How to Withdraw Money From an RESP for Post-Secondary Education in Canada
Learn how to withdraw money from a Registered Education Savings Plan for university, college, trade school or other eligible post-secondary studies in Canada, including RESP withdrawal rules, EAP limits, proof of enrolment, eligible expenses and tax treatment.
CA Canada
Education ~ 7 min read
10 FAQ
Updated 2026-08-25
Helpydo structures practical guidance around official or public sources. For individual cases, confirm requirements with the responsible institution.
To withdraw RESP money for post-secondary education, the RESP subscriber contacts the financial institution or other RESP promoter and requests an Educational Assistance Payment after the beneficiary is enrolled in an eligible post-secondary program. The beneficiary must provide official proof of enrolment. In 2026, EAPs are generally limited to $8,000 during the first 13 consecutive weeks of a qualifying full-time program and $4,000 for a 13-week period for a specified part-time program. EAPs are taxable income to the beneficiary, while withdrawals of original RESP contributions are generally not taxable.
What you need
- The beneficiary must be enrolled in an eligible post-secondary educational program that meets the applicable program requirements.
- The RESP subscriber must request the withdrawal from the RESP promoter.
- The beneficiary must provide official proof of enrolment to the RESP promoter.
- The promoter may require receipts or other evidence showing that requested EAP funds relate to reasonable education expenses.
- For a qualifying full-time program in Canada, the program generally must last at least 3 consecutive weeks and involve at least 10 hours of instruction or work per week.
- For a specified part-time program, the post-secondary program generally must last at least 3 consecutive weeks and require at least 12 hours per month on courses in the program.
Eligibility
RESP money can be used for a beneficiary who is enrolled in an eligible post-secondary program. For Educational Assistance Payments, the RESP promoter is responsible for confirming that the educational institution and program qualify under the federal RESP rules. Eligible institutions can include Canadian universities, colleges and other designated or certified educational institutions. Studies outside Canada can also qualify when the applicable federal conditions are met.
A qualifying educational program for full-time studies in Canada generally lasts at least 3 consecutive weeks and requires at least 10 hours per week of instruction or work. A specified educational program for part-time studies is a post-secondary program lasting at least 3 consecutive weeks and requiring at least 12 hours per month on courses in the program.
How to do it
- Confirm that the beneficiary has enrolled in the post-secondary school and program.
- Contact the RESP promoter, such as the bank, credit union, investment firm or other financial organization that administers the RESP.
- Ask the promoter to confirm that the school and program qualify for an RESP Educational Assistance Payment.
- Provide the official proof of enrolment requested by the promoter.
- Choose the amount to request, taking into account the applicable EAP withdrawal limit and the beneficiary's education expenses.
- Provide receipts or other supporting documents if the promoter requires them to assess whether the requested expenses are reasonable.
- The promoter reviews the request and, if the conditions are satisfied, releases the RESP funds according to the plan terms.
- Keep the beneficiary's tax information. Educational Assistance Payments are taxable income to the beneficiary and are reported on a T4A slip.
How RESP withdrawals for education work
A Registered Education Savings Plan can provide money once the beneficiary starts eligible post-secondary studies. The subscriber does not apply to the federal government for a normal RESP education withdrawal. Instead, the subscriber contacts the RESP promoter that administers the plan and requests the payment.
RESP withdrawals used for education can include different types of money. An Educational Assistance Payment, or EAP, is made from amounts such as investment earnings and applicable government education savings benefits held in the RESP. Original contributions can also be withdrawn under the applicable RESP rules.
What is an Educational Assistance Payment
An EAP is money paid from an RESP to or for a beneficiary to help finance eligible post-secondary education. EAPs include investment earnings in the RESP and applicable government benefits. The beneficiary can use the money for reasonable education-related expenses such as tuition, books, tools, transportation and rent.
EAPs are taxable income to the beneficiary. By contrast, original RESP contributions can generally be returned tax-free because the contributions were made with after-tax money.
How much can you withdraw from an RESP
Full-time studies
For a beneficiary enrolled in a qualifying educational program, EAPs are limited to $8,000 during the first 13 consecutive weeks of enrolment. After the beneficiary completes 13 consecutive weeks, there is no statutory EAP limit while the beneficiary continues to qualify, although the payment must still comply with the RESP rules and the promoter must consider whether the expenses are reasonable.
If there is a 12-month period in which the beneficiary is not enrolled in a qualifying educational program for 13 consecutive weeks, the $8,000 initial limit applies again.
Part-time studies
For a beneficiary enrolled in a specified educational program, EAPs are limited to $4,000 for the 13-week period ending at the time of the payment.
Can you request more than the EAP limit
A request above the applicable $8,000 or $4,000 limit may be considered in appropriate cases. The RESP promoter must submit the request and verified receipts for school-related expenses to the Canada Education Savings Program. Approval is considered on a case-by-case basis.
What documents are needed for an RESP withdrawal
The beneficiary must provide the RESP promoter with official proof of enrolment. The exact documentation process is determined by the promoter. The promoter may also ask for receipts or other evidence of education expenses.
Because the promoter administers the RESP under the Income Tax Act and the terms of the plan, it determines whether an expense is reasonable. Before submitting a request, ask the promoter what proof of enrolment and expense documentation it accepts.
What expenses can RESP money pay for
Government of Canada guidance identifies expenses such as tuition, books, tools, transportation and rent as examples of expenses that EAP money can help cover. Whether a particular expense is considered reasonable is assessed by the RESP promoter under the federal rules and the terms of the RESP.
How to check whether the school and program qualify
The RESP promoter must confirm that the educational institution is eligible before making an EAP. Canadian universities, colleges and other qualifying educational institutions can be eligible. Some other institutions and professional schools may qualify if they meet the applicable designation or certification requirements.
Studies outside Canada can also qualify. For EAP purposes, a program at a foreign educational institution generally must last at least 13 consecutive weeks, while a full-time university program outside Canada can qualify with a duration of at least 3 consecutive weeks.
Can RESP money be withdrawn after the student finishes studying
Subject to the terms of the RESP, an eligible beneficiary may continue to receive EAPs for up to 6 months after ceasing enrolment in a qualifying program. The expenses must be expenses that would have qualified for an EAP if the payment had been made immediately before enrolment ended.
Are RESP withdrawals taxable
EAPs are taxable to the beneficiary in the year they are received. The beneficiary receives a T4A slip showing the taxable RESP amount and reports the applicable amount on their income tax and benefit return. Original RESP contributions received by the beneficiary or returned to the subscriber are generally not included in income.
What happens to Canada Education Savings Grant money
Government benefits can form part of an EAP. A beneficiary cannot receive more than $7,200 in Canada Education Savings Grant amounts over their lifetime. When an EAP contains CESG money, the beneficiary receives information showing the CESG portion of the payment. Beneficiaries are responsible for tracking the CESG amounts they receive and must repay amounts received above the lifetime limit.
Can original RESP contributions be withdrawn for education
Yes. Subject to the RESP terms, the promoter can supplement an EAP by paying part of the original contributions. Original contributions are not taxable when withdrawn. When a beneficiary is eligible for an EAP, RESP contribution withdrawals for post-secondary education can be made under the applicable RESP rules without the normal grant repayment that can apply to certain contribution withdrawals made when the beneficiary is not eligible for an EAP.
Where to request an RESP withdrawal
Contact the financial organization that acts as the RESP promoter. There is no single federal application portal for ordinary RESP education withdrawals. The promoter sets its submission process and tells the subscriber which forms and supporting documents are required. Some promoters may offer electronic processes, but availability depends on the provider.
Before requesting the withdrawal
Confirm the beneficiary's enrolment, check that the institution and program are eligible, determine whether the student is considered full-time or part-time for RESP purposes, and ask the promoter which documents it requires. It is also useful to separate the amount requested as an EAP from any withdrawal of original contributions because the two components have different tax treatment.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I withdraw from an RESP when my child starts university or college?
For a beneficiary in a qualifying full-time educational program, EAPs are generally limited to $8,000 during the first 13 consecutive weeks of enrolment. After those 13 consecutive weeks, there is no statutory EAP limit while the beneficiary continues to qualify, subject to the RESP rules and reasonable-expense requirements.
What is the RESP withdrawal limit for a part-time student?
For a beneficiary enrolled in a specified educational program, EAPs are generally limited to $4,000 for the 13-week period ending at the time of payment.
Do I need proof of enrolment to withdraw RESP money?
Yes. The beneficiary must provide official proof of enrolment to the RESP promoter before an Educational Assistance Payment is made. The promoter may also request receipts or other supporting documents.
Can RESP money be used for rent and transportation?
Yes. Government of Canada guidance lists tuition, books, tools, transportation and rent as examples of expenses that EAP funds can help pay. The RESP promoter determines whether a particular expense is reasonable under the federal rules and the terms of the plan.
Are RESP withdrawals taxable to the student?
Educational Assistance Payments are taxable income to the beneficiary and are reported on a T4A slip. Original RESP contributions are generally not taxable when withdrawn.
Can I withdraw more than $8,000 from an RESP in the first 13 weeks?
An EAP above the normal limit may be approved on a case-by-case basis when justified by higher education costs. The RESP promoter must submit the request with verified receipts for school-related expenses to the Canada Education Savings Program.
Can RESP money be used for a school outside Canada?
Yes, eligible post-secondary studies outside Canada can qualify. For EAP purposes, programs at foreign educational institutions generally must last at least 13 consecutive weeks, while full-time university programs outside Canada can qualify with a duration of at least 3 consecutive weeks.
Can I still withdraw RESP money after graduation or leaving school?
An eligible beneficiary may receive EAPs for up to 6 months after ceasing enrolment if the RESP terms permit it and the expenses would have qualified if the payment had been made immediately before enrolment ended.
Who requests an RESP withdrawal, the subscriber or the student?
The subscriber requests the EAP from the RESP promoter. The beneficiary must provide the required proof of enrolment and is the person for whom the education payment is made.
Where do I apply to withdraw RESP money?
Contact the RESP promoter that administers the plan, such as the relevant bank, credit union, investment firm or other financial organization. Ordinary RESP education withdrawals are handled by the promoter rather than through a single Government of Canada application portal.
Official sources
Government of Canada - Pay for education using an RESPCanada Revenue Agency - RESP payments, transfers and rolloversCanada Revenue Agency - Registered Education Savings Plans guideCanada Revenue Agency - RESP Bulletin No. 1R3Related procedures
Useful next steps and closely related guides for Canada.
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