Canada Student Grants and Loans

FederalStudentsChecked October 2, 2026

The federal government gives grants and loans to help pay for college or university. Grants don't need to be paid back, but loans do. Grants are free money for school. One application through your province or territory is usually assessed for both federal and provincial aid.

How much

Depends on your financial need, family situation and province. For 2026–27, full-time students can get up to $4,200 a year ($525 per month of study); a one-person family gets the full grant under $38,474 gross income and none at $69,987 or more. Students with dependants can get up to $2,240 a year ($280 a month) per dependant on top. Grants do not need to be repaid; loan repayment starts 6 months after your studies end.

When it's paid

Funding is released for each study period after your application is approved and enrolment is confirmed.

Who qualifies

Students with low to middle incomes
Students with dependants
Students with disabilities
Enrolled at an eligible school (most private for-profit schools lost full-time grant eligibility from August 1, 2026)

How to apply

Apply through your province or territory's student aid office
One application is usually assessed for both federal and provincial aid
Confirm your enrolment with your school
Re-apply each school year

What to have ready

Social Insurance Number
Income information (yours, and parents' or spouse's if required)
School and program details
Proof of disability if applying for disability supports

Add to a printable checklist with other benefits

Common mistakes to avoid

Missing provincial deadlines
Forgetting to re-apply each year
Choosing a private for-profit school without checking eligibility

Still being confirmed: Part-time and disability grant maximums, residency/status rules, interest and repayment-assistance details were not confirmed. Students already funded at affected private schools may continue until July 31, 2029 (not re-checked). Check the official page for the latest details.

Official sources

Last checked against these pages on October 2, 2026.

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BenefitCanada is independent and not affiliated with any government. This guide summarizes official sources in plain language; rules and amounts change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.