Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Important Update for 2025–2026:
The Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities provides up to $20,000 per year for approved disability-related education costs. Unlike most Canada Student Grants, this amount is not based on financial need — it is determined by the actual cost of the approved services and equipment you require. A separate application is required.
Students with permanent disabilities often rely on specialized services and equipment to participate fully in post-secondary education — from note-taking support and tutoring to text-to-speech software and braille readers. These resources can be costly, and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities (CSG-DSE) is designed to cover those exceptional education-related costs directly.
This grant is separate from — and can be received in addition to — the Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities, which provides a fixed $2,800 per year toward general education costs.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Have a permanent disability — a physical or mental impairment that is expected to remain for life, restricts your daily activities, and affects your ability to pursue studies or participate in the workforce. Students with a persistent or prolonged disability may also qualify under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program’s expanded definition.
- Provide proof of your disability with your application — for example, a medical certificate, a psycho-educational assessment, or documentation showing you receive federal or provincial permanent disability assistance.
- Include a written letter from a qualified authority (such as a disability coordinator at your institution or a recognized disability organization) confirming that you require the specific services or equipment to study effectively.
- Provide the exact cost of the services or equipment you are requesting in writing.
- Be enrolled full-time or part-time in a qualified program at a designated institution where students are eligible to receive Canada Student Loans and Grants.
- Not be a resident of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, or Quebec — these provinces and territories run their own student financial aid programs and do not participate in the federal grant.
Pro Tip:
Contact the disability services or accessibility office at your preferred institution early — they play a key role in assessing and documenting your needs, and their involvement is typically required as part of the application. Gathering your paperwork and assessments well before your program starts can prevent funding delays.
What Services and Equipment Are Covered?
Funding is determined by your individual disability-related needs, as assessed by your institution’s disability coordinator. Examples of eligible services and equipment include:
| Services | Equipment & Technology |
|---|---|
| Note-taking | Text-to-speech software |
| Tutoring | Braille readers and embossers |
| Interpreters | Screen magnification software |
| Scribes | Alternative input devices |
| Attendant care (education-related) | FM hearing systems |
| Sign language interpretation | Specialized computers or tablets |
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Approved items are determined on a case-by-case basis based on your documented disability-related functional limitations.
How to Apply
This grant requires a separate application form — it is not automatically assessed through the standard student aid application. To apply:
- Contact your province or territory’s student financial assistance office to obtain the correct application form.
- Have your institution’s disability services office or a recognized disability organization complete the portion of the form identifying your required services and equipment.
- Submit the completed form along with your proof of disability, the written letter from a qualified authority, and documentation of the exact costs of the services or equipment required.
Your application will be assessed to determine your eligibility and the most efficient and cost-effective way to support your disability-related learning needs. Note that funding can only be used to purchase services and equipment that have been specifically approved — any purchases beyond what was approved may be considered an overpayment and deducted from future loan allowances.
How Much Can You Get?
Eligible students can receive up to $20,000 per school year through this grant, for each year of studies as long as they continue to qualify. The school year runs from August 1 to July 31.
Unlike most Canada Student Grants, this amount is not based on your assessed financial need — it is determined by the actual approved cost of the services and equipment you require. You will receive exactly what is needed to cover those approved costs, up to the $20,000 annual maximum.
This grant can be received in addition to the Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities ($2,800/year), meaning eligible students could access up to $22,800 per year in combined non-repayable disability-related grant funding.
Other Federal Financial Aid Options
If you don’t qualify for this grant, or need additional support beyond what it covers, explore other options including Canada Student Loans, Federal Student Scholarships, and Federal Student Bursaries.
Ready to explore your options? Find schools today!
