Canada Student Grant 2025 — Complete Guide

The Canada Student Grant provides up to $4,200 per year in free money for eligible students. Here is everything you need to know about the 2025 grant program.

What Is the Canada Student Grant?

The Canada Student Grant (CSG) is a federal government program that provides non-repayable financial assistance to eligible post-secondary students. Unlike student loans, grants never need to be paid back. The Canada Student Grant was significantly enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic, with amounts tripled temporarily. For 2024–25, the grant remains elevated at up to $4,200 per year for full-time students from low-income families.

The grant is administered by the federal government through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), but delivered through your provincial student aid application. If you are in Ontario, applying for OSAP automatically assesses you for the Canada Student Grant. You do not need a separate federal application.

Grant Amounts for 2024–25

Student Category	Maximum Grant
Full-time, low-income family	$4,200/year
Full-time, middle-income family	Up to $2,100/year
Part-time, low-income family	$1,800/year
Students with permanent disabilities	$4,000/year
Students with disability (services/equipment)	Up to $20,000/year

Income Thresholds

The Canada Student Grant uses your family income from the prior tax year to determine eligibility. "Family income" for a single student with no dependents is your personal income. For dependent students, it includes parental income. The grant amount phases out as income rises — there is no hard cutoff where the grant drops to zero suddenly; it tapers gradually.

For a single student (independent, no dependents), the income threshold for maximum grant eligibility is approximately $26,000 in prior-year income. Partial grants are available at higher income levels. Students with dependents have much higher thresholds because the government accounts for the cost of supporting children or other family members.

How the Grant Is Delivered

The Canada Student Grant is paid in two disbursements — typically at the start of fall semester and at the start of winter semester. It flows through your provincial loan authority and is deposited to the same account as your student loan funds. There is no separate deposit or notification specifically for the grant portion — it is included in your overall aid package.

Your provincial student aid notice will break down your funding into grants and loans. Review this carefully. The grant portion listed is your Canada Student Grant plus any provincial grant component. Only the loan portion creates a repayment obligation.

Do You Have to Report the Grant on Taxes?

Government student grants for educational purposes are not taxable income in Canada. You do not include your Canada Student Grant in your T1 return as income. There is no T4A issued for government student grants. This is different from employment income, scholarship awards, or bursaries above the exempt threshold — those may have tax implications.

What If You Withdraw or Leave School?

If you withdraw from full-time studies before completing 60% of your study period, you may be required to repay a portion of your grant. The government calculates a prorated amount based on how far into the term you were when you left. If you completed more than 60% of the study period, you keep the full grant even if you do not complete the term.

Maximizing Your Canada Student Grant

• Apply for OSAP (or your provincial equivalent) as early as possible — typically April for September.
• Use your most recent tax return income. If your income dropped significantly this year, contact your aid office about reassessment.
• Declare all dependents accurately — each dependent increases your income threshold.
• If your situation changes mid-year (job loss, change in family status), apply for reassessment through your provincial aid office.
• Keep proof of enrollment and maintain full-time status to preserve eligibility.