Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Important Update for 2025–2026:
For the 2025–2026 school year, the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students has been extended at the temporarily increased amount of $525 per month of study (up to $4,200 per year). This 40% increase over pre-pandemic levels applies until July 31, 2026. Note that starting in 2026–2027, eligibility changes are planned for students at private career colleges — see below for details.
Federal Student Grants, also known as Canada Student Grants, might cover a part of your full-time academic costs without you having to repay the money. We all day-dream about pursuing full-time programs to enhance our skills, but the fear of accumulating student debt can hold us back. Canada Student Grants may be the bridge that connects you to your career goals.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in a full-time program — an undergraduate degree, diploma, or certificate — at a designated institution. The program must be at least two years (60 weeks) in duration.
- Demonstrate financial need as assessed through your provincial or territorial student aid application.
- Have a family income below the maximum income threshold for your family size (see table below).
- Not reside in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, or Quebec — these provinces and territories have their own student financial aid programs and do not participate in the federal grant program.
Income Thresholds for Eligibility (2025–2026)
Your eligibility and grant amount are based on your family’s gross annual income from the previous tax year and the number of people in your family. The table below outlines the thresholds for receiving the maximum grant and for qualifying for any grant at all.
| Family Size | Maximum Grant (income below) | Any Grant (income below) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $32,102 | $63,615 |
| 2 people | $45,399 | $89,004 |
| 3 people | $55,602 | $106,278 |
| 4 people | $64,204 | $117,021 |
| 5 people | $71,782 | $126,929 |
| 6 people | $78,634 | $136,236 |
| 7+ people | $84,933 | $144,457 |
Note: Income thresholds are set by the Government of Canada and may be adjusted annually. Always confirm current thresholds at Canada.ca.
How to Apply
You do not need to submit a separate application for the Canada Student Grant. When you apply for student aid through your province or territory, you are automatically assessed for both provincial and federal loans and grants at the same time. One application can open the door to multiple types of funding.
How Much Can You Get?
For the 2025–2026 school year, eligible students can receive up to $525 per month of study, or up to $4,200 per year. The exact amount depends on your assessed financial need and family income. The school year runs from August 1 to July 31.
This amount reflects a 40% temporary increase over the pre-pandemic (2019–2020) base amounts, which has been extended through July 31, 2026.
Important Update for 2026–2027:
Starting August 1, 2026, Budget 2025 proposes to limit the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students to students at public institutions and not-for-profit private institutions. Students at private career colleges in programs of less than two years are not affected by this change. Longer programs at private career colleges may no longer qualify for the federal grant. Confirm your institution’s eligibility before enrolling.
Other Federal Financial Aid Options
If you are not eligible for the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students, there are other forms of federal support available. You can explore other Canada Student Grants, Canada Student Loans, Federal Student Scholarships, and Federal Student Bursaries.
Take the time to explore your options and speak with an advisor at your institution or provincial student aid office if you are unsure where to begin.
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