Prepare for U of A
Before preparing for U of A understand your responsibilities. This is a mandatory and important part of starting your life as a University of Alberta student.
- You will be expected to follow certain rules and expectations. Abide by the Code of Student Behaviour
- You are responsible for course registration and any changes. If you decide not to attend the university, you must cancel your class registration to avoid the tuition charges.
- Add, change, or drop courses and pay any outstanding tuition and/or fees by the term deadlines. It's best to pay early because international payments take several business days to process. Failure to pay or late payment could mean that the university will withhold your grades, impacting your ability to graduate.
- Maintain legal status in Canada. Learn about immigration requirements
- All official emails concerning your education or work will be sent to your ualberta Gmail. You must check it regularly and act on any instructions. These messages will include important reminders and deadlines.
- Be aware of the rules surrounding the use of your CCID, wifi, and email account.
- Set up your ualberta email account and check it regularly. Carefully read all documents and emails from the University of Alberta.
- You will receive the International Students Digest every Wednesday. Take the time to read these weekly emails, as the information may be important to you as an international student.
After you confirm admission
International students in Canada are required to have a study permit. You need a study permit if you plan to study for more than six months. If your program has a work-integrated learning component, such as a practicum or co-op, you may also require a co-op work permit.
How to apply for a study permit
International student specialists can answer your questions about study permits, work permits, visas, and other documentation.
Always check Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information on study permit applications.
Bringing your family (partner or spouse, children)?
If you have accompanying family members, start the process as early as possible. There is no guarantee that they will be granted visas if you wait until you are in Canada to apply.
Once you have accepted your admission offer and paid the tuition deposit (if applicable) you can register for your courses. Graduate, incoming exchange, and IVSP students are exempt from paying the tuition deposit.
Exchange students; Programs and Courses
Graduate students; consult with their supervisors and departments for course registration information.
Even after you are enrolled in courses, you can still change your schedule before the add/drop deadline. Refer to the University Calendar.
Before you arrive in Edmonton, it’s important to know where you are going to live. Explore your options. If you need to book temporary accommodations between your arrival and move-in dates, book early.
Living on campus is a great option, and international students who prefer living in residence do so because of the convenient location. The organized program of activities helps students build new friendships and offers academic support.
Plan to arrive in Edmonton around 2 weeks before to settle into your new home, meet with the International Service Centre team, and explore the University and the city.
The academic schedule lets you know when classes begin. Book your flight and accommodations based on that date. Consider Travel insurance.
If you are living in a campus residence, check your your move-in date. Follow the instructions send to your Ualberta email address to register for your move-in time. It is best to arrive before your first day of class. You can move in the same day and take advantage of the orientation atmosphere.
Flights are often delayed, so a same-day arrival and move-in plan is not recommended and often is not possible.
If you plan to live off-campus, arrive a few days earlier to allow time to find a suitable place to live. Most rental agreements start on the 1st of each month, and it’s always good to be settled before classes begin.
Register for an online pre-departure information session. During this session, you'll receive essential information such as arrival times, packing essentials, housing options, and available assistance throughout your journey. Feel free to inquire about any questions you may have. Various session dates are offered for your convenience.
Online Orientation consists of modules and is a self-paced Canvas course, accessible through Bear Tracks with your CCID. Each module contains valuable information on the unique aspects of student life at the U of A. You have the freedom and flexibility to complete each module on your own time.
Start online orientation
Before you travel
You can do some financial planning before you leave home.
- Decide on your banking arrangements.
- A currency exchange service is usually available at the airport from 4:30 a.m. to midnight.
- Bring $200 to $300 in Canadian cash to cover expenses for your first few days.
- Have an emergency plan in place and extra money (cash and credit) in case of emergency. We recommend that you have enough money to cover at least your first month’s expenses, often around $3,000 for a single student. This is for costs such as paying an extra month’s rent as a security deposit and purchasing warm clothing, textbooks and supplies, furniture, and household items.
- Organize your financial documents. You may need to provide evidence of adequate funds for customs and immigration officials.
When you arrive in Canada, the border services officer (BSO) will ask for your travel documents. Carry all documents including valuable papers, cash, and traveler's cheques with you at all times. Do not put original documents in your checked luggage.
- Bring an English copy of your medical records.
- Travel documents: passport, letter of introduction or study permit approval letter, temporary resident visa (TRV) or eTa
- Financial documents: proof of adequate funds
- University documents: admission letter, provincial attestation letter if applicable, verification of enrolment
- A valid medical exam, if applicable
- Medical records and prescriptions
- Any other relevant documents from your immigration application
When packing your bags, remember that Edmonton’s climate may not be what you’re used to at home. In the summer, daytime temperatures range from 20 to 25°C; in the winter, temperatures can drop below -30°C.
Winter clothing is also very bulky, so it's important to account for this if you're planning to pack it in your luggage. Buy your winter clothing after you arrive in Edmonton unless you are arriving from a similar climate and have winter clothing. Canadian winter clothing is insulated to handle Canadian winters.
Pack an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses, along with a copy of your prescription. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medication you take.
Under no circumstance should a student come to Canada without satisfying all of the Student Visa Requirements. Review current travel information provided by the Government of Canada.
When you arrive
When you land at any Canadian airport, a border services officer will examine your travel documents and identification card. You may be asked a series of questions to determine your immigration status, the nature of any goods you are bringing with you, etc.
Get your study permit (and co-op permit, if applicable). It may take up to 3 hours to clear Canada Customs and get your study permit. If your program has a work placement or practicum component in the first year, you should also ask the officer about issuing your co-op work permit together with your study permit.
Review your study permit carefully to ensure all of the details are correct. Let the officer know if you find any errors. The procedure for changing details after this point can be very time-consuming.
New international students coming to Edmonton can get a transportation coupon from International Student and Visitor Services.
Airport Welcome
Taxi
An affordable ride from the airport is always available 24/7 with Edmonton's taxi companies like Greater Edmonton Taxi Service and CO-OP. Taxi fares typically range from CAD 50 to CAD 85 depending on the destination from the airport. People often tip taxi drivers 15% when paying the fare. For more information on booking a ride or getting an estimated cost, visit
Public Transit
You can also take public transit from Edmonton International Airport. The bus service runs 7 days a week from 4:10 am - 12:30 am. The fare for a one-way trip is $5 cash. ETS Route 747 provides a one-way bus service between the Airport and Century Park Transit Centre. You can take the light rail transit (LRT) or subway to your destination.
Learn about accepted fares at 747 bus service
Update your emergency contact information. Emergency contacts are loved ones, such as a parent, spouse, or trusted friend who should personally know you. Your emergency contact will be notified if something happens to you.
Do not put yourself as your emergency contact. It is best to have at least two emergency contacts.
- First Contact: This should be a family member in your home country, preferably, someone who speaks English.
- Second contact: This should be a backup person in case your first contact cannot be reached. Your second contact can be located in or outside of Canada, but they should be someone who can quickly get in touch with your immediate family and friends. This way, your contacts can work together, or if one is unavailable, the other can take charge.
Your emergency contact should also have access to your other family members, or close friends, who may want to know if you are in a health crisis. Does your emergency contact feel comfortable reaching out to your circle of loved ones? Do they have their phone numbers available for quick access? Will they know who you want to contact? Make sure your emergency contact is someone easy to get a hold of and is available.
After arrival
Once you arrive, don’t hesitate to visit campus to explore and figure things out. Come to the Campus Check-in Drop-in Orientation at the International Service Centre to get a welcome bag and useful information to start your life in Edmonton. No registration is required.
All international students must have medical insurance. Medical expenses in Canada can be very high. Apply for Alberta Health Care or University health care insurance as soon as you arrive in Canada. Additional supplementary coverage is also available through student associations.
Get a government ID card at the same time
- Pick up your student ID card ONEcard
- Get a government ID card. Alberta identification card if you do not have a driver's license.
- Get your Social Insurance Number (SIN). You can do this on Campus during Orientation.
Edmonton has many different types of financial institutions, including banks, credit unions, and trust companies. You can open your bank account during Infomart on campus. A representative from the bank will describe available services and help you choose the account that best meets your needs.
Money and Banking
Set up a phone plan that works for you. You can find information online or visit your local mall to compare plans. You can also set up your phone plan at InfoMart.
Be cautious of scam phone calls/texts. Do not share your personal information with people you cannot verify over the phone or email.
Get the complete orientation experience by attending in-person events to connect with campus resources and new friends. Visit uab.ca/orientation
An orientation tailored specifically for new international students takes place during the first week of classes. All new international students receive information sent as "On Your Way".
Find everything you need to make the most of your time at the University of Alberta. Access the right support from the Student Service Centre, Libraries, Student groups and student life events.
To apply for a job, you need an up-to-date, relevant, and professional-looking resume and a cover letter that will impress your potential employer. U of A Career Centre can help you improve your resume, and interview skills, or find job opportunities.
You cannot work before your studies begin. You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work on or off campus.
If you will be working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant, learn about your rights and responsibilities as an employee, including pay information. Graduate Student Assistantship Collective Agreement Resources
Dive into our community and the landmarks that make our three campuses unique.
- Campus Tours
- Students' Union
- International Students' Association
- City of Edmonton Newcomer's Guide
- Get involved in Volunteering
Edmonton has great ethno-cultural communities. The best way to locate them is to do a web search or to contact the groups via social media. Don’t be shy to reach out to groups and resources in the city that can help you feel at home here.