Managing Finances | New International Students
Opening a Bank Account
Many of the following banks have branches in Guelph. At this point in time, banks are encouraging online processes and transactions. Refer to the links included with each bank listed below to be redirected to their webpage for international students.
In most cases, you will need the following documents to open a bank account in Canada. You will also need to be physically present at the branch.
- Your passport or birth certificate
- A second piece of identification
- Some money to deposit
- Your University of Guelph Student ID or proof of enrolment at the University of Guelph
Local Banks
| Bank | This bank has an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) on Campus | Location near campus (search online for the branch nearest you) |
| Bank of Montreal | No | Stone Road Mall |
| Scotiabank | No | Stone Road Mall |
| Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) | Yes | Athletics Centre (U of G Main Campus) | RBC On Campus |
| TD Canada Trust | No | 496 Edinburgh Rd S |
| Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) | Yes | 374 Stone Rd W |
When opening your bank account in Canada, some things you may consider are the student specific plans/discounts/deals that some institutions may offer. Be sure to talk to the banks and see if such options exist at the bank of your choice.
Transferring Funds to Canada
Once you have a bank account in Canada, you can transfer funds to your account. Money can be wired from your home to your Canadian bank account anytime. It can take weeks for funds to be deposited into your account. You should plan accordingly for your finances — do not wait until you run out of money to have money wired to you.
NOTE: Student Financial Services does not accept in-person payments (including debit or credit card) for student financial accounts.
For proof of deposit or tuition payment (or any other inquiries regarding international payments), you can download and save invoices from your U of G WebAdvisor account.
Budgeting and Financial Literacy
As an international student, knowing your resources and planning for your education is valuable. A good financial plan will include an estimate of resources and costs over your academic career. A financial plan provides an opportunity to evaluate your current financial situation and make sound decisions for the future.
Visit the Student Financial Services website to find helpful tips on financial literacy and budgeting webinars!
You can also learn how international students at the University of Guelph have managed their finances. Toygar earned more than $120,000 CAD during his studies, find out how he did it!
For additional budgeting tips and a sample budget plan, visit our international student budget page (login required)
Scholarships and Bursaries
Entrance scholarships
The International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships are awarded automatically based on admission average and do not require students to apply. If you have received one, it would be indicated in your offer of admission.
In-course awards
In-course, scholarships, need-based scholarships and bursaries are available for in-course undergraduate and graduate students, during the course of your education at U of G. Visit the Student Financial Services page on international student support for more information.
If you an Undergraduate student, you may utilize the Undergraduate Award Search tool to identify awards that require an application and follow the application instructions specific to those awards.
If you are a Graduate student, you are encouraged to review the information on the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website regarding graduate funding and external award opportunities. You may also utilize the Graduate Award Search tool.
Note: As an international student, you will be eligible for awards which have “Non-Canadian-PR-PP” stated.
Native American, Alaskan Native, or Native Hawaiian Students
The University of Guelph honours the Jay Treaty of 1794. If you possess a Native American, Alaskan Native, or Native Hawaiian citizenship document from tribes that are state or federally recognized, or an Indian Status card from the government of Canada, you will be eligible for domestic tuition. Learn more at Student Financial Services. Upon arriving on campus, please contact the International Student Advisor and the Indigenous Student Advisor to ensure that you are connected to the supports available to you.
Additional Resources
You can also refer to a resource from RBC with more general information about finances, being a newcomer, immigration, careers, and more.
Certain resources on this page require a U of G login, which is sent to eligible students by email. Learn more on our login information page.