🍁 BenefitCanada

Going to school

Life eventChecked October 2, 2026

Students can get federal and provincial grants and loans, plus tax credits once they file. Savings in an RESP can also be withdrawn.

Your checklist

  1. Apply for student financial aid through your province

    One application covers both federal and provincial aid.

    Student aid

  2. Withdraw RESP savings, including grants

    The grant and bond are paid out for post-secondary studies.

    CESG CLB

  3. File a tax return each year

    You may get the Groceries and Essentials Benefit and provincial credits.

    CGEB OTB Crédit d'impôt pour solidarité

  4. Parents: check how a student child affects benefits

    Some benefits stop or change at 18 or 19.

    CCB

  5. Working while studying, check work credits

    Full-time students have special rules.

    CWB

Timing

Apply for student aid several weeks before classes. File taxes by April 30.

Province-specific notes

  • Quebec: Québec runs its own Aide financière aux études program.
  • Ontario: Students in residence have a small OTB property credit.

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.