Newcomers to Canada and English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Welcome to Regina Public Schools

Regina School Division No. 4 of Saskatchewan (Regina Public Schools) is proud to welcome students and families from around the world. We value the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of our community and are committed to providing high‑quality educational services for all learners, including students who are developing English as an Additional Language (EAL).


Eligibility for Tuition-Free Education

Your child may be eligible to study at Regina Public Schools without paying tuition if:

  • One or both parents are authorized to work or study in Canada, and
  • The authorized parent(s) live in Regina full-time with the child.

Children whose parents have visitor status are not eligible for tuition‑free education.

If neither parent has valid authorization to work or study in Canada, or if your child will be living in Regina with someone other than a parent, please visit our International Student Program website for details on tuition and application procedures.

Submitting Documentation

To maintain eligibility:

  • All updated documents must be emailed to nwcpermits@rbe.sk.ca before your current permits expire.
  • If you have applied for an extension but have not yet received the updated permit, please send the IRCC confirmation letter showing your application is in process.
  • Parents with a study permit must provide confirmation of full‑time registration in a degree or diploma program, along with proof of tuition payment each semester.

Parents are responsible for providing all necessary documentation to ensure their children remain eligible for tuition‑free education.


Requesting a Letter of Acceptance

To obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from Regina Public Schools:

  1. Complete one application form per child.
  2. Pay the fee of $250 per child or $500 total for two or more children from the same family. Payment instructions are included on the second page of the application form.
  3. Email the completed form and required documents to internationalstudentprogram@rbe.sk.ca.

Please note that Letters of Acceptance are not issued during school holidays.

Application Forms


Registering Your Child for School

Non‑Canadian students (or Canadian students whose parents are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents) are registered through the Regina Open Door Society.
Please email nwc@rods.sk.ca to begin the process.

Starting Elementary School in Canada: What you Need to Know

Starting High School in Canada: What you Need to Know

Required Documents

Please prepare the following:

  • Immigration documents for children and parents (e.g., PR card, permits)
  • Passports for children and parents
  • Birth certificates (children only)
  • Original school transcripts translated into English (Grades 10–12 only)
  • Notarized Declaration from Non‑Accompanying Parent/Guardian (if applicable)
  • Rental agreement or proof of home ownership
  • One additional proof of address (void cheque, driver’s license, or utility bill)

For guidance in multiple languages, please see our Parent Registration Guides.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Education also offers Education in Saskatchewan: A Guide for Newcomers in several languages.


Programs Offered

English Program

All classes are taught in English, except for other language subjects.

French Immersion

Instruction is primarily in French. English Language Arts instruction begins in Grade 3. Students may start in Kindergarten or Grade 1.

Pre-Kindergarten

A free, half‑day early learning program for 3- and 4‑year‑olds available in 24 of our schools. Parents are responsible for transportation. Enrollment is limited and prioritizes children who would benefit most.

Kindergarten

Offered at all elementary schools, generally as full‑day programs on alternating days.
Children must be five years old by December 31 of the school year.

Please visit Early Learning for more information on Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten.

Elementary School (Grades 1–8)

Grade placement is based on year of birth. EAL programming is tailored to each student and may include:

  • Pull‑Out Support: Small group EAL instruction focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and communication.
  • In‑Class Support: EAL teachers collaborate with classroom teachers to provide language support during regular lessons.

For more information on a provincial curriculum for Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12, please see the Saskatchewan Curriculum.

High School (Grades 9–12)

Placement is determined by year of birth (Grades 9–10) and by credit evaluation (Grades 11–12). Students are required to complete 24 credits to meet the requirements for Grade 12 graduation. Compulsory and elective credits are outlined here: High School Credit Options.

  • Students may receive “standing granted” credits for coursework completed internationally.
  • Students may need EAL courses before progressing to higher‑level classes.
  • High school operates on a semester system (Sept–Jan and Feb–June).
  • Students who arrive mid‑semester may attend classes but might not earn credits.
  • Students turning 18 during high school may transfer to the Allan Blakeney Adult Campus.

Note: Eligibility for high‑school sports may be affected by enrollment dates and age.

For more information on a provincial curriculum for Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12, please see the Saskatchewan Curriculum.