Study in Edmonton, Canada

About Edmonton

Edmonton is the capital of the province of Alberta, in western Canada. According to Statistics Canada, it had 1,010,899 inhabitants in 2021, up from 899,447 in the 2016 municipal census.

For students, Edmonton offers a wide range of post-secondary options in English: universities with a liberal arts focus, a polytechnic, a college with a strong focus on adult and international students, and Canada's Open University, which teaches online. The city's transit system offers a universal pass for students at participating institutions.

Studying in Edmonton

Our directory lists seven schools in Edmonton, including two universities in the university category and one primary and secondary school. Examples:

• MacEwan University focuses on undergraduate teaching and welcomes international students through MacEwan International.
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a polytechnic, with services for international students that cover immigration and visa requirements, arrival in Edmonton and housing.
• NorQuest College serves 12,573 full-time and part-time credit students and 7,894 non-credit or continuing education students, born in 108 countries and speaking 73 first languages.
• Concordia University of Edmonton has been part of Alberta's education history since 1921 and offers over 45 majors and minors in arts, science and management.
• The King's University was established in 1979 and offers a liberal arts education from a Christian perspective, with 880 students, a 15:1 student/faculty ratio and an average class size of 22.
• Athabasca University calls itself Canada's Open University and teaches online and at a distance, so students can study from anywhere.

Study permit and work

Most international students need a study permit, which costs CAD 150. You apply with a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) and a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from Alberta, together with proof of identity and of financial support. Many post-secondary international students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus while classes are in session; your study permit states whether you are eligible.

Cost of living and getting around

Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) runs buses and the LRT. Fares are paid with Arc, the region's electronic fare system: an adult pays CAD 3 per 90-minute trip with an Arc card, and fares are capped at CAD 10.50 a day and CAD 102 a month. Eligible students at participating institutions get the Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass), with unlimited travel on ETS and some regional services. No official source gives typical student rents; check your school's housing pages.

Climate and travel

Edmonton has long, cold winters. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada's 1991-2020 normals for Edmonton airport, the average daily temperature is -12.3 °C in January and 16.2 °C in July, with about 127 cm of snow a year. Edmonton International Airport is linked to the city by ETS Route 747.

Frequently asked questions

Which universities are in Edmonton?

Our directory lists MacEwan University, Concordia University of Edmonton and The King's University, as well as NAIT and NorQuest College. Athabasca University teaches online.

How much is public transport in Edmonton?

An adult trip costs CAD 3 with an Arc card, with a monthly cap of CAD 102. Eligible students at participating institutions get the U-Pass with unlimited travel.

Can international students work while studying in Edmonton?

Many post-secondary international students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during classes. The study permit states whether you are eligible.

How cold is Edmonton in winter?

The average daily temperature in January is -12.3 °C (1991-2020 normals), and about 127 cm of snow falls in a year.