Education Savings for a Child

The Government of Canada encourages parents, friends, and family to save for a child’s education after high school through Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and the Canada Education Savings Program (CESP).

Learn more about saving early for a child’s education after high school:

• RESP - Registered Education Savings Plan
• CESP - Canada Education Savings Program
• More Information
• Related Links

RESP - Registered Education Savings Plan

The RESP is a tax-sheltered education savings account that can help you, your family, or friends save for a child’s education after high school.

RESP
Find out how to open, contribute to and use an RESP to help a child pay for post-secondary education.

Choosing an RESP
Determine which type of RESP - individual, family or group - best suits your needs.

Consumer Information
Before you open an RESP or choose an RESP provider, it is recommended that you read the page on Consumer Information.

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CESP - Canada Education Savings Program

The Government of Canada offers two incentives to encourage parents, family, and friends to save for a child’s post-secondary education.

CESG - Canada Education Savings Grant
By applying for the CESG, up to $7,200 can be directly deposited by the Federal Government into your RESP. The Canada Education Savings Grant section offers information about eligibility requirements for the grant as well as how to use it when the beneficiary enrolls at a post-secondary institution.

CLB - Canada Learning Bond
CLB is available to children born after December 31st, 2003 if an RESP has been opened on their behalf. Browse the Canada Learning Bond section to find out who is eligible, how to apply, and how much the Government of Canada will contribute to your RESP.

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More Information

Find out more about the Canada Education Savings Program:

• Publications
• Contact Information
• Canada Education Savings Act

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Related Links

CanLearn
CanLearn is an online source of information about education savings on behalf of a child, as well as applying for and using RESPs, the Canada Education Savings Grant and the Canada Learning Bond.

Canada Revenue Agency
The Canada Revenue Agency Web site provides all the tax information you need to know for RESPs and provincial savings programs.

Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) provides consumers with accurate and objective information about financial products and services, and informs Canadians of their rights and responsibilities when dealing with financial institutions.

Service Canada
Service Canada offers information on applying for, receiving and using your Social Insurance Number in relation to RESPs, the Canada Education Savings Grant and the Canada Learning Bond.

Lifelong Learning Plan
Find out how to use your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to fund your own or your spouse’s post-secondary education.

RESP / CESP Service Partners Page
The RESP / CESP Service Partners page is intended for the use of RESP promoters. Reference information in this section includes important Canada Education Savings Program publications, notices, bulletins, and training materials.