Canada’s federal student financial aid rules for the 2026–27 school year now allow eligible full-time students to receive up to $4,200 per year through the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students. The maximum works out to up to $525 per month of study for an eight-month academic year.
The grant is income-tested, which means the amount depends on family income and family size. Students normally apply through their province or territory rather than submitting a separate federal grant application.
Canada Student Grant 2026–27
| Item | Current amount |
|---|---|
| Maximum full-time grant | Up to $4,200 per year |
| Maximum monthly amount | Up to $525 per month of study |
| Federal full-time student loan limit | Up to $300 per week of study |
| School year | 2026–27 |
| How to apply | Through the student’s province or territory |
Who can receive the grant?
The Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students is intended for eligible students from low- and middle-income families who are enrolled in a qualifying full-time program at a designated school.
Eligibility depends on factors such as family income, family size, program status and province or territory of residence.
The maximum is $4,200
For the 2026–27 school year, an eligible full-time student can receive up to $4,200 through the federal grant.
For an eight-month study period, that is up to $525 per month. Students with shorter study periods can receive a proportionate amount based on the program rules.
Income thresholds matter
The full grant is targeted to students whose family income is below the maximum-grant threshold for their family size. The amount gradually decreases for students with income above that threshold until the grant reaches zero at the upper cut-off.
For a family size of one, current federal guidance lists:
- maximum-grant income threshold: $38,474; and
- grant cut-off income: $69,987.
Different thresholds apply to larger families.
Students do not normally apply for the grant separately
In most participating provinces and territories, students submit one student-aid application. The provincial or territorial system then assesses eligibility for federal and provincial grants and loans.
The official federal grant page is available at Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students.
Federal student loans are separate from grants
A grant is non-repayable financial assistance if the student remains eligible and meets program conditions. A loan must normally be repaid after the student leaves school, subject to the repayment rules.
For 2026–27, the maximum federal full-time student loan limit remains up to $300 per week of study.
Quebec, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut operate separate systems
Quebec, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut do not participate in the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program in the same way as other provinces and territories. They operate their own student financial aid systems.
Students in those jurisdictions should use their provincial or territorial financial assistance program rather than assuming the federal grant application process applies directly.
The school must be designated
Federal student aid is tied to designated educational institutions and eligible programs. A school being located in Canada does not automatically mean every program qualifies for student aid.
Students should verify school and program eligibility before making financial plans.
Other grants may be available
Depending on the student’s situation, additional federal grants can be available for students with disabilities or students with dependants.
These are separate from the main full-time student grant and have their own eligibility rules.
International students are generally not covered by the same program
Canada Student Grants and Loans are primarily designed for eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents and other qualifying protected persons under the program rules.
International students should not assume that holding a Canadian study permit makes them eligible for federal student aid.
International students looking for funding can instead monitor Canadanship’s Scholarships section and institution-specific awards.
What students should prepare before applying
- Social Insurance Number where required.
- School and program information.
- Study period dates.
- Income information.
- Parent or spouse income information where required.
- Banking details if direct deposit is used.
Why applying early can help
Student aid applications can take time to process, especially when documents are missing or income needs to be verified. Applying well before tuition deadlines gives students more time to respond to requests and understand how much aid they will receive.
Grant amounts can change from year to year
The federal government updates student-aid amounts and thresholds periodically. Students should therefore use the figures for the correct school year rather than relying on a previous year’s grant amount.
Students planning Canadian education can use Canadanship’s Study section for broader planning and Scholarships for other funding opportunities.
What the $4,200 amount does not mean
- Not every full-time student receives the maximum grant.
- The grant does not automatically cover full tuition.
- International students are not automatically eligible.
- The federal grant is separate from provincial aid and federal loans.
How need-based assessment works
Student aid systems look at more than tuition alone. The assessment can consider educational costs and available financial resources under the rules used by the province or territory. That is why two students in the same program may receive different grant and loan packages.
Family income is particularly important for the Canada Student Grant because the grant amount decreases as income rises above the maximum-grant threshold for the relevant family size.
Grant and loan amounts can appear together
A student-aid assessment can include both non-repayable grants and repayable loans. Students should read the assessment carefully rather than treating the total amount as free funding.
If a student does not want the full loan portion, provincial systems may provide options for reducing or declining loan funding while keeping eligible grants, depending on the jurisdiction.
Changes in enrolment can affect aid
Dropping courses, withdrawing from a program or changing from full-time to part-time status can affect eligibility. Students should contact their provincial or territorial aid office before making a major enrolment change if they rely on student assistance.
Failing to report changes can create overpayments that may need to be repaid.
Students with dependants may qualify for additional support
Federal student assistance includes separate grant support for some full-time students with dependants. The amount and eligibility rules are different from the basic full-time student grant.
Students supporting children should therefore complete the family-information section of their aid application accurately rather than assuming only individual income matters.
Students with disabilities have separate grant programs
There are also federal grants intended to support eligible students with disabilities and, in some cases, disability-related education costs. Documentation requirements can apply.
Students should use their provincial or territorial student-aid portal to see which federal and local supports are assessed through the same application process.
Why the designated-school rule matters
A private college or training provider can advertise education in Canada without every program qualifying for government student aid. Before paying a deposit, students who depend on grants or loans should verify the institution’s designation and the eligibility of the specific program.
This is especially important for programs delivered through partnerships or at satellite campuses, where eligibility can differ.
Budget beyond the grant amount
Even the maximum $4,200 grant may represent only a portion of total education costs. Tuition, books, transportation, rent and food can be much higher, particularly for students living away from home.
A realistic study budget should combine confirmed grants, expected loans, savings, employment income where appropriate, scholarships and family support rather than relying on one funding source.
Scholarships can complement government aid
Students can apply for scholarships and bursaries in addition to government student aid, subject to reporting rules. Universities, colleges, employers, charities and community organizations all offer different forms of funding.
Students can monitor Canadanship’s Scholarships section for current opportunities, but final eligibility and award decisions always come from the organization offering the funding.
Official Sources and What They Confirm
| Official source | Details confirmed |
|---|---|
| Government of Canada – Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students | Up to $4,200 for 2026–27, monthly maximum, income thresholds and general eligibility framework. |
| Government of Canada – Student aid overview | How federal grants and loans connect with provincial and territorial student-aid systems. |
Last verified August 26, 2026. Students should use the current aid rules for their province or territory and school year.