Canada Student Grants
The Canada Student Grants Program is one of the primary means through which the federal government provides financial assistance for postsecondary education. Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need, but unlike student loans, they do not have to be paid back. The program consists of a total of seven grants for full-time students, part-time students and students with permanent disabilities who are enrolled at approved postsecondary institutions. Grants are available to students from all parts of Canada except the provinces and territories which run their own financial aid programs (these include Québec, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut).
The Canada Student Grants Program works in conjunction with the Canada Student Loans Program. When you apply for a Canada Student Loan through your province or territory of residence, you will also be automatically considered for a Canada Student Grant. This means that you do not have to apply separately for a grant (with the exception of grants for students with permanent disabilities, which may require a separate application depending on your province or territory).
If you are deemed to qualify for a grant, you will be notified how much money you will be receiving. You can receive more than one grant at the same time if you meet the eligibility criteria. The grant will be issued by your province or territory of residence. You will receive the funds at the beginning and middle of the academic year.
Canada Student Grants for Full-time Students
Grant for Persons from Low-Income Families
Eligibility criteria:- from low income family
- qualify for Canada Student Loan
- enrolled in full-time program (at least 60 weeks in duration)
- $250 per month of study
- up to $3,000 per academic year
- available for all years of undergraduate studies
- automatic assessment upon application for Canada Student Loan
Grant for Persons from Middle-Income Families
Eligibility criteria:- from middle income family
- qualify for Canada Student Loan
- enrolled in full-time program (at least 60 weeks in duration)
- $100 per month of study
- up to $1,200 per academic year
- available for all years of undergraduate studies
- automatic assessment upon application for Canada Student Loan
Grant for Persons with Dependants
Eligibility criteria:- from low income family
- have dependant under 12 years of age
- qualify for Canada Student Loan
- enrolled in degree, diploma or certificate program (at least 12 weeks in duration within 15 week period)
- $200 per month of study, per dependant child
- available for all years of undergraduate and postgraduate studies
- automatic assessment upon application for Canada Student Loan
Canada Student Grants for Part-Time Students
Grant for Part-Time Studies
Eligibility criteria:- from low income family
- qualify for Canada Student Loan
- enrolled in part-time program (at least 12 weeks in duration within 15 week period)
- up to $1,200 per academic year
- available for all years of undergraduate and postgraduate studies
- automatic assessment upon application for Canada Student Loan
Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants
Eligibility criteria:- have dependant under 12 years of age
- qualify for Canada Student Loan
- enrolled in part-time program (at least 12 weeks in duration within 15 week period)
- have assessed need exceeding Grant for Part-Time Studies and borrowed at least $4,000 in Canada Student Loans
- up to $40 per week if one or two dependants
- up to $60 per week if three or more dependants
- up to $1,920 per academic year
- available for all years of undergraduate and postgraduate studies
- automatic assessment upon application for Canada Student Loan
Canada Student Grants for Persons with Permanent Disabilities
Grant for Persons with Permanent Disabilities
Eligibility criteria:- qualify for Canada Student Loan
- enrolled in full-time or part-time program (at least 32 weeks in duration)
- provide proof of permanent disability
- $2,000 per academic year
- available for all years of undergraduate and postgraduate studies
- application process differs depending on province or territory of residence; check with your region's student financial assistance office
Grant for Service and Equipment for Persons with Permanent Disabilities
Eligibility criteria:- qualify for Canada Student Loan
- enrolled in full-time or part-time program
- provide proof of permanent disability
- provide written confirmation of exceptional need
- up to $8,000 per academic year
- available for all years of undergraduate and postgraduate studies
- application process differs depending on province or territory of residence; check with your region's student financial assistance office