Government Grants for Children's Education in Canada
How to Get Free Money for Your Child's Future
Shihan Haniff
3/22/20253 min read
Investing in your child’s education can be expensive, but the Canadian government provides grants and benefits to help families save for post-secondary education. Two major programs available for parents in British Columbia (BC) and across Canada are the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) and the BC Education Training and Savings Grant (BCTESG). These programs provide free government money that can be used for tuition, books, and other education-related costs.
If you haven’t applied for these grants yet, you could be missing out on up to $3,200 in free money for your child’s education! Read on to find out how you can apply and qualify.
1. Canada Learning Bond (CLB)
What is the Canada Learning Bond?
The Canada Learning Bond (CLB) is a government grant that provides up to $2,000 for a child’s education. This grant is meant for low-income families to help them start saving for their child’s post-secondary education.
Who Can Qualify?
Your child may be eligible for the CLB if:
They were born in 2004 or later.
Your family’s income is below the qualifying threshold (this changes every year based on family size).
You receive the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) with the National Child Benefit Supplement.
The child has a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP).
How Much Can You Get?
$500 is provided when you open an RESP and apply for CLB.
An additional $100 per year is added for each year the child qualifies, up to a maximum of $2,000.
No personal contributions are required – you do not have to add money to the RESP to receive this grant.
How to Apply?
Open an RESP at a bank or financial institution.
Provide the child’s Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Ask the RESP provider to apply for the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) on your behalf.
For more details and to check eligibility, visit the official Government of Canada website:
👉 Canada Learning Bond (CLB) - Official Government Page
2. BC Education Training and Savings Grant (BCTESG)
What is the BC Education Training and Savings Grant?
The BCTESG is a one-time grant of $1,200 provided by the Government of British Columbia to help families save for their child’s post-secondary education.
Who Can Qualify?
Your child must:
Be a resident of British Columbia.
Be between six and nine years old at the time of application.
Have a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP).
Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
How Much Can You Get?
A one-time payment of $1,200 is deposited into the child’s RESP.
No personal contributions are required – you do not have to add money to the RESP to receive this grant.
How to Apply?
Open an RESP with a financial institution that offers the BCTESG.
Provide your child’s SIN.
Apply for the BCTESG before your child turns nine.
For more details, visit the Government of BC website:
👉 BC Education Training and Savings Grant (BCTESG)
Other Related Benefits & Grants
3. Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)
The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) provides up to $7,200 in government contributions to your child’s RESP.
The government matches 20% of your contributions, up to $500 per year.
Low-income families may qualify for an additional 10% or 20% on the first $500 contributed each year.
To apply, simply open an RESP and contribute funds – the CESG will be automatically added.
👉 More about CESG
4. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
This is a monthly tax-free payment to help families with the cost of raising children under 18. The amount depends on income, number of children, and their ages.
👉 More about CCB
5. Provincial Grants & Scholarships
Many provinces offer additional grants and bursaries for students pursuing post-secondary education. Check your local provincial government’s website for more options.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out on Free Education Money!
These government programs are designed to help families save for their children’s future education. Many parents don’t realize that they are eligible for these grants – don’t let free money go to waste!
✅ Action Steps: ✔️ Open a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). ✔️ Apply for the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) and BC Education Training and Savings Grant (BCTESG). ✔️ Contribute to the RESP to take advantage of the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG).
By taking these simple steps, you can secure thousands of dollars in free money for your child’s education. If you need assistance, visit your bank, credit union, or a financial advisor for help in setting up an RESP.
If you found this information helpful, share this post with other parents who may benefit from these government grants!