Studying in Canada
Studying in Canada
Tap into our student offer that includes financial services and products like accounts, credit cards and support.
Open an account from abroad
Do you have any questions?
Already in Canada?
Once you've arrived, make an appointment with our team to benefit from our support and the services we offer.
Montreal area: 514-875-4266, options 9, 1
Elsewhere in Canada: 1-877-875-1118, options 9, 1
Offer for students
Accounts
Credit cards
Other perks
- Make free and easy withdrawals with access to a huge network of ATMs.
- Open an account online and transfer funds before you leave.
- Get insurance products for your protection, including home and auto insurance, life, health and disability insurance, as well as credit and travel insurance.
- Benefit from effective support, useful tips, and the right products and services for you, so you can prepare for your move and settle in once you arrive.
Do you have any questions?
Moving to a new country comes with a load of questions. Our multilingual team is here to help you.
Application to open an account from abroad
Before filling out the form, you must:
- Have a valid passport
- Be planning to arrive within 12 months of applying
- Know your future address or the postal code of your school in Canada
Open your account in 3 steps
- 1 Fill out the online form.
- 2 Read through the welcome email that you'll receive within 24 to 48 hours following confirmation. It outlines what to do next and includes your account information. You’ll need this information if you want to make a transfer before you leave.
- 3 Make an appointment 2 weeks before you leave to finish setting up your account once you arrive in Canada. Bring the required documents to your appointment to confirm your identity and pick up your debit card.
360d spaces: on-campus centres designed for students
Desjardins 360d spaces are financial advice centres for students ages 18 to 30. Our client relations associates understand your needs and use innovative technology to help you achieve all your goals.
The Desjardins difference
Desjardins is not a bank. We're a cooperative financial group and we think that money should be at the service of human development. We believe in personal commitment, democratic action, cooperative responsibility, integrity, rigour and inter-cooperation.
Smart students budget and plan
Canada is home to a long list of colleges and universities that offer a wide range of programs at very affordable tuition rates.
Many options to pay for your education
Work while you study
Students can work 20 hours a week to pay for their school and earn some Canadian professional experience.
Get a scholarship
Many foundations offer scholarships. Check your school or university website.
Frequently asked questions
It's not mandatory for international students to open a bank account. But, a Desjardins bank account gives you so many advantages because it was designed to make your life easier while you study in Canada.
The offer is valid only for the Unlimited plan. Once the offer expires, the plan is $13.95 per month. You can keep the plan or choose another. Your plan may be free if you maintain the required minimum balance.
If you open an account online before you leave your country, you may make a money transfer to your Desjardins account before you arrive.
The financial institution in your home country may charge you for transferring money to Desjardins. Fees vary among countries.
Fees vary, depending on:
- where the transfer is done. The cost of a transfer on AccèsD is not the same as a transfer done at a caisse.
- the destination country.
- how the transfer is done. The cost of a direct deposit transfer is not the same as a SWIFT transfer.
Transfers are free when they are done by direct deposit to a Desjardins Bank account (in Florida). You can see the options, fees and transfer times on AccèsD.
® Mastercard, World Elite and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.
® Odyssey is a registered trademark of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec.
® BONUSDOLLARS is a registered trademark of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec.
® Interac e-Transfer is a registered trademark of Interac Corp. Used under licence.
* Trademark of Visa International Service Association and used under licence.
This offer is for student members who are: i) members between the ages of 18 and 21; ii) members ages 22 to 25 enrolled in a full-time college or professional program at a recognized educational institution in Canada. If you get this offer, you can choose the Unlimited plan, free of charge, or apply the value of this plan, meaning $13.95 a month, to the monthly fee of the Unlimited Plus plan and pay only the difference, which is $8.00 a month. To get this offer, you must go to your caisse or call 1-800-CAISSES. You must also be able to prove that you meet the eligibility requirements. No matter which plan you select, an additional fee of $1.50, $3 or $5 will apply to any withdrawals made from non-Desjardins ATMs affiliated with the Interac® and Plus* networks. Some providers charge additional fees to use their ATMs. They must notify you via an on-screen message before processing the transaction, so you can choose to cancel the transaction. These fees are added to the withdrawal amount.
To see the terms and conditions for the various service charges, visit our Plans page.This offer is for student members who are full-time students in a Canadian university, regardless of their age. Moreover, if you get this offer, you can choose the Unlimited plan, free of charge, or apply the value of this plan, meaning $13.95 a month, to the monthly fee of the Unlimited Plus plan and pay only the difference, which is $8.00 a month. To get this offer, you must go to your caisse or call 1-800-CAISSES. You must also be able to prove that you meet the eligibility requirements. No matter which plan you select, an additional fee of $1.50, $3 or $5 will apply to any withdrawals made from non-Desjardins ATMs affiliated with the Interac® and Plus* networks. Some providers charge additional fees to use their ATMs. They must notify you via an on-screen message before processing the transaction, so you can choose to cancel the transaction. These fees are added to the withdrawal amount.
To see the terms and conditions for the various service charges, visit our Plans page.- This offer applies only to university students who were approved for an eligible card after June 17, 2018.
- At Desjardins ATMs only. For withdrawals from non-Desjardins ATMs in the Interac and Plus* networks, additional fees apply.
- With an account with a monthly plan.