Grant (non-repayable)
Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students
- Who funds it
- Government of Canada (Employment and Social Development Canada).
- Who qualifies
- Full-time post-secondary students from low- and middle-income families. Income tested per family situation. Automatic if you apply for student aid via your province (StudentAid BC for BC).
- Amount range
- Up to $4,200 per year for full-time students from low-income families ($1,900 for middle-income). Adjusted by family size and income.
- How to apply
- No separate application — applying through StudentAid BC automatically assesses you for this grant. The grant is paid alongside your provincial funding package.
- When to apply
- Same as StudentAid BC — 6–8 weeks before study start date.
Common pitfalls we see
- Assuming you do not qualify because you applied for loans — the grant is automatic alongside the loan assessment.
- Not updating your income if family circumstances change mid-year — re-assessment may unlock more grant.
FAQ
- Do I have to apply for the Canada Student Grant separately?
- No. Apply through StudentAid BC (or your province's equivalent) and you are automatically assessed for the federal grant.
- Does the grant need to be repaid?
- No. Canada Student Grants are non-repayable. Only loans require repayment.
Our take
This is the federal grant most BC students receive automatically — but many do not realize they got it because it shows up bundled inside the StudentAid BC package. We help you read the breakdown so you know what is grant vs loan.
Want help mapping this to your situation?
Free 30-minute Skillucate consultation. We will not submit anything for you — guidance only.
Start free funding review →Skillucate is independent — not StudentAid BC, not the Government of British Columbia, not the Government of Canada, not a school. We do not make funding decisions and do not guarantee approval, eligibility, amounts, or timelines. Information current as of 2026-05-10; verify with the funding body before applying.