Canada Student Grants Explained

Among the sources of student funding in Canada, grants are the best kind: money you generally do not have to repay. The federal government provides grants aimed at particular groups of students, and many provinces add their own. Because they are assessed along with loans, students often receive a grant without realizing it, or miss out because they did not apply at all.

The program names, amounts and eligibility rules change over time, so this guide avoids exact figures. Check the official federal and provincial sites for the current details. This is general information, not financial advice.

What the grants are

Canada Student Grants are federal non-repayable funds for eligible students at designated post-secondary institutions. They are intended to reduce the cost of study for groups who face higher barriers or costs. Grants are part of a wider system that also includes loans, scholarships and provincial grants. Our guide to OSAP and Canada student loans explains how the layers fit together.

Who they are designed to help

The grants have been targeted at several groups, though categories and amounts change.

• Students from lower-income families, for full-time study.
• Students from middle-income families, with smaller amounts, at times.
• Students with permanent disabilities, to help with costs of study and support.
• Students with dependants, to help with childcare and family costs.
• Part-time students, who may have different grants and thresholds.
• Students in particular programs or situations, where special measures exist.

Check the current list on the official site, since programs are updated, and some have been added or changed in response to policy decisions.

How assessment works

For most students, the grant is assessed as part of your provincial or territorial application. The assessment considers:

• Family income and size, for dependent students.
• Your own income and circumstances, for independent students.
• Whether you study full time or part time.
• Your costs, including tuition and living expenses.
• Your situation, such as disability or dependants.

If your assessed need is high enough, and you meet the other criteria, you receive a grant instead of, or in addition to, a loan. The notice of assessment shows how much of your aid is a grant and how much is a loan.

How they differ from loans

Because grants reduce borrowing, they are well worth claiming. If you are eligible, accept the grant, and consider whether you need the full loan you are offered.

How to apply

In most provinces and territories, you apply through the provincial program, and your application is also assessed for federal grants. Steps include:

1. Check your province's application dates, and apply early.
2. Create an account and complete the form for the academic year.
3. Provide accurate income information for yourself, your parents or your spouse.
4. Supply documents for any special circumstances, such as a disability or dependants.
5. Review your notice of assessment.
6. Confirm your enrollment so funds can be released.
7. Keep your information current, and report changes.

If you have a disability or other special circumstances, ask the aid office about additional documentation and support early.

Keeping a grant

To keep a grant, you generally need to:

• Remain enrolled in an eligible program at the required study load.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress, as defined by your school and the program.
• Reapply each year, since aid is assessed annually.
• Report changes in your circumstances.
• Avoid withdrawing without checking the effects.

If you withdraw or reduce your study load, some or all of your funding may have to be repaid, and your future eligibility may be affected. Talk to the aid office before making a change.

What may reduce or end eligibility

• A change in study load, such as moving from full time to part time.
• Leaving the program, or being no longer enrolled.
• Changes in income that raise or lower assessed need.
• Exceeding funding limits for the length of study.
• Providing incorrect information.
• Missing deadlines or requirements.

If you think your circumstances have changed, contact the aid office, as reassessment may help.

Combining with other support

Grants work alongside other sources, including:

• Provincial grants and bursaries.
• Institutional scholarships and bursaries.
• Outside scholarships.
• Employment income and savings.
• Registered savings, such as a family education plan.
• Loans, if needed.

Tell your school about any additional awards, and ask whether they affect your aid. Our guide to RESPs explained describes one form of family savings that sits alongside grants.

A worked example

Imagine a student from a family with a modest income who applies to her provincial program in the spring. She completes the form with her parents' income details and lists her program and school. Her notice of assessment shows a combination of federal grant, provincial grant and a smaller loan than she expected. She accepts the grants in full, takes only the part of the loan she needs and plans her budget around the dates the money will arrive.

Had she skipped the application because she assumed her family earned too much, she would have missed the grants altogether. The lesson is the same as in other countries: apply, and let the assessment decide.

Students with disabilities

Students with permanent disabilities may be able to receive grants to help with the costs of study, such as equipment, services and other supports. Eligibility usually involves documentation from a qualified professional and an assessment by the aid office. Start early, because gathering documents can take time. Ask your school's accessibility services office about additional supports that are separate from government grants, since many institutions provide their own.

Students with dependants

Students who care for children or other dependants may be eligible for additional grants, which recognize the added costs of childcare and family support. Keep records of your household and any childcare costs, and report changes such as a new child or a change in custody. Ask your school about family-friendly supports such as childcare, flexible timetables and emergency funds.

Part-time and mature students

Part-time students sometimes have separate grants and different rules about study load and income. Mature students, who may be independent for assessment purposes, are assessed on their own income, which can change their eligibility. If you are returning to study after working, check the rules that apply to you, and ask about help for students changing careers.

Questions to ask your aid office

1. Which of the grants in my notice are federal and which are provincial?
2. What happens to my grant if I change from full-time to part-time study?
3. Do I need to submit documents each year for a disability or dependants?
4. Can I appeal if my family's circumstances change during the year?
5. Are there school bursaries or emergency funds that I can apply for as well?

Write down the answers, note the date and keep them with your records so you can refer back later.

Appeals and reassessment

If your situation changes in a significant way, such as a drop in family income, a change in marital status or a new dependant, you can usually ask for a reassessment. Gather documents, explain what changed and ask the aid office how to submit the request. Be prompt, since changes may affect only future payments.

Common mistakes

• Not applying because you assume you will not qualify.
• Applying late.
• Failing to provide documents for special circumstances.
• Confusing federal and provincial programs.
• Withdrawing without checking the consequences.
• Not reapplying each year.
• Not reading the notice of assessment.

A quick checklist

• Have I applied through my provincial program?
• Do I understand which parts of my aid are grants?
• Have I submitted documents for special circumstances?
• Do I know what could reduce or end my grant?
• Have I planned to reapply each year?

Final thoughts

Grants reduce what you need to borrow, so they deserve your attention. Apply early, provide full documents, keep your study load steady and reapply each year. The official sites have the current details for your province.