Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Important Update for 2026–2027:
Canada Student Grants are non-repayable — unlike student loans, you do not pay them back as long as you remain eligible throughout your study period. The 40% increase to grant amounts for full-time students, part-time students, students with disabilities, and students with dependants has been extended for 2026–2027. One application through the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) can assess you for multiple grants at once.
Paying for post-secondary education is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. But if you’re a Canadian student, you don’t have to face it alone. The federal government offers a range of Canada Student Grants — non-repayable funding that helps cover tuition, living costs, and disability supports without adding to your debt.
Unlike Canada Student Loans, grants do not need to be repaid. Depending on your income, family size, and circumstances, you may qualify for one or more grants in a single application.
This page gives you an overview of every Canada Student Grant available for 2025–2026, who each one is for, and where to find full program details.
Grants vs. Loans: What’s the Difference?
Both grants and loans are accessed through the same federal student aid application, but they work very differently:
- Canada Student Grants are non-repayable. If you meet the eligibility conditions, you keep the money.
- Canada Student Loans are repayable after you leave school, though interest-free while you study.
- One application assesses you for both — you do not need to apply separately for grants.
- Grant amounts are based on your income, family size, enrolment status, and specific circumstances such as having dependants or a disability.
In many cases, your total federal aid package will include a mix of grants and loans. Maximizing your grant eligibility reduces how much you ultimately need to borrow.
Pro Tip:
When you apply for federal student aid, you are automatically assessed for Canada Student Grants — there is no separate grant application. Make sure your income and family information is accurate so you receive the maximum grant amount you’re entitled to.
Canada Student Grants at a Glance
There are several Canada Student Grants, each targeting a different group of students. Below is a summary of each program, with links to full details where available.
Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students
The primary federal grant for students enrolled full-time at a designated post-secondary institution. Eligibility and grant size are based on your family income — lower-income students receive higher amounts.
Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students
Supports students studying part-time who have lower household incomes. Covers tuition and books for students who cannot attend school full-time due to work, family, or other obligations.
Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students with Dependants
Designed for full-time students who are supporting children or other dependants while studying. Provides additional funding per dependant to help manage the cost of childcare and family living expenses.
Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants
Helps part-time students who are caring for children or dependants while pursuing their education on a reduced course load. The amount depends on family size and financial need.
Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities
Provides non-repayable funding to students whose permanent disability affects their ability to participate in post-secondary education. Does not need to be repaid and can be combined with other grants.
Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment
Covers the cost of specialized services and equipment that students with permanent disabilities need to participate in post-secondary education — including note-takers, interpreters, assistive technology, and more.
Important:
Grant amounts listed above are maximums. The amount you actually receive depends on your assessed financial need, income, family size, and the length of your study period. Apply early — processing can take several weeks.
Who Can Apply for Canada Student Grants?
Most Canada Student Grants share a common set of baseline eligibility requirements. To qualify, you generally must:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number
- Be enrolled in an eligible program at a designated post-secondary institution
- Demonstrate financial need as assessed through the federal aid application
- Be in good standing on any previous student loans
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress while receiving funding
Additional eligibility criteria apply to specific grants. For example, the dependants grants require that you have children or other qualifying dependants, and the disability grants require documented proof of a permanent disability.
How Do You Apply?
Canada Student Grants are accessed through the same application as Canada Student Loans. You do not fill out a separate grant application. Here’s how the process works:
- Apply through your province or territory. Student aid applications are managed provincially. You apply through your home province’s student aid office, which then forwards your information to the federal system.
- Submit income and family information. Accurate income documentation is essential. Grant eligibility — especially for the income-based grants — depends on your reported household income.
- Receive your Notice of Assessment. Once processed, you’ll receive a breakdown of your full aid package, including any grants you qualify for, through the NSLSC.
- Funding is disbursed to your school. Grant funds are typically applied directly to your student account or sent to your institution at the start of each term.
Pro Tip:
If you have a permanent disability, start gathering your documentation early. Disability-related grants often require additional forms and verification that can delay processing if not submitted upfront.
Can Grants Be Combined?
Yes. Many students receive more than one grant in the same year. For example, a full-time student with a low income and a dependant may qualify for both the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students and the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students with Dependants simultaneously.
Your Notice of Assessment will show all grants you’ve been approved for. In most cases, grants are applied before loans, which helps reduce the total amount of debt you take on.
Other Federal Funding Options
Canada Student Grants are one piece of the federal student aid picture. Depending on your situation, you may also want to explore:
- Canada Student Loans — repayable federal funding for tuition and living costs
- Federal Student Scholarships — merit-based awards that don’t require repayment
- Federal Student Bursaries — need-based awards for students facing financial hardship
Your province may also have its own grants and loans programs that work alongside federal funding. Check your provincial funding overview for the programs available where you live.
Ready to find a school and start your application? Explore eligible programs today.
