Can RESP money be used for trade school in Canada?

Yes. RESP funds — including CESG grants — can be used for qualifying trade school programs in Canada. The school must be a "Designated Educational Institution" (DEI) and the program must be at least 3 weeks long for full-time enrollment (or 13 weeks for part-time CESG access). Most provincial trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and community colleges qualify.

What programs qualify for RESP withdrawals in Canada?

Qualifying programs include: university and college full-time and part-time programs, CEGEP (Quebec), trade school and vocational programs, apprenticeships at a qualifying institution, certain online programs at qualifying institutions, and some programs outside Canada (see international school article). The key requirement is that the school appears on the ESDC Designated Educational Institution list and the program length meets minimum requirements.

Do apprenticeships qualify for RESP funds?

Yes — apprenticeship programs at designated educational institutions in Canada qualify for RESP Educational Assistance Payments (EAPs). The apprentice must be enrolled in the apprenticeship program (not just working as a tradesperson) and the institution must be designated. Red Seal certification programs typically qualify once the apprentice is enrolled in the formal training component.

How long does a program need to be to use RESP funds?

For full-time enrollment: the program must be at least 3 consecutive weeks in duration. For part-time enrollment (less than 60% of a full course load): the program must be at least 13 consecutive weeks. These are the minimum thresholds for accessing Educational Assistance Payments (EAPs) from the RESP.

What if the trade school isn't on the designated list?

If the school or program is not on the ESDC designated institution list, the student cannot access EAP funds (the grant and earnings portion). However, you can always withdraw your original contributions (PSE withdrawals) at any time for any reason — the restrictions only apply to EAP funds that include CESG grants and investment earnings.

Can I Use an RESP for Trade School or College in Canada?

RESP Funds Are Not Only for University

A widespread misconception is that RESPs are “university accounts.” They are not. The federal RESP legislation defines qualifying programs broadly to include any qualifying educational program at a Designated Educational Institution (DEI).

This covers:

College (public and private)
CEGEP in Quebec
Trade schools and vocational schools
Apprenticeship programs
Many private career colleges
Some programs outside Canada

What Makes a School “Designated”?

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) maintains the list of Designated Educational Institutions. For an institution to qualify:

It must meet provincial educational standards
It must offer programs that qualify as post-secondary level
It must be approved by the relevant provincial authority (for provincial schools) or by ESDC (for federal institutions)

Most provincially registered trade schools qualify. ESDC’s list includes thousands of Canadian institutions, including:

All provincial community colleges (Humber, BCIT, SAIT, NAIT, George Brown, Red River, etc.)
Most registered apprenticeship training institutions
Most private career colleges registered with their province
CEGEP institutions in Quebec

If you are unsure whether a specific trade school qualifies, search the ESDC Designated Educational Institution lookup tool online or ask your RESP provider.

Types of RESP Withdrawals: EAP vs. PSE

Understanding withdrawal types is critical for trade school use:

Withdrawal type	What it includes	When it’s available
Educational Assistance Payment (EAP)	CESG grants + investment earnings	Only when enrolled in qualifying program at DEI
Post-Secondary Education (PSE) withdrawal	Your original contributions only	Anytime once enrolled; or anytime for any reason (contributions always returnable)

For trade school students enrolled at a DEI, both EAP and PSE withdrawals are available.

Minimum Program Length Requirements

Enrollment type	Minimum program length	Notes
Full-time (≥60% of normal course load)	3 consecutive weeks	Most trade programs qualify
Part-time (<60% course load)	13 consecutive weeks	Weekend programs may not qualify

Most trade school programs run well longer than 3 weeks, so the minimum threshold is rarely an issue for trades students.

Apprenticeship Programs: A Special Case

Apprenticeships in Canada combine on-the-job training with formal schooling blocks. The formal schooling blocks (in-school training periods) qualify for RESP EAPs during those periods.

What qualifies:

Formal in-school training periods at a designated apprenticeship training institution
The apprentice must be registered in the apprenticeship program

What does NOT qualify:

The on-the-job training/work portions alone
Working as a tradesperson without formal apprenticeship registration

Most Red Seal trades have multi-year apprenticeship programs with multiple formal in-school training periods — each period can trigger an EAP withdrawal.

How to Make the Withdrawal for Trade School

Confirm the school is a DEI — check ESDC’s list or ask your RESP provider
Get proof of enrollment — a letter from the institution confirming enrollment, program name, start date, and enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time)
Contact your RESP provider — request an EAP (for grants + earnings) or PSE withdrawal (for contributions)
Provide the documentation — most providers require proof of enrollment before releasing EAP funds

Tax Treatment of Withdrawals for Trade School

Same as for any RESP withdrawal:

EAPs (grants + earnings) are taxable income in the student’s hands — at their marginal rate (typically much lower than the parent’s)
PSE withdrawals (your contributions) are not taxable — return of after-tax money

A trade school student earning minimal other income during school typically pays very little or no tax on EAP amounts, making the tax deferral highly efficient.

What If the Trade School Isn’t on the DEI List?

If the program is not designated:

EAP funds cannot be accessed — the CESG grants and investment earnings remain locked in the RESP
PSE withdrawals (your contributions) can still be made — contributions always return to you tax-free for any reason
The RESP can remain open — the grants stay in the plan awaiting a future qualifying enrollment, or the plan is eventually closed with grants repaid

Provincial Trades Programs That Qualify

Province	Key apprenticeship/trade institution	DEI status
BC	BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology)	Yes
AB	NAIT, SAIT, NorQuest	Yes
SK	Saskatchewan Polytechnic	Yes
MB	Red River College Polytechnic	Yes
ON	George Brown, Humber, Conestoga, Loyalist	Yes
QC	All CEGEP institutions	Yes
NS	Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)	Yes
NB	New Brunswick Community College (NBCC)	Yes