Paying for school

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: 

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. 

Budgeting for your Education

Planning your finances before arriving in Canada is important. Understanding your expected expenses and creating a budget will help you manage your money effectively. The resources below provide helpful tools and information to support your financial planning. 

Please note that all costs are estimates and are subject to change. For detailed, up-to-date course and program fees, visit Course and Program Fees and Tuition & Fees. 

Undergraduate Estimate (2 Terms)

  • Tuition & Fees (5 courses): $33,791 - $38,826
  • Textbooks & Supplies: $1,200 - $2,600 (varies by program)
  • Residence (single room, 8 months): $7,512
  • Meal Plan (mandatory in some residences, 8 months): $2,900 - $5,750
  • Personal Expenses (on-campus): $1,600
  • Living Off Campus (rent, utilities, meals): $20,000
  • Off-Campus Personal Expenses: $4,000
  • Health & Dental (UHIP + YFS): $1,026

Estimated Total: $48,000 - $70,000+ per year

Graduate Estimate (3 Terms)

  • Program Fees: $18,840 - $84,200
  • Textbooks & Supplies: $1,600 - $3,200
  • Housing & Utilities: $25,000
  • Health & Dental (UHIP + coverage): $1,336
  • Miscellaneous: $3,000 - $4,000

Estimated Total: $50,000 - $118,000+ per year

  • The Government of Canada offers tips and resources on managing finances.  
  • Your Money is a resource from the Canadian Bankers Association providing students with information on budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing and keeping your money safe. 

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.

Caio Bianchini, Biochemistry student from Brazil

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:

Scam: A scam is a dishonest strategy that aims to persuade you into making purchases, authorizing payments, transferring funds or another transaction that you believe to be legitimate. 

An example of a scam could be a fake investment opportunity. 

Phishing: A scheme in which someone presents themselves as an individual you know or representative of a company/institution you know in order to obtain your personal and financial information.  

An example of phishing could be a faked email that appears to be from York University asking to verify your banking details. 

Fraud: Fraud is financial activity in your accounts that you did not know about or authorize. 

An example of fraud could be charges you did not make to your credit card. 

Be aware of tactics like these as they are often associated with scams: 

  • Pressure to make a quick decision on the spot or overnight;
  • Requests to keep a situation confidential and not share with family, friends, or local authorities;
  • Demands that you contact sender immediately;
  • Instructions to provide money in unusual formats like gift cards, bitcoin or prepaid credit cards;
  • Emails from an unknown sender with a link or attachment;
  • Email, texts or phone call requests for private financial information like your credit card number, bank account information or personal identification number (pin);
  • Email, texts or phone call requests for personal information (social insurance number (sin), date of birth, security answers, and passport information).  
  • Ignore and block emails from unknown senders;
  • Don’t open any attachments or links from unknown senders;  
  • Be careful with upfront fees. Ask and understand why you need to pay fees; 
  • If a website is asking for confidential information, make sure the url starts with ‘https:’ and that there is a secure symbol (a closed padlock or unbroken key icon);   
  • Avoid sending sensitive/personal information over email and text messages;
  • Never provide your personal or financial details with out verifying the institution. 

Contact Us

International Student and Scholar Services

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