North Vancouver, British Columbia - 7 April 2015
The Government of Canada is committed to making post-secondary education accessible to all Canadians, recognizing that education and training are key factors in building a strong economy and workforce. To this end, on April 7, 2015, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the Government’s intention to expand eligibility for Canada Student Grants for students from low- and middle-income families enrolled in short-duration educational programs.
Beginning in 2016-2017, Canada Student Grants will be made available to qualifying low- and middle-income students enrolled in educational programs with a minimum duration of 34 weeks. Currently, students must be enrolled in an educational program with a minimum duration of 60 weeks to qualify.
The Canada Student Grant for Students from Low-Income Families currently provides non-repayable financial assistance ($250 per month of study) to full-time students from low-income families who have a financial need, meet the specific grant eligibility requirements and are registered in programs with a minimum duration of 60 weeks. The Canada Student Grant for Students from Middle-Income Families also provides non-repayable financial assistance ($100 per month of study) to full time students from middle-income families who meet similar eligibility requirements.
The expansion announced today would help approximately 42,000 additional students per year, including approximately 22,000 students at private career colleges, gain eligibility to Canada Student Grants. Full-time students from low-income families could qualify to receive a grant amount of $125 per month and those from middle-income families could receive $50 per month.
To support this expansion of Canada Student Grants, the Government will be providing an estimated $184 million over four years, beginning in 2016-2017, and approximately $50 million per year on an ongoing basis thereafter, making Canada Student Grants available to qualifying low- and middle-income students in educational programs with a minimum duration of 34 weeks.
The changes to Canada Student Grants follow consultations with stakeholders such as the National Association of Career Colleges, and will be implemented once the supporting regulations are approved.
Students in programs with a minimum duration of 60 weeks would continue to have access to the higher low- and middle-income Canada Student Grants of $250 per month of study and $100 per month of study, respectively.
Canada Student Grants are designed so that students know up-front how much money they will receive. Eligibility for Canada Student Grants for students from low- and middle-income families is based on family income and varies by jurisdiction and family size. Income level thresholds are adjusted annually to reflect the cost of living increases. Eligibility is assessed at the time the student applies for student loans.
Canada Student Grants are also available for students with permanent disabilities. These students are entitled to a grant of $2,000 per academic year. Additional funding up to $8,000 is available for those who require special services or equipment. Students receive consideration for these grants upon providing documentation relating to their disabilities when applying for a Canada Student Loan.
In 2012-2013, nearly 357,000 students received a total of $695 million in Canada Student Grants. This was an increase of 6.1 per cent when compared to the number of students who received grants in 2011-2012.
Canada Student Grants are part of a range of federal student financial supports offered by the Government of Canada to help Canadians access post-secondary education and training, including Canada Student Loans, Registered Education Savings Plans, the Canada Learning Bond, the Canada Education Savings Grant and the Canada Apprentice Loan.
