British Columbia · RESP grants

British Columbia RESP Grant Calculator 2026

Estimate RESP grants in British Columbia using supported federal education savings incentives together with the B.C. Training and Education Savings Grant when applicable.

RESP grants

How do RESP grants work in British Columbia?

A British Columbia RESP can qualify for federal education savings incentives and, when eligible, the B.C. Training and Education Savings Grant.

Simulation Results

Fill out the form to see your grant breakdown.

Key RESP and CESG limits

Federal RESP contribution and CESG limits apply in British Columbia. The calculator can also include the supported B.C. Training and Education Savings Grant.

Rule	Amount
Basic CESG rate on eligible contributions	20%
Standard maximum basic CESG per year	CA$ 500
Maximum basic CESG with unused grant room	CA$ 1,000
CESG lifetime maximum per beneficiary	CA$ 7,200
RESP lifetime contribution limit per beneficiary	CA$ 50,000

Government grants do not count toward the CA$50,000 RESP lifetime contribution limit.

How does the Canada Education Savings Grant work?

The calculator estimates federal RESP incentives and then adds the supported B.C. Training and Education Savings Grant when the beneficiary meets the applicable eligibility conditions.

The basic CESG generally equals 20% of the first CA$2,500 of eligible annual contributions, producing up to CA$500 of basic CESG.

Unused basic CESG room can carry forward. With sufficient accumulated grant room, a larger contribution can generate up to CA$1,000 of basic CESG in one year.

Eligible families with low or middle income may receive an additional CESG on the first CA$500 of annual contributions.

The combined lifetime maximum for basic and additional CESG is CA$7,200 per eligible beneficiary.

How much can you contribute to an RESP?

The RESP contribution rules are separate from the CESG rules. A contribution does not necessarily generate a grant on the entire amount.

For 2007 and later years, there is no general annual RESP contribution limit.

Total personal contributions to all RESPs for one beneficiary are subject to a CA$50,000 lifetime limit.

RESP contributions are not deductible from taxable income.

Example: CA$2,500 RESP contribution

For a beneficiary who has sufficient basic CESG eligibility and no special limitation, a CA$2,500 eligible contribution can generate the standard maximum basic CESG for the year.

RESP contribution

CA$ 2,500

Basic CESG rate

20%

Basic CESG

CA$ 500

Additional CESG may increase the total grant for eligible low- or middle-income families.

RESP grants and education savings incentives

British Columbia RESP savings can combine federal incentives with the B.C. Training and Education Savings Grant when eligible. The calculator displays the supported components that apply.

Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)

The basic CESG generally pays 20% on the first CA$2,500 of eligible annual contributions. Additional CESG may also apply based on adjusted family net income.

Canada Learning Bond (CLB)

Eligible children from low-income families may receive up to CA$2,000 through the Canada Learning Bond. Personal RESP contributions are not required to receive the CLB.

British Columbia Training and Education Savings Grant

Eligible British Columbia beneficiaries may qualify for a one-time CA$1,200 BCTESG payment into an RESP.

How is an RESP taxed?

RESP contributions, investment earnings and government incentives have different tax treatment.

Personal RESP contributions are made with after-tax money and are not deductible.

Investment income can generally grow tax-deferred while it remains inside the RESP.

When used for eligible post-secondary studies, grants and accumulated investment income may be paid to the beneficiary as educational assistance payments and are generally taxable to the beneficiary.

What happens if you contribute more than CA$50,000?

An RESP excess contribution can occur when total personal contributions across all RESPs for the same beneficiary exceed the lifetime contribution limit.

Tax on an RESP excess contribution

1% / month

RESP calculator FAQ

What is the RESP contribution limit?

There is no general annual RESP contribution limit for 2007 and later years. However, total personal contributions to all RESPs for one beneficiary are limited to CA$50,000 over the beneficiary's lifetime.

How much CESG can an RESP receive each year?

The standard basic CESG is generally 20% of the first CA$2,500 of eligible contributions, for up to CA$500. With unused basic CESG room, up to CA$1,000 of basic CESG may be received in a year.

Can unused CESG room be carried forward?

Yes. Unused basic CESG room can generally carry forward. This can allow a future contribution to attract more than the standard CA$500 basic CESG, subject to available grant room and eligibility rules.

Do you need to contribute to receive the Canada Learning Bond?

No. Personal RESP contributions are not required to receive the Canada Learning Bond when the beneficiary meets the eligibility requirements.

Are RESP contributions tax-deductible?

No. Personal RESP contributions are not deductible from taxable income. The plan instead allows investment growth to occur on a tax-deferred basis while funds remain in the RESP.

Related guide

How does an RESP work?

Learn how RESP contributions, government grants, investment growth and withdrawals work from opening the plan through post-secondary education.

Read the RESP guide

Important information

This calculator provides an estimate of federal and supported British Columbia RESP incentives. Actual amounts can vary based on beneficiary eligibility, contribution history and program rules.

This calculator provides an estimate for informational purposes only. Confirm grant eligibility and contribution history with your RESP provider and official government information.

Official sources

Official RESP information

The calculator uses Government of Canada RESP information and supported British Columbia education savings grant rules for B.C.-specific estimates.