International students in Canada have countless opportunities to save money on essential goods and services through exclusive discounts and special offers. Many retailers and service providers cater to students, offering reduced prices on groceries, school supplies, clothing, and electronics. For those juggling studies and a budget, these savings make managing everyday expenses significantly easier. Additionally, popular brands and local businesses frequently provide student discounts, further stretching your dollar.
Beyond daily necessities, students can also enjoy affordable options for luxury items and services, such as dining, entertainment, and travel. Discounts on mobile phone plans, internet packages, and streaming services ensure students stay connected without overspending.
Top Student Discounts on Food in Canada
Students in Canada can enjoy a variety of food and grocery discounts from different merchants. At Food Basics, a budget grocery store, students can receive a 10% discount on Tuesdays for in-store purchases. To take advantage of this offer, students must show valid identification at checkout, and it’s only available at select Ontario locations such as Guelph, Hamilton, Kingston, Oxford St., London, and Windsor.
At Bulk Barn, students can access a 15% discount every Wednesday on regular-priced items when they present valid student ID, which could be from high school, college, or university. This discount can be combined with other offers but cannot be used for gift cards. Lastly, UberEats offers a special $4.99/month deal on the Uber One membership, which includes free delivery and 10% off orders from participating stores. Students must verify eligibility by submitting their school details, including email, name, and birthday (18+ required).
Retailers offering price matching
Many retailers also provide price-matching programs, where they will match the price of an item if it is available at a lower price from a local competitor. Here’s a breakdown of some stores offering price matching and their respective policies:
No Frills
- Type: Budget grocery store
- Price-matching policy: Matches the price of identical and comparable items if they are offered for less at a competitor store.
Real Canadian Superstore
- Type: Supermarket and department store
- Price-matching policy: Will sell identical items for 1¢ less than the competitor’s advertised price.
Giant Tiger
- Type: Budget grocery and department store
- Price-matching policy: Allows both online and in-store shoppers to request price matching for items available at a competitor’s lower price.
Students across Canada can take advantage of similar price-matching programs at stores like Save on Foods, Maxi, and IGA. Each retailer provides full details on their price-matching terms and conditions on their official policy pages.
Terms and conditions
No Frills
If a competitor supermarket in the area advertises a lower price on the same or a comparable item, No Frills will match the price if customers present the competitor’s ad within the valid dates of the promotion. The list of local competitors eligible for price matching can be checked at each No Frills location.
Real Canadian Superstore
The store’s “Lowest Price” policy ensures customers will get an item for 1¢ less than a competitor’s price if a discount supermarket in the area offers the same item at a lower price. Customers must provide the competitor’s flyer, either printed or digital. The policy applies to identical products or comparable private label items.
Giant Tiger
Customers can present a current advertisement for an identical product at a lower price, and Giant Tiger will sell the item for 1¢ less than the competitor’s price.
Free or Discounted Software for Students
Many software and subscription services offer special deals for students, allowing them to access premium tools at reduced prices or even for free. Below are some of the most popular offers:
Microsoft
Teams: Free access to Microsoft Teams is available to students and educators. To qualify, they must confirm their school email through Microsoft’s verification system.
Microsoft 365: Students attending registered post-secondary institutions are eligible for a 50% discount on Microsoft 365. This includes full access to Microsoft Office programs, as well as potential bundles with Microsoft hardware and additional services.
Spotify
Spotify Premium: Students enrolled in accredited institutions can get Spotify Premium for $5.99 per month, with the first month free. Note that this offer is not available to previous Premium subscribers or to residents of Quebec. It is only for those currently studying at an accredited institution.
Amazon
Prime Student: Amazon Prime is available to students at 50% off ($4.99 CAD per month) until their 25th birthday, with the first six months being free. Quebec residents have a different offer, where they pay $7.99 per month for the first seven months, without a free trial. To qualify, students must verify their status or age, with several verification options available.
Discount Cards for International Students in Canada
International students in Canada can obtain two cards, each providing a variety of discounts and offers:
- Student Price Card (SPC): Enjoy savings of up to 25% with over 450 discounts available.
- International Student Identity Card (ISIC): Access numerous discounts globally, covering travel, shopping, museums, and more.
SPC Card (Student Price Card)
The SPC (Student Price Card) is one of the most popular discount programs for students in Canada, offering a membership that costs $11.99 CAD per year. By joining, students gain access to over 450 discounts, with savings of up to 25% on a wide range of brands and products. These discounts span various categories, including fashion, electronics, food, and more.
In addition to the membership benefits, SPC’s official website regularly highlights special promotions and discount offers that are available to cardholders.
To be eligible for the SPC card, students must provide proof of enrollment with an eligible student ID when signing up. Additionally, they may be required to show their student ID when redeeming discounts at participating stores. The SPC card is valid for one full year from the date it is activated, after which the membership needs to be renewed to continue enjoying the discounts.
ISIC Card (International Student Identity Card)
The ISIC (International Student Identity Card) is a globally recognized student ID that is available to both international and domestic students. It is the only student ID card that is recognized worldwide, with over 4.5 million students in 130 countries using it every year. The ISIC card offers access to a wide variety of discounts, particularly for travel, shopping, museums, and other student-related activities, both within Canada and internationally.
Students can conveniently manage their ISIC membership through the ISIC mobile app. This app allows cardholders to access their digital ISIC card, explore available discounts, save preferred offers, and easily redeem discounts wherever they go.
To qualify for an ISIC card, students must provide proof of full-time enrollment at a recognized educational institution such as a school, college, or university. To verify their status, students must submit one of the following documents:
- A copy of their current student or university ID, which should clearly state that they are enrolled as a full-time student and include a valid date.
- A signed and dated letter from the institution on official letterhead, confirming full-time student status. Although original documents are preferred, photocopies or faxed copies may be accepted in some cases.
In addition to proof of enrollment, students must also provide:
- Proof of their date of birth (e.g., passport, birth certificate, or national identity card).
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- ISIC cardholders can easily find available discounts and offers by using the free ISIC mobile app, which provides detailed information about special deals.
Other Key Resources for Students
Students have access to a variety of platforms and services that provide exclusive discounts and offers on different products and services. Here are some key resources:
StudentBeans
StudentBeans is a discount platform designed to connect students with a wide selection of deals across several categories, including health, beauty, technology, and more. The program specifically caters to Canadian students, offering discounts in Canadian dollars. By registering on StudentBeans, students can access a variety of offers and shop from well-known retailers, all while saving money on products that are relevant to their lifestyle.
UNiDAYS
UNiDAYS is another popular discount platform that offers students access to exclusive deals from numerous brands and retailers. Students who are 16 years of age or older can register for free and gain access to discounts across a broad spectrum of categories, such as fashion, electronics, fitness, and wellness. With UNiDAYS, students can shop and save on a variety of products while enjoying special offers curated just for them.
Campus Resources
Most educational institutions provide various resources on campus that help students access discounts and special offers. Many colleges and universities have student offices or student resource centers where students can find valuable information on available deals, school-specific programs, and other benefits. These resources are an excellent starting point for discovering discounts that apply to everyday needs, as well as exclusive student promotions.
Student Unions and Local Business Partnerships
Student unions are instrumental in negotiating discounts and exclusive deals with both local businesses and major national or international brands. They frequently collaborate with retailers, restaurants, service providers, and other businesses to offer unique savings opportunities for students. These deals may include discounts on dining, services, entertainment, and more.
Campus-Specific Sales and Giveaways
In addition to the broader discounts available, many universities and colleges organize campus-specific sales, events, and giveaways. These might include second-hand markets for textbooks and school supplies, special sales on clothing or tech products, or free giveaways organized by various campus groups. Students can check with their campus office or student union to stay updated on these opportunities and take full advantage of them.
By exploring these platforms and campus resources, students can maximize their savings and gain access to a wide range of products and services at discounted prices.
Conclusion
For international students in Canada, numerous special deals and discounts can ease the financial burden while studying. By leveraging programs like SPC, ISIC, StudentBeans, and campus-specific offers, students can save significantly on everyday purchases. These discounts make moving to Canada and obtaining a study permit even more rewarding, enhancing the overall student experience.