Fixed-Rate Contribution

As of August 1, 2017 the assessment of your financial need for Canada Student Loans and Grants expects that most students will contribute a fixed amount between $1,500 and $3,000 a year towards their studies.

Some students are exempt from making this contribution;  

  • Students who self-identify as Indigenous;
  • Spouses of students who are at or below the low-income threshold, as defined by the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program;
  • Students with dependents;
  • Students with disabilities; and
  • Students who are, or previously were, wards of the crown.

If you are a single dependent student, your fixed student contribution amount is based on family income, determined as parental income only (found on line 150 of each parent’s previous year’s TI General Income Tax Return). In addition to the student contribution, the parents of dependent students are also expected to make a parental contribution.
If you are considered to be an independent student, you (and your spouse, if you have one) may be expected to contribute.