New Grants Program Announced

The Federal government has recently announced the new Canada Student Grants Program (CSGP), which begins with the 2009-2010 academic year.

Eligibility for these new grants is based on last year’s level of income in addition to your assessed need. As the grants are issued at the start of the year, it is possible you will be able to cover your entire costs for the year without having to take out any loans.

There are five new grants for full-time students and two new grants for part-time students. Some of the new grants will replace ones you may have received in previous years, but some are brand new.

FULL-TIME STUDENTS

Canada Student Grant for Persons from Low-income Families
If you are from a low-income family, qualify for a federal student loan and you meet the specific grant eligibility requirements, you will receive $250 per month of study (half at the start of the year and half mid-way through), up to a maximum of $3,000 per academic year. This grant is available for all years of your university undergraduate, college, or trade school program, provided your entire program is a minimum of 60 weeks in length.

Canada Student Grant for Persons from Middle-income Families
If you are from a middle-income family, qualify for a federal student loan and you meet the specific grant eligibility requirements, you will receive $100 per month of study (half at the start of the year and half mid-way through), up to a maximum of $1,200 per academic year. This grant is available for all years of your university undergraduate, college or trade school program, provided your entire program is a minimum of 60 weeks in length.

Canada Student Grant for Persons with Dependants
If you are a low-income student, qualify for a federal student loan and you have children under the age of 12* you may be eligible to receive $200 per month for each child.
*As of the start of your study period.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Canada Student Grant for Persons with Permanent Disabilities
Formerly named the Canada Access Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities
If you have a permanent disability and qualify for a federal student loan you may receive $2,000 per academic year to help cover the costs of accommodation, tuition, and books.

Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Persons with Permanent Disabilities Formerly named the Canada Study Grant for the Accommodation of Students with Permanent Disabilities.

If you have a permanent disability which requires you to incur exceptional education-related costs for things such as tutors, note-takers, interpreters, braillers or technical aids, you may receive up to $8,000 per academic year to help pay for these expenses.

PART-TIME STUDENTS

Canada Student Grant for Part-time Students with Dependants
Formerly named the Canada Study Grant for Part-time Students with Dependants
If you are a part‑time student with up to two children under the age of 12* you may be eligible for $40 per week of study, and if you have three or more children under the age of 12* you may be eligible for $60 per week of study.
*As of the start of your study period.

Canada Student Grant for Part-time Students
Formerly named the Canada Study Grant for High-need Part-time Students
If you are a part-time student, qualify for a Part-time Canada Student loan and are from a low-income family, you may be eligible for up to $1,200 per academic year.