is a separate fee and non-refundable.

Can the application fee, health insurance fee and tuition be paid at the same time or do they need to be paid separately?
You may pay them all at once - once the application is complete and all fees are paid, a letter of acceptance will be issued.

Can the tuition be pro-rated on a monthly basis if the student can't stay exactly a semester or wants to stay longer than a semester?
Yes, but the student should decide at the time of application how long they wish to apply for. Once payment is received for that time period, a letter of acceptance is sent to the student which they can use to apply for a study permit. A study permit is required for students applying to study for more than 6 months. A study permit is always recommended as students may decide to stay for an additional semester of studies after they get here.

When are application deadlines for first and second semester?
Students are advised to apply by April 30 for a September start and by November 30 for a February start.

If a student is applying for a full year can tuition be paid by semester? If so, what is the deadline and is there any additional administration fee?
If a student is applying for a full year, they must pay full tuition costs at the time of application, a letter of acceptance is then issued for that time period.

Will you require bank fees to be added? Usually about $20
Yes, bank fees are to be paid by the sender.

Is the Homestay program run by the school or a Homestay company?
All international students requiring Homestay while attending Edmonton Public Schools' (EPS) International Student Program apply for Homestay via The Canada Homestay Network (CHN). Edmonton Public Schools contracts with CHN for Homestay Service.

Is the homestay paid monthly or in one lump sum?
All Homestay fees are collected in advance; The Canada Homestay Network will invoice for fees once an application has been submitted. For a list of fees, please visit the Homestay Program page. Monthly Homestay fees are paid to Homestay families by CHN on behalf of the students. The emergency fund covers any unexpected costs the student may incur and, if unused, is refunded when the student completes their study program and leaves their Homestay placement.

What is the age of majority in your particular province?
The age of majority in Alberta is 18.

In case of a minor, who assumes custodianship responsibilities? Program director or homestay parent?
Custodianship must be privately arranged for students who are under 18 and living in a private arrangement. Custodianship is available for students who participate in the Homestay program (The Canada Homestay Network assumes custodianship).

Is there any additional cost for airport pick-up or drop-off?
Airport pick-up and drop-off is available for students registered in the Homestay program. Please consult Homestay Program for pricing.

Is the student allowed to travel alone with parental and program permission?
For students in Edmonton Public Schools' Homestay Program, overnight stays outside the family home are subject to the approval of the homestay parents and/or the student's Canadian guardians(s). Out of town travel with persons other that homestay family members is subject to the approval of the homestay parents and/or the guardian(s).

Does the school arrange medical insurance? Is it provincial or private insurance?
Edmonton Public Schools has a mandatory private student health insurance plan. Letters of acceptance are not issued until health insurance fees are paid. Fees are collected at the same time as the application, tuition, and Homestay fees. Students are solely responsible for all medical and other expenses that exceed the scope of the health care coverage.

Is the cost of the insurance included in the tuition or paid separately?
The health insurance is paid separately.

Will the students get an insurance card or anything else that shows they are insured?
Students receive a healthcare information package which includes a personalized wallet card along with their Letter of Acceptance.

Can students choose which doctor they want to see? Do they have to pay upfront and then apply for reimbursement? What about expensive bills like for hospital treatment?
Students may use whatever doctor they choose. In some but not all hospitals or clinics, students will pay up front for their medical treatment, and then submit a claim directly to the insurance company. Copies of the claim form, instructions for completing it, and a summary of benefits information are available on our website under Student Health Care.

Can a custodian pay the health care fees on the student's behalf and then receive the reimbursement cheque from the insurance company?
Yes, the custodian may pay the fees on the student's behalf, but be sure that the receipt for payment of fees is made out to the payer and that the insured's name (student's name) is included on the receipt.

What age of student will you accept? Will you accept a student who has already graduated from high school?
Students must be under the age of 20 as of September 1 to be accepted into EPS' International Student Program. In some circumstance we would accept a student who has already graduated from high school.

Do you have an orientation week? If so what dates?
International student orientations are provided at their schools, and CHN provides welcome orientations for students in Homestay. Prior to arrival in Edmonton, students must follow the steps outlined in their Welcome Letter in order for a new student registration appointment to be booked for them at their school.

What day do you prefer the students to arrive?
The earliest arrival date for students in the Homestay program is 1 week before the first day of classes. It is recommended that students not in Homestay also arrive approximately 1 week before classes are to start.

Do you offer French classes? Can an international student take a French class if they have never taken French before?
Yes, international students may take French and French as a course is available in most high schools.

Can students choose the classes they would like to take?
To a large extent students can choose the courses they would like to take, providing the courses they want are available within their timetables, and they have the prerequisites.

How many international students attend Edmonton Public Schools?
Edmonton Public Schools has around 600 international students per year studying at many of the district’s 200 schools.

When will the students have vacations? Can you provide us with a school year calendar?
Holiday periods include a two-week break from the middle of December to the beginning of January, a one-week break from the end of March to the beginning of April, and a summer break during the months of July and August. You can access school year calendars on the EPS website (www.epsb.ca) and look under Calendars > Printable Calendars.

Does the program arrange any extracurricular trips or outings?
Yes, the schools often organize excursions and field trips. These are also occasionally organized by Homestay families.

Does the program offer any camps or clinics in music, dance, sports (soccer, hockey, golf, etc.?)
EPS offers the provincial curriculum which includes courses in biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, international languages, physics, social studies, computer technology as well as music, dance and art, and physical education.

Complementary activities available include: basketball, cross country running, football, choral music, gymnastics, floor hockey, debate, volleyball, musical theatre and soccer.

Edmonton Public Schools also has several alternative programs which allow students to focus on areas such as the arts, athletics or technology, while still following the provincial curriculum. There may be additional fees associated with some of the alternative programs. For detailed information about Edmonton Public Schools' alternative programs, and the schools that offer them, please contact International Programs at isp@epsb.ca.

What high schools within your district participate in the international program? Names and websites if available.
Please see School Profiles for school names and website links.

What time does the school day begin / finish?
This varies with the school attended, but generally the day begins between 8:00 and 8:30 am, and finishes between 3:00 and 3:30 pm.

From what countries do the international students attending EPS come from?
Students attending EPS' International Student Program come from many countries including Brazil, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

For students from Mexico, could the school district offer a Sept. to Dec. program allowing the students to write final exams in Dec. and/or give them a final mark they can revalidate so they can continue their studies in the second semester in January in Mexico?
In any Alberta school district including Edmonton Public Schools, students need to complete course requirements to obtain credits - this process takes a minimum of 5 months.

Does the school offer help with the legalization process required by the home schools of Brazilian, Colombian, Mexican and Spanish students? If so what help is offered? Is there any additional cost?
The validation of school report cards is by request only. There is a $150 CAD charge for this service, which includes all legal, embassy and courier fees. Please click here to download the EPSB validation form.