Canada Learning Bond (CLB)

Government of Canada

Get up to $2,000 for children born in 2004 or later from low-income families to save for post-secondary education.

Published by · last checked September 26, 2026

Total value
$2,000
Level
High school
Open to
Across Canada
Apply on the official site ↗

What you will need

  • The child must be born in 2004 or later
  • The child must be from a low-income family
  • The child (the beneficiary) must be under 21 when the bond is requested
  • Children in the care of a public primary caregiver who is paid a special allowance under the Children's Special Allowance Act also qualify
  • An open Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP); ask the financial institution where you open it to apply for the bond

About this award

You can receive up to $2,000 in total. This starts with an initial payment of $500 for the first year you are eligible, plus $100 for each additional year of eligibility until age 15. You do not have to put in any money of your own to get it. This is for you if you are a child from a low-income family, or if you are in the care of a public primary caregiver who receives a special allowance under the Children's Special Allowance Act. There is no yearly deadline, but the bond must be requested before the child it is for turns 21. It is not a competition: the bond is available to every eligible child. To get it, open an RESP at a financial institution and ask them to apply for the Canada Learning Bond. The money is deposited directly into a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP — a government-regulated account designed to hold savings for a child's future education). To help you get started, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC — the government department that manages employment and social programs) will pay $25 into the RESP to cover the cost of opening the account. You must use the funds for post-secondary education. If you do not pursue further education after high school, the money is returned to the government.

Who qualifies

To qualify, the child must be born in 2004 or later and come from a low-income family. You are also eligible if you are in the care of a public primary caregiver who is paid a special allowance under the Children's Special Allowance Act. The beneficiary must be under the age of 21 at the time of application. Youth who meet the minimum age requirement to open an RESP in their province of residence can act as their own subscriber and request the bond for themselves.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

  • Canadian citizen
  • Open to high school students

How to apply

  1. Read the award's official page

    Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

  2. Check this year's deadline

    We don't have a confirmed date for this round. The award's official page will have it.

Tips for applying

  • Account SetupAvoid waiting until you are older to open your account. Instead, open your Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) as soon as you are eligible to ensure you capture the yearly payments. For questions about the bond, call 1-800-O-CANADA (1-800-622-6232).
  • SupportAvoid trying to navigate the application alone if you are a youth. Instead, ask a trusted adult or a school counselor to help you determine if you meet the low-income thresholds. Check your family's most recent tax return for proof of income.
  • StrategyAvoid thinking you need to put your own money into the account first. Instead, remember that personal contributions are not required to receive this bond. Focus on getting the account opened so the government can deposit the funds.
  • RealismAvoid assuming this money is a general cash gift. Instead, recognize that these funds are locked in an education account and must be used for school. Plan your future education goals knowing that the money returns to the government if you do not attend post-secondary school.

Questions students ask

How do I apply?

Use the Apply on the official site button on this page: it opens the official application page in a new tab.

When is the deadline?

We don't have a confirmed deadline for this one. Check the award's official page for this year's date.

Can international students apply?

No. You need to be a Canadian citizen.

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Sep 26, 2026

Canada Learning Bond (CLB)

$2,000 Check the official page

fundmycourse.ca/scholarships/canada-learning-bond-clb

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$2,000 See details
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