Canadian students dealing with tuition and living costs may be eligible for funding that does not have to be repaid.
For the 2026-27 school year, the maximum Canada Student Grant for eligible full-time students remains $4,200 per year, or up to $525 per month of study.
For students who qualify, that can reduce the amount they need to borrow.
Who Can Get the Full-Time Canada Student Grant?
The grant is designed for full-time students with financial need who are studying in a qualified program at a designated institution.
Eligibility also depends on family income.
Students do not usually submit a separate federal application specifically for this grant. They are automatically assessed when applying for student aid through their province or territory.
2026-27 Income Thresholds
From August 1, 2026, the maximum-grant income threshold for a family size of one is $38,474, while eligibility phases out by a gross family income of $69,987.
Thresholds rise as family size increases.
For example, for a family of four, the maximum-grant threshold is $76,952 and the grant cut-off is $129,769.
Your actual award can vary according to assessed financial need.
How Much Can Full-Time Students Receive?
Eligible full-time students can receive up to $4,200 during the 2026-27 school year.
This is a grant, not a standard student loan.
In normal circumstances, grant money does not need to be repaid, although specific situations can create exceptions.
What About Part-Time Students?
Eligible part-time students can receive up to $2,520 per year during 2026-27.
The amount cannot exceed assessed financial need.
Separate grant programs also exist for qualifying students with dependants and students with disabilities.
Students With Dependants
A qualifying full-time student with eligible dependants may receive additional grant assistance.
For 2026-27, the federal grant can be as much as $280 per month of study per qualifying dependant, up to $2,240 per year per dependant.
How Do You Apply?
You generally start with the student-aid system for your province or territory.
That application is used to assess eligibility for applicable federal grants and loans as well as provincial assistance.
Canada’s federal program works in partnership with participating provinces and territories.
Quebec, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories operate different student-aid arrangements rather than participating in the standard federal program in the same way.
Important School Eligibility Changes in 2026
School eligibility deserves extra attention this year.
Beginning August 1, 2026, students attending private, for-profit international schools are generally no longer eligible for new federal student funding, subject to transition provisions for some existing students.
Canada has also changed grant eligibility affecting many full-time students at private for-profit institutions.
Before enrolling, check whether both the institution and program are designated for student aid.
Grant or Loan: Which Should You Use First?
A grant usually deserves priority because qualifying grant funds generally do not need to be repaid.
Loans fill a different role.
When both are included in an aid package, understand exactly how much is grant funding and how much represents debt.
Bottom Line
For 2026-27, eligible full-time students can receive up to $4,200 through the Canada Student Grant.
Apply through your provincial or territorial student-aid system and verify that your school and program qualify.
Internal links: Canada Student Loans 2026-27, Canada Repayment Assistance Plan.