A system for cooling a gradient coil assembly of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes a gradient coil having a first surface comprising a plurality of conductors and a plurality of inter-turn channels. Each inter-turn channel is located between turns of the plurality of conductors. The system also includes a seal layer applied to the first surface of the gradient coil to seal the inter-turn channels. The inter-turn channels are configured to transport a cooling fluid. Alternatively, at least one cooling tube may be located in the inter-turn channels of the gradient coil in order to transport a cooling fluid.