International Students

Let’s get your education in Canada started right.

Planning to study abroad? Bank like you’re at home.

Before you hit the books, the StartRight™ program† can help you start banking in Canada with access to no monthly fee account1, unlimited debit and Interac◊ e-transfers2, unlimited international money transfers3 and more. It’s all part of why Scotiabank is the bank for International Students.

Studying abroad? Bank like you’re at home.

Before you hit the books, book an appointment with us to set up an account made especially for students. Enjoy no monthly fees1, unlimited debit and Interac◊ e-transfers2, unlimited international money transfers3 and more with the StartRight™ program†. It’s all part of why Scotiabank is the bank for International Students.

Get your study permit faster with the Scotiabank Student GIC Program.

Meet all of the study permit requirements and pay for living expenses while in Canada. Available to international students from China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Senegal4.

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Already have your study permit? Open a Scotiabank International Account online today.

Use it to transfer money before you move and get set up with the StartRight™ Program once you’re here5.

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Worry about studying, not your bank account.

With the StartRight™ program you can bank without monthly account fees1, get a credit card with no credit history4, and enjoy benefits like no-fee international money transfers and movie perks5free movies rewards4-5.

Book an appointment to apply

What documents do I need to open an account?

Your Study Permit (IMM 1442) or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

One additional piece of government photo ID such as your passport or Canadian driver’s licence

Proof of enrollment from your Canadian Educational Institution such as your Student ID card or your course timetable.

Learn more about student banking

Scotiabank. The bank for International Students.

Cash

Free chequing account with no monthly fees41.

Money Transfer

Get unlimited no-fee international money transfers3.

Cash Back

Unsecured credit card with a limit of up to $5,000 and movie rewards6-74-5.

Mobile Bank

Safe and secure online and mobile banking 24/7.

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Book an appointment to apply

Learn more about student banking

Love movies? Get the Get the Scotiabank® Scene+™* Visa* Card.

We can help you get a credit card with a limit of up to $5,000 and free movies rewards as soon as you arrive6-7. No Canadian credit history required.4

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Apply now

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A little more on your credit history...

A good credit history can make it easier for you to borrow money, while a bad credit history – or no credit history – can make getting loans for things like cell phones, credit cards, and housing more difficult.

Learn how to build a good credit history

“I had a great experiencing opening my account as an international student. I couldn’t be happier with the service and professionalism at Scotiabank.”

Anjali StartRight™ Program Customer

More reasons to love the StartRight™ Program:

  • Scotiabank is Canada’s international bank with close to 25 million customers and over 2,700 branches around the world.
  • Access to over 950 Scotiabank branches and 3,600 ABMs across Canada.
  • Personalized support at the branches in the language that’s most comfortable to you.

View branch locations

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Because your experience here is about more than just your education.

Get advice on all things Canadian.

Personal stories, articles and resources to help you settle in sooner.

Personal stories, articles and resources to help you navigate student life.

Learn more about life in Canada

Have questions? We have answers.

Our StartRight™ Program support team is here to help.

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  • †Scotiabank StartRight Program, created for Canadian Permanent residents from 0–5 years in Canada, International Students and Foreign Workers.
  • 1Additional fees apply for shared ABM services, cross-border debit transactions and other banking services not included in the Student Banking Advantage Plan account package. Qualifying students are full-time students enrolled at a Canadian university, community college, CEGEP or other recognized post-secondary institution. To take advantage of the Student Banking Advantage Plan account benefits, you will need to provide your branch with proof that you are enrolled full-time at a qualifying postsecondary institution each academic year prior to November 30.th When you are no longer enrolled full-time or you have not presented proof of enrolment, the plan will be removed and the account will automatically be converted to an account that is suitable to you based on your recent transaction behaviour.
  • 2Fees may initially be charged for e-transfers in excess of 99 in a month but will be reversed in the subsequent month.
  • 3Foreign currency exchange rates apply. A transfer needs to be made from an eligible Scotiabank Chequing or Savings account.
  • 4This is not intended to solicit transactions that are not permitted in the applicable jurisdictions.
  • 5Scotiabank cannot accept more than one wire payment per family and such payment cannot exceed CAD $50,000. You are responsible to ensure that your wire payment to Scotiabank in Canada, including the amount, is in compliance with the local laws of your country.
  • 6Subject to credit approval. To be eligible, you must be a participant in the Scotiabank StartRight Program. To qualify for a credit card, you must be a resident of Canada and the age of majority in your province/territory where you live. Your approval for a credit card and the credit limit assigned will be determined based on Scotiabank’s credit criteria, including your verifiable income and credit history (If available). The credit limit amount of up to $5,000 under the Scotiabank StartRight Program is subject to change by Scotiabank from time to time without prior notice. A credit history in Canada is not required in order to be eligible for a credit card under the Scotiabank StartRight Program
  • 7Scene+ Visa Credit Card cardholders will receive points for purchases made with their Scene+ Visa Credit Card. Scene+ Visa Credit Card cards must be connected to a SCENE membership in order to earn points. SCENE Points can only be redeemed at participating Cineplex Entertainment†† theatres or scene.ca. Points are not awarded for cash advances, credit vouchers, returns, interest charges or service/transactions charges, balance transfers and Scotia® Credit Card Cheques. Some conditions and limitations apply. Visit www.scotiabank.com/scenevisa for complete details.
  • ◊ Interac e-Transfer is a registered trade-mark of Interac Corp. Used under license.
  • ® Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia.
  • *Visa Int./Licensed User.
  • ††Cineplex Entertainment LP, used under license.
  • †Scotiabank StartRight Program, created for Canadian Permanent residents from 0–5 years in Canada, International Students and Foreign Workers.
  • 1Additional fees apply for shared ABM services, cross-border debit transactions and other banking services not included in the Student Banking Advantage Plan account package. Qualifying students are full-time students enrolled at a Canadian university, community college, CEGEP or other recognized post-secondary institution. To take advantage of the Student Banking Advantage Plan account benefits, you will need to provide your branch with proof that you are enrolled full-time at a qualifying postsecondary institution each academic year prior to November 30.th When you are no longer enrolled full-time or you have not presented proof of enrolment, the plan will be removed and the account will automatically be converted to an account that is suitable to you based on your recent transaction behaviour.
  • 2Fees may initially be charged for e-transfers in excess of 99 in a month but will be reversed in the subsequent month.
  • 3Foreign currency exchange rates apply. A transfer needs to be made from an eligible Scotiabank Chequing or Savings account.
  • 4Subject to credit approval. To be eligible, you must be a participant in the Scotiabank StartRight Program. To qualify for a credit card, you must be a resident of Canada and the age of majority in your province/territory where you live. Your approval for a credit card and the credit limit assigned will be determined based on Scotiabank’s credit criteria, including your verifiable income and credit history (If available). The credit limit amount of up to $5,000 under the Scotiabank StartRight Program is subject to change by Scotiabank from time to time without prior notice. A credit history in Canada is not required in order to be eligible for a credit card under the Scotiabank StartRight Program
  • 5SCENE VISA cardholders will receive points for purchases made with their SCENE VISA card. SCENE VISA cards must be connected to a SCENE membership in order to earn points. SCENE Points can only be redeemed at participating Cineplex Entertainment† theatres or scene.ca. Points are not awarded for cash advances, credit vouchers, returns, interest charges or service/transactions charges, balance transfers and Scotia® Credit Card Cheques. Some conditions and limitations apply. Visit www.scotiabank.com/scenevisa for complete details.
  • ◊ Interac e-Transfer is a registered trade-mark of Interac Corp. Used under license.
  • ® Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia.
  • ®* Registered trademark of SCENE IP LP, used under license.
  • *Visa Int./Licensed User.
  • ††Cineplex Entertainment LP, used under license.