Discounts and offers for international students in Canada

Discounts and Offers for International Students in Canada (2024)

Canada is a top destination for international students seeking world-class education and vibrant cultural experiences. To ease their financial burden, several Canadian organizations, retailers, and service providers offer discounts and special deals tailored for international students. This guide explores the most popular discounts available in 2024, how to make the most of them, and how Visas Abroad Services LLP can assist you throughout your journey.

Food and Grocery Discounts for Students in Canada

Canadian students can take advantage of numerous discounts on food and groceries from various merchants, making it easier to manage their living expenses. Here’s a detailed breakdown of popular discounts and price-matching programs:

Discounted Food and Grocery Offers for Students

1. Food Basics

• Store Type: Budget grocery store
• Student Discount: 10% off every Tuesday
• Terms and Conditions:
  • Available for in-store purchases only.
  • Students must present valid identification (student ID) at checkout.
  • The offer is limited to select Ontario stores, including Guelph, Hamilton, Kingston, Oxford St. (London), and Windsor.

2. Bulk Barn

• Store Type: Bulk food store
• Student Discount: 15% off every Wednesday
• Terms and Conditions:
  • Students must present a valid high school, college, or university ID to avail of the discount.
  • The offer applies only to regular-priced items and can be combined with select promotions like $3 off or $5 off coupons.
  • Restrictions may apply during special promotional periods, and the discount is not valid on gift card purchases.

3. Uber Eats

• Service Type: Food and grocery delivery
• Student Discount: $4.99 per month for an Uber One membership, which includes:
  • $0 delivery fees on eligible orders.
  • 10% off orders at participating stores.
• Terms and Conditions:
  • To qualify, students must verify their eligibility by providing:
    • First and last name.
    • Birthdate (must be 18 or older).
    • School email address.
    • School name.

Price-Matching Policies at Grocery Stores

Many stores in Canada also offer price-matching programs, ensuring students can shop smartly by finding the best deals locally.

1. No Frills

• Store Type: Budget grocery store
• Policy: Matches prices on identical and comparable items available at lower prices from local competitors.

2. Real Canadian Superstore

• Store Type: Supermarket and department store
• Policy: Matches the price of an identical item and sells it for 1¢ less than the competitor’s advertised price.

3. Giant Tiger

• Store Type: Budget grocery and department store
• Policy: Offers price matching for both online and in-store purchases on competitor-priced items.

4. Additional Stores with Price-Matching Programs

• Save-On-Foods, Maxi, and IGA: These stores also have price-matching policies. Students should visit each store’s website or policy page for complete terms and conditions.

How Students Can Maximize Savings

1. Leverage Student ID Cards: Always carry a valid student ID to unlock these offers.
2. Plan Shopping Days: Schedule grocery runs on discount days, such as Tuesdays for Food Basics or Wednesdays for Bulk Barn.
3. Explore Loyalty Programs: Enroll in grocery store loyalty programs to earn additional savings or rewards.
4. Use Price-Matching Effectively: Check competitor prices before heading to the store, and bring proof (e.g., flyers or app screenshots).

By utilizing these discounts and price-matching programs, students in Canada can significantly reduce their monthly food and grocery expenses.

1. Key Discounts Available for International Students in Canada

a) Transportation Discounts

1. Public Transit Passes:
   • Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal provide discounted monthly transit passes to students.
   • Example: Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) offers student discounts of up to 30%.
2. Rail and Bus Services:
   • VIA Rail provides a 10%-20% discount for students with an ISIC (International Student Identity Card).
   • Greyhound Canada offers affordable intercity travel options for students.

b) Technology Discounts

1. Laptops and Software:
   • Apple, Microsoft, and Dell offer discounts on laptops and software for students with valid student ID cards.
   • Example: Microsoft Office 365 is free for students with a valid educational email ID.
2. Internet Plans:
   • Internet providers like Rogers and Bell provide affordable plans or discounts to students, often bundled with student-friendly perks.

c) Retail and Grocery Discounts

1. Clothing Stores:
   • Retailers like H&M, Adidas, and Topshop offer discounts of 10%-15% for students.
2. Grocery Chains:
   • Chains like Loblaws and Sobeys provide loyalty programs with cashback and occasional discounts for students.

d) Entertainment and Leisure Discounts

1. Movie Tickets:
   • Cineplex offers discounted tickets on certain days of the week for students.
2. Museum and Park Passes:
   • Museums like the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) provide reduced entry fees for students.
   • Parks Canada offers a free Discovery Pass for students to explore national parks.

e) Banking Perks

• Banks such as Scotiabank and RBC provide student accounts with zero monthly fees and perks like free international money transfers.

2. How to Access These Discounts

Explore more

1. Carry Your Student ID:
   Always have your student ID card or International Student Identity Card (ISIC) with you to avail of discounts.
2. Check University Partnerships:
   Many universities collaborate with local businesses to offer exclusive student discounts.
3. Sign Up for Loyalty Programs:
   Enroll in loyalty programs of grocery stores, retail outlets, and online platforms.
4. Download Student Discount Apps:
   Apps like UNiDAYS and SPC (Student Price Card) are excellent resources for finding ongoing discounts.

3. Current Updates on Discounts for 2024

• New Digital Discount Cards: Several provinces are introducing digital student discount cards to simplify access to benefits.
• Enhanced Public Transit Offers: Vancouver is testing an expanded student pass system, offering additional perks such as discounts at local eateries.
• Partnerships with Tech Companies: Universities are partnering with tech firms to provide free or heavily discounted software and devices.

4. How Visas Abroad Services LLP Can Help

Visas Abroad Services LLP, located in Gaur City Mall, Noida, is India’s leading immigration company. With their expertise, international students can navigate the complexities of studying and living in Canada.

Services Offered by Visas Abroad Services LLP:

1. Comprehensive Guidance:
   • Assistance in selecting the right university and program based on your preferences and budget.
2. Visa Application Assistance:
   • Expert help in applying for a student visa with thorough documentation support.
3. Pre-Departure Support:
   • Guidance on availing student discounts, opening bank accounts, and securing accommodation in Canada.
4. Post-Arrival Assistance:
   • Support in obtaining your SIN (Social Insurance Number) and navigating Canadian life.

Visas Abroad ensures that you make the most of your time in Canada, both academically and financially.

5. Benefits of Utilizing These Discounts

1. Save Money:
   • Reduce your living expenses significantly by using student discounts on essentials like food, transport, and technology.
2. Access Exclusive Perks:
   • Enjoy perks such as free access to parks, discounted tech gadgets, and affordable leisure activities.
3. Build a Better Budget:
   • Stretch your budget to cover more experiences, like traveling across Canada or participating in extracurricular activities.

6. Why Choose Visas Abroad Services LLP?

• Proven Expertise: Years of experience in guiding students to achieve their Canadian education dreams.
• Personalized Service: Tailored solutions based on individual needs.
• Transparency: No hidden fees or charges, ensuring trust and reliability.
• Location Advantage: Convenient office location at Gaur City Mall, Noida, making it easy for applicants to connect.

Conclusion

Canada offers a plethora of discounts and benefits for international students, making it an attractive destination for higher education. From transportation to tech, these perks ease the financial strain of studying abroad. For those looking to make this dream a reality, Visas Abroad Services LLP provides unmatched support, ensuring a seamless transition to student life in Canada.

Take the first step toward a brighter future—contact Visas Abroad Services LLP today!