Studying in Canada
Tap into our offer and prep for your studies in Canada with our dedicated support, everyday account plans, credit card offers and more.
Open an account from abroad
Offer for students
Open an everyday account for your day-to-day transactions like making deposits, transferring funds and paying bills. You can also apply for a credit card to finance your projects.
This offer
- Individuals ages 18 to 21 or
- Students ages 22 to 25 enrolled in a full-time college or vocational program at a recognized educational institution in Canada or
- Students enrolled full-time at a Canadian university, regardless of age
Everyday account
An everyday account includes a free transaction plan
Credit cards
Cash Back Visa and Cash Back Mastercard
Both the Cash Back Visa* and the Cash Back MastercardMD have no annual fee
Odyssey Gold Visa
The Odyssey Gold Visa includes a $110 annual fee
- Accounting
- Actuarial science
- Chiropractic medicine
- Dentistry
- Engineering
- Law
- Medicine
- Optometry
- Pharmaceutical studies
- Pharmacology
- Podiatry
- Veterinary medicine
Other products and services
- Visitors to Canada Insurance
6 , for healthcare and emergency medical services in case of accident or illness. - Insurance products for your protection, including damage insurance, life, health and disability insurance, as well as credit and travel insurance.
- Online international transfers of up to $5,000 per day
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Other perks
- The option to open an account online and make 1 money transfer for a fee before you leave
8 ,9 . - Support to help you prepare for your move and settle in, with tailored products, tips, financial services, and more.
Do you have any questions?
Moving to a new country comes with a load of questions. Our multilingual team is here to help you.
Apply to open an account from abroad
Before filling out the form, you must:
- Have a valid passport
- Know your future address or the postal code of your school in Canada
- Plan to arrive within 12 months of applying
Open your account in 3 steps
Step 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 1 money transfer for a fee before you leave
Step 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 if you applied for one.
Learn more about our services and benefits
360d spaces
Located on select university campuses, our financial advice centres serve young people ages 18 to 30.
The Desjardins difference
Our cooperative nature sets us apart from other financial institutions. We're defined by our values and believe that money should be at the service of human development, personal commitment, democratic action, integrity, rigour, and cooperation.
How to pay for your studies in Canada
Canada is home to a long list of colleges and universities with programs at very affordable tuition rates. Here are some ways to help you pay for school.
Get a part-time job
Students can work several hours per week to help cover the cost of tuition and get work experience in Canada. For more information, visit the Studying and working in Canada as an international student External link. page.
Apply for a scholarship or bursary
A number of foundations offer scholarships and bursaries. Visit your school or university's website to find out more.
Tackle your project head on
Preparing to live in Canada
Browse through a multitude of resources containing useful information to plan your move and help you settle in.
Coming to live or work in Canada
Read through our welcome offer for newcomers to help you navigate your big move.
Frequently asked questions
No. However, having an everyday account can help you manage your money. You can use it to make deposits, withdrawals, transfers or payments.
Plans
The Unlimited plan is included with the offer. However, if you're no longer eligible, the monthly fee for the Unlimited plan is $15.95. This plan is free if you maintain a minimum monthly balance of $4,000. Take some time to compare our plans and see if there's one that works better for you.
Credit cards
Your credit card won’t be affected if you’re no longer eligible for the offer. Take some time to compare our credit cards to decide which will benefit you most.
Yes. Once you've completed your application to open an account, you can make only 1 international money transfer to your Desjardins account from abroad
Fees for transferring money to your Desjardins account
Contact your financial institution in your home country with fee-related questions and to find out what the exchange rates are for transfers or international money transfers.
Fees for receiving money in your Desjardins account
- Transfers under CAN$50: free
- Transfers over CAN$50: CAN$15
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