International Students Under 18
In Alberta, the age of majority is 18; until students reach this age, they are legally considered a minor in most situations. Studying as a minor at the University of Alberta involves specific legal and administrative considerations.
On This Page
Custodianship
To study in Canada as a minor, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may require students to have a custodian. A custodian is a responsible adult (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) who will provide care and support to the student. If you are 16 years of age or younger, or if an IRCC officer requests that you have a custodian, you must submit a Custodianship Declaration form with your study permit application.
Learn more about studying in Canada as a minor, find out if a custodian is needed and how to appoint one, and download a custodianship declaration from the IRCC webpage.
The University of Alberta does not act as a custodian. Students must arrange this through family, friends in Canada, or private custodianship agencies such as the Canada Homestay Network.
Housing & Accommodation
- On-Campus: Lister Residence is a good choice for first-year students to ensure a supported transition.
- Off-Campus: Minors cannot legally sign a lease in Alberta. If you choose to live off-campus, your custodian or a legal guardian must sign the rental agreement on your behalf.
Health, Wellness & Safety
Health Insurance
- You will automatically be enrolled in the University of Alberta Health Insurance Plan (UAHIP). Your coverage begins on September 1 or January 1, depending on your start term.
- If you have a legal guardian or custodian in Alberta who can enroll you in the provincial health insurance (AHCIP), you can apply to opt out of UAHIP.
- Once you turn 18, you must apply for the provincial health insurance (AHCIP) as an adult
- Find more Information about the health insurance for international students.
Healthcare
- Under-18 students can visit a doctor without an adult, just as an 18-year-old student can.
- Learn how to meet with a doctor at the University Health Centre
- Learn more about healthcare options
Emergency Contacts
- Save your custodian’s contact information and the University of Alberta Protective Services (UAPS) number (780-492-5050) in your phone.
- Be sure that your emergency contact information in Bear Tracks is current
- 911: The universal emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance from any telephone.
Banking & ID
Banking
- Most banks require a parent or custodian to co-sign the account until you turn 18.
- In addition to a parent or custodian, you will need your study permit and proof of Alberta mailing address to open a bank account
- Learn more about opening a bank account
Alberta ID Card
- You must wait until you turn 18 to get an Alberta ID card
ONEcard
Students of any age need a ONEcard (University of Alberta ID card)
Working
- Eligibility: You can work on/off campus as long as your study permit allows it.
- Social Insurance Number (SIN): Individuals under the age of 18 are fully eligible to apply for a SIN, which is required to get paid.
- Labor Laws: You and your employer must follow Alberta’s employment standards for minors.
Campus Activities
- Some academic and social activities may include off-campus and/or overnight trips. For legal reasons, the participation of students under 18 may not always be guaranteed and may be subject to a risk assessment.
- If an event requires a release-of-liability agreement (waiver), you cannot sign it yourself. Your custodian or guardian must sign a specific waiver on your behalf.
- Contact the department running the activity as early as possible to check for any participation limitations.
Privacy & Age Restrictions
Privacy Policy and Communication with Parents or Guardians
- Under the current law of Alberta, an individual can legally move out of their parent's house once they reach the age of 16. Individuals aged 16 or 17 living independently from their parents are deemed independent, and parental rights cease, regardless of who pays for tuition or living costs.
- Official university correspondence with a student is completely private. By law, the university cannot disclose students’ personal or academic information to anyone (including parents) without the student's prior written consent.
- For your parents or legal guardian to receive information about you from the University, a student 16 years of age or older needs to complete, sign, and submit this Informed Consent for Disclosure of Personal Information form to authorize the Office of the Registrar to disclose their personal information to another person, designated agent or agency, legal counsel, or others. The form must be submitted to the Student Service Centre directly from the student.
Alberta Age Restrictions
In Alberta, you must be 18 years of age or older to legally engage in the following activities:
- Purchase or consume alcohol or cannabis products.
- Enter nightclubs or bars.
- Purchase cigarettes, tobacco, or vaping products.
What happens when I turn 18?
When you turn 18:
- Your official custodianship requirement ends.
- You may legally sign your own contracts, including waivers, housing leases, and cell phone plans.
- You should apply for your own provincial Alberta Healthcare Insurance Plan.
- If you wish for your parents to continue communicating with the University about your academic status, check with the Student Service Centre if you need to submit a renewed informed consent for disclosure of personal information form.
Connect with Support
Our International Student Advisors are dedicated to helping you navigate your transition to Edmonton. Connect with an advisor online or visit us in person. Contact Us