Canada Student Grant for Full Time Students 2026

The Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students is a cornerstone of federal financial aid, providing non-repayable funding to students from low- and middle-income families. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Canadian government has extended the temporary 40% increase to grant amounts, allowing eligible full-time students to receive up to $4,200 per year or $525 per month of study. This grant is automatically assessed through a single provincial or territorial student aid application, eliminating the need for separate forms. Recipients can utilize these funds for any educational expense, as they are not loans and do not need to be repaid upon graduation.

Federal grants support post-secondary education. Eligible students receive non-repayable financial aid. The government extended the increased funding levels. Students submit one unified application.

I am writing this guide on the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students because the recent 2025-2026 updates have maintained the higher funding limits originally introduced during the pandemic. It is important to note that starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, the government intends to limit grant access primarily to students attending public or not-for-profit institutions, excluding those in longer programs at private career colleges. Use the following factual data to meet eligibility criteria and maximize your funding for the current school year.

Benefits

The amount you receive is based on your previous year’s family income and family size.

• Maximum Grant: Up to $4,200 per year (or $525 per month) for an 8-month academic year.
• Dependant Top-up: If you have dependants under 12, you may receive an additional $280 per month per child.
• Disability Support: Students with permanent or prolonged disabilities can receive a flat $2,800 per year in additional grant funding.
• Repayment: Unlike loans, these grants are non-repayable, provided you maintain your full-time status for the duration of the study period.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Canada Student Grant, you must satisfy several federal and provincial requirements.

• Citizenship: You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person.
• Course Load: You must be enrolled in at least 60% of a full course load (or 40% for students with a permanent disability).
• Program Duration: Your program must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate and be at least two years (60 weeks) in duration.
• Designated School: You must attend a post-secondary institution designated for student aid by your province or territory.
• Financial Need: You must demonstrate at least $1 of federal financial need through your provincial student aid assessment.

Family Income Thresholds (2025-2026)

The grant is awarded on a “sliding scale.” If your income is below the maximum threshold, you receive the full grant; if it is between the maximum and cut-off thresholds, the amount gradually decreases.

Five East Steps To Application Process

You do not apply for the Canada Student Grant directly through the federal government; instead, you use your provincial or territorial portal.

1. Locate Your Portal: Apply through the student aid office of your province of permanent residence (e.g., OSAP in Ontario, StudentAid BC).
2. Submit One Application: Your one application considers you for federal grants, federal loans, provincial grants, and provincial loans simultaneously.
3. Provide Income Data: Use Line 15000 from your 2024 Income Tax Return to verify family income.
4. Confirm Enrolment: Once approved, your school must confirm you are enrolled full-time before funds are released via the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC).
5. Maintain Standing: You must complete at least 60% of a full course load to remain in good standing and avoid your grant being converted into a loan.

Important Resources for Students

While exploring federal aid, you may also look into fully funded scholarships for additional support. If you are pursuing research-based studies, consider the Museums Victoria PhD scholarship or look for US university scholarship options if you plan to study south of the border. For those looking for career-specific aid, the handbook for overseas employment provides insights into labor mobility.