Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)
The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) is money that the Government of Canada will add to your child’s savings in a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP).
The grant has two parts:
- Basic Canada Education Savings Grant
The Basic Canada Education Savings Grant will give you 20% on every dollar of the first $2,500 you save in your child’s RESP each year.
- Additional Canada Education Savings Grant
Depending on your net family income, you could receive an extra 10% or 20% on every dollar of the first $500 you save in your child’s RESP each year.
Delivered by: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)
Eligibility Information
Who can get the grant?
- All children under age 18 are eligible, as long as they are Canadian residents and an RESP has been opened for them.
- Special rules apply if your child is between the ages of 15 and 17. See Special Rules for Children Aged 15 to 17.
Application Information
- Visit the CanLearn Web site to get more details on CESG.
- Information on RESPs and CESG application procedures is available from financial institutions, such as banks or credit unions; or through a certified financial planner or a group plan dealer. These institutions, planners and dealers are known as "RESP providers."
Financial Information
The maximum lifetime grant the Government of Canada can give your child through the Canada Education Savings Grant is $7,200.
Your child can use the money for full-time or part-time studies in an apprenticeship program, CEGEP, trade school, college or university.
Contact Information
- General Inquiries: 1-888-276-3624
- TTY: 1-866-260-7723
Related Information
- The Government of Alberta provides its own incentive for all children born to or adopted by Alberta residents in 2005 or later.