- Understand your Tuition
- Pay your Fees
- Fund your Studies with Scholarships and Bursaries
- Budgeting for your Education
Understand your Tuition
The first step to organizing your finances ahead of arriving at York is to understand your tuition, fees and expenses. Explore estimated costs associated with your course of study on the Financing your Degree webpage.
It's also important to get familiar with the Financial Calendar to understand when to pay your fees.
Pay your Fees
Payment Options
Once you're aware of your fees and tuition, it is extremely important to make sure you pay them on time. As an international student, there are several options available to you to make payments including from Canadian and international bank accounts. Explore, understand and select the option that works for you using the Student Financial Services website.
In efforts to limit the use of third-party services when paying your tuition, the university has partnered with two providers who offer secure online portals for International Students to make payments for course/program fees, residence, health care and UHIP charges appearing on your online statement through My Student Account. To pay your fees you may utilize the following services:
Banking in Canada
Since you'll be living in Canada, we do recommend setting up a Canadian bank account ahead of your arrival to ease your transition.
York International does not officially endorse or represent any particular bank or financial institution. The information on this webpage is intended only to consolidate a partial list of Canadian banking options to consider. It is the your responsibility as an international student to conduct to review each bank’s terms and conditions prior to opening an account.
Here are some of the typical Canadian banks and offers you may consider:
- Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
- RBC offers: Advantage Banking Accounts
- Bank of Montreal (BMO)
- BMO offers: Student Credit and Debit Card
- The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank)
- Scotiabank offers: StartRight Program
- Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
- CIBC offers: SmartStart Program
- Toronto Dominion Canada Trust (TD)
- TD offers: International Student Banking Program
Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs)
Depending on where you live, you may be able to get your study permit through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). Please refer to the IRCC website for eligibility requirements. One requirement to apply for SDS is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). A GIC is a Canadian investment that has a guaranteed rate of return for a fixed period of time.
The following banks offer GICs:
Fund your Studies with Scholarships and Bursaries
York University has a variety of different scholarships and bursaries that may help you to finance your degree. Please spend some time exploring the options, your eligibility and application details on the Scholarships & Bursaries page.

I conducted extensive research on Canadian universities offering international scholarships. York University emerged as a premier choice, providing unparalleled financial assistance for international students, exceeding that of local institutions where residence fees would not be a consideration.

Useful Resources
Check out these tips to help you make a smooth transition
Beware of Scams
As you prepare your finances to arrive in Canada, make sure that you remain vigilant and try to avoid fraudulent activity. Check out some of our tips to avoid getting scammed:
Contact Us
International Student and Scholar Services
- General Advising and Immigration: iadvisor@yorku.ca
- Health Insurance: uhip@yorku.ca
- General Inquiries: intlstudentquestions@yorku.ca
When emailing us, please include in your email:
- Your student number in the subject line
- Your full name
- Your citizenship(s)
- If you are in or outside Canada
- All permit and visa expiration dates (if applicable)
- Any relevant documents
Connect with York University