Canada Student Grants are non-repayable federal funding that reduces how much you need to borrow for post-secondary education. Unlike loans, grants never need to be paid back. They are assessed automatically when you apply for student loans — no separate application is required for most grants.
Canada Student Grant Types at a Glance
| Grant | Who it’s for | Maximum per year |
|---|---|---|
| CSG — Full-Time (CSG-FT) | Low-to-middle income full-time students | Up to $3,000 (low income) |
| CSG — Part-Time (CSG-PT) | Part-time students with financial need | Up to $1,800 |
| CSG — Disabilities (CSG-PD) | Students with permanent disabilities | Up to $20,000 |
| CSG — Dependants (CSG-DEP) | Students with dependent children | Up to 60% of childcare costs |
| Bursary for Students with Disabilities | Students with permanent disabilities | Equipment/services funding |
All grants are assessed through your provincial student aid application. Amounts are indexed and may change year to year — confirm current maximums at canada.ca/student-aid or through your provincial office.
Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students (CSG-FT)
The CSG-FT is the most common and widely applicable grant. It targets undergraduate and college students based on family income.
| Income band | Annual CSG-FT (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Low income | Up to $3,000/year |
| Middle income | Up to $1,200/year |
| Above middle income threshold | $0 (not eligible) |
Who qualifies:
- Enrolled at least 60% of full course load (full-time student definition)
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
- Demonstrated financial need based on assessed family income
- Receiving or eligible for a Canada Student Loan
How it’s paid: The grant is disbursed alongside your loan at the start of each study period. It does not appear as a separate payment — it reduces the loan amount calculated in your assessment.
If you withdraw early: If you leave school before completing 60% of the study period, you may be required to repay a pro-rated portion of the grant. Remaining enrolled is a condition of the award.
Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students (CSG-PT)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum | Up to $1,800/year |
| Eligibility | Part-time enrolment (20–59% of full course load) |
| Income tested | Yes |
The CSG-PT helps part-time students who are working while studying, caring for dependants, or managing a disability. The income threshold is different from the full-time grant.
Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities (CSG-PD)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum | Up to $20,000/year |
| Eligibility | Permanent disability confirmed by medical documentation |
| Income tested | No — based on disability status, not income |
| Stacks with CSG-FT | Yes |
The CSG-PD is income-independent — it does not matter how much you earn or how much your parents earn. Students must provide documentation of a permanent disability (physical, sensory, learning, mental health, or chronic health condition that persists indefinitely).
The Bursary for Students with Disabilities (also known as the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Disabilities) covers specific disability-related costs such as:
- Assistive technology (screen readers, alternative keyboards, speech-to-text software)
- Note-taking services
- Tutors or interpreters
- Transportation for students unable to use public transit
This bursary is separate from the cash CSG-PD and requires an educational needs assessment.
Canada Student Grant for Students with Dependants (CSG-DEP)
| Enrolment status | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Full-time with dependants | Up to 60% of childcare costs |
| Part-time with dependants | Up to 60% of childcare costs |
Students with dependent children (or other eligible dependants) under a specific age can receive funding toward childcare costs incurred because of their studies. The grant covers a percentage of actual childcare expenses up to a maximum.
Eligible dependants: Children under 12 (or any age if the child has a disability) are typically eligible. Rules may also cover adult dependants with disabilities.
How Grants Are Assessed: the Automatic Process
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply for student loans through your provincial student aid office (one application) |
| 2 | Provincial office sends your file to Employment and Social Development Canada |
| 3 | Federal system assesses your income data and student circumstances |
| 4 | Grant eligibility is calculated automatically |
| 5 | Grant is built into your total assistance package |
| 6 | Funds (grant + loan) are disbursed at the start of your study period |
There is no separate grant application. You just apply for student loans through your province as normal.
Provincial Grants: What Stacks on Top
Most provinces also offer their own need-based grants that are assessed through the same application process. These stack on top of federal grants.
| Province | Provincial grant programs |
|---|---|
| Ontario | Ontario Student Grant (OSG) — OSAP rebate after 2 years of working in Ontario |
| British Columbia | BC Access Grant — up to $4,000/year for low-income students |
| Alberta | Alberta Student Grant — income-tested non-repayable component |
| Quebec | AFE Bursary — assessed through the Quebec system (separate from federal) |
| Others | Most provinces have need-based provincial bursaries assessed automatically |
Quebec operates an entirely separate student aid system (Aide financière aux études / AFE) and is not part of the federal Canada Student Loan/Grant program.
Grant vs Loan: Key Differences
| Feature | Canada Student Grant | Canada Student Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Repayable | No | Yes |
| Interest | None | 0% (federal portion, since 2023) |
| Application | Automatic (via loan application) | Applied for through province |
| Conditions | Remain enrolled; maintain satisfactory academic progress | Standard repayment terms |
Always maximize grants before considering loan amounts. Grants come first in your assessment — they reduce how much you borrow at zero cost to you.
Related Guides
- How to Pay Off Student Loans
- Repayment Assistance Plan Canada
- NSLSC Guide Canada
- Student Loan Forgiveness Canada
- OSAP Complete Guide (Ontario)
- Student Loan Repayment Calculator
Sources
- Employment and Social Development Canada. “Canada Student Grants.” canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid/grants
- National Student Loans Service Centre. nslsc.ca
- Financial Consumer Agency of Canada. “Student financial assistance.” canada.ca