TORONTO, April 24, 2024 /CNW/ – As the pursuit of education becomes increasingly globalized, international students aspiring to study in Canada face a myriad of challenges, from navigating visa applications to managing finances in a new country. In a bid to streamline this process and empower students, TD and ApplyBoard have forged a strategic collaboration aimed at providing comprehensive support to international students embarking on their academic journey in Canada.

ApplyBoard, recognized as the leading student mobility platform, joins forces with TD, the second-largest bank in Canada, to offer tailored solutions to international students. Central to this collaboration is the TD International Student Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) Program, a pioneering initiative designed to enhance the study permit application process for prospective students planning to pursue their education in Canada.

“At TD, we recognize the transformative power of education and the importance of fostering an environment where international students can thrive,” stated Sona Mehta, Executive Vice President of Canadian Personal Banking, TD Bank Group. “Through our partnership with ApplyBoard, we aim to alleviate the challenges faced by international students by providing them with the necessary resources and guidance to navigate the complexities of studying abroad.”

The cornerstone of this collaboration is ApplyBoard’s innovative technology, which facilitates the provision of verifiable Proof of Financial Support through ApplyProof, bolstering study permit applications. By leveraging TD’s extensive experience and resources, international students gain access to a seamless and efficient process, ensuring a smooth transition to the Canadian academic landscape.

Meti Basiri, Co-Founder & CEO of ApplyBoard, expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential impact, stating, “With TD’s longstanding commitment to providing financial solutions and ApplyBoard’s position as a leader in student mobility, we are confident that international students will receive the support they need to excel in their academic pursuits.”

Under the TD International Student GIC Program, prospective students can open a GIC with TD via a user-friendly digital platform, eliminating cumbersome application procedures. Notably, students will commence earning interest prior to their arrival in Canada, thereby laying the groundwork for a financially secure future. Additionally, participants in the program are granted access to a TD Student Chequing Account, equipped with an array of benefits including no monthly plan fee (conditions apply) and unlimited transactions.

Beyond financial assistance, TD’s extensive branch network, boasting over 1,000 branches with the longest operating hours in the country, ensures that international students receive personalized support and guidance every step of the way. With advisors proficient in over 80 languages, students can rest assured that their unique needs will be catered to with utmost care and attention.

The program targets international students hailing from China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, Senegal, and Vietnam, who are eligible for the Government of Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) Program. In alignment with the government’s guidelines, the program adheres to the minimum financial requirement of $20,635 CAD, effective from January 1, 2024.

To discover more about the TD International Student GIC Program offered through ApplyBoard, prospective students are encouraged to visit www.applyboard.com/services/td-student-gic-program. By harnessing the synergies between TD and ApplyBoard, this collaboration aims to empower international students, facilitating a seamless transition into the vibrant academic landscape of Canada.