• Full-time education—In Canada: Usually, a course of study with a duration of at least 3 weeks in a row, with at least 10 hours of instruction or work each week.
• Full-time education—Outside Canada: A program at a foreign educational institution with a duration of at least 13 weeks.
• Part-time education—In Canada: A program with at least 12 hours per month spent on courses.

Programs include apprenticeships as well as other programs offered by:

• CEGEPs
• trade schools
• colleges
• universities, and
• other institutions that are also certified by the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development.

See the Master List of Designated Educational Institutions.

RESP funds can be used for full- or part-time studies in a qualifying program.

• Students who need more than $5,000 during the first 13 weeks of enrolment may apply to Human Resources and Social Development Canada for permission to receive a larger amount.
• Following the 13-week period, the beneficiary can get any amount in Educational Assistance Payments.
• Check to see if the terms of your RESP limit the amount of Educational Assistance Payments that your beneficiary can receive. You should ask your RESP Provider for more information.

Remember that Educational Assistance Payments only include the interest and the grant. You can withdraw as much as you want of your own contributions to pay for a child’s education.

Find out more about Qualifying Educational Programs from the Canada Revenue Agency, or call them toll-free at 1-800-959-8281.

• What happens to the money in an RESP if my child does not continue education after high school?
• How do I start using my Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)?