Can You Use RESP for Part-Time Studies as a Student?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can use your RESP for part-time studies. The rules are a little different from full-time withdrawals, but the money is still available. To qualify, the student must be at least 16 and enrolled in a program that runs for at least three weeks in a row and requires at least 12 hours of coursework per month. The grant and growth portion of the plan — called an Educational Assistance Payment (EAP) — is limited to $4,000 for each 13-week period of part-time enrolment. The contributions you made to the plan are handled separately and may also be available.

Key Takeaways

• RESP funds can be used for part-time studies if the program meets specific criteria.
• The student must be at least 16 and enrolled in a qualifying part-time program.
• EAPs are capped at $4,000 per 13-week period for part-time enrolment.
• EAPs and your original contributions are two separate pools of money with different rules.
• Your RESP provider will need official proof of enrolment before releasing funds.
• In some cases, families can request more than the standard EAP limit through a formal process.

If you are looking at a part-time program and wondering whether your RESP can help pay for it, you are not alone. Part-time education paths are increasingly common — trades training, certificate courses, work-study combinations, and flexible programs all count. At Embark, we help families understand exactly how to access their savings for programs just like these. In 2025 alone, we processed over 120,000 RESP withdrawals entirely online, with more than $600 million released to students and families.

This guide covers what you need to know: whether your program qualifies, how much you can receive as an EAP, what happens to the contributions in your plan, and what steps to take before you request a withdrawal.

Can You Use RESP for Part-Time Studies?

Yes. An Educational Assistance Payment, or EAP, is the portion of your RESP made up of government grants, bonds, and investment growth. It is paid to the student and counted as their taxable income for that year. An RESP can pay out an EAP — for part-time studies, as long as the student is enrolled in what the government calls a qualifying part-time program. Not every course or certificate will automatically qualify, so it is worth checking before you request funds.

To learn more about how EAPs work, see Embark’s guide on what role EAPs play in RESPs, or get in touch with one of our education savings specialists.

What Counts as Part-Time Studies for RESP Purposes?

For RESP purposes, a qualifying part-time program — officially called a “specified educational program” — must meet all three of these conditions:

• Post-secondary level: The program is offered at a college, university, trade school, or another eligible institution.
• At least three consecutive weeks: The program must run for a minimum of three weeks in a row.
• At least 12 hours per month on courses: The student must spend at least 12 hours each month on coursework.
• The student must also be at least 16 years old.

These rules are broader than many families expect. Trades programs, flexible learning formats, and skills-based certificates can all qualify. For more on eligible institutions, see Embark’s list of RESP-eligible schools. If the student is studying outside Canada, you can also check out using your RESP to study abroad. If you still have questions, feel free to speak with an education savings specialist.

What Is the RESP Withdrawal Limit for Part-Time Studies?

For part-time studies, EAPs are limited to $4,000 for each 13-week period of enrolment. This is lower than the full-time limit, which allows up to $8,000 in EAPs for the first 13-week period.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time RESP Withdrawal Comparison

	Part-Time	Full-Time
EAP limit (per 13-week period)	$4,000	$8,000 (first period only)
Minimum program length	3 consecutive weeks	3 consecutive weeks
Minimum course hours	12 hours/month	10+ hours/week on courses
Minimum student age for EAPs	16	16

Keep in mind that the $4,000 cap applies only to the EAP portion of the withdrawal. Your original contributions can also be accessed and are not subject to this limit, as explained in the next section.

EAPs vs. Contribution Withdrawals for Part-Time Students

Not all money in an RESP works the same way. Understanding the difference helps you plan your withdrawal more effectively.

EAPs (Educational Assistance Payments) EAPs include government grants, bonds, provincial incentives, and investment growth. They are taxable income for the student and are subject to the $4,000 per-13-week limit for part-time enrolment. Contribution Withdrawals Contributions are the after-tax dollars the person who opened and contributes to the plan — called the subscriber — put in over time. Subscribers can withdraw their contributions tax-free. Depending on your plan, the RESP provider may also be able to pay some of those contributions directly to the student tax-free. ⚠ Note: Whether contributions can be paid to the student depends on your plan’s terms. Check with your RESP provider to confirm what applies to you.

This means the total amount available to a part-time student can be higher than $4,000 per period — if both EAPs and contributions are available. To see how this fits into the bigger picture, read Embark’s guide on RESP withdrawal rules.

Because EAPs are taxable, a T4A slip is issued to the student each year. Embark is the only RESP provider in Canada with a student portal where students can log in and download their T4A and other documents directly — no waiting for mail.

What Documents Do You Need for a Part-Time RESP Withdrawal?

Before approving a withdrawal, your RESP provider (also called the promoter) will usually ask for official proof of enrolment. This is typically a letter or confirmation from the school showing the student is enrolled in an eligible program.

Request this document before the semester starts if you can. Having it ready avoids delays when you need the money. For details on what counts as acceptable proof, see Embark’s guide on verification of enrolment.

Not sure what a VOE looks like? Embark provides a sample template so students and families know exactly what to request from their school and what information needs to be included.

You can also find a step-by-step overview of the withdrawal process in Embark’s guide on how to get your RESP money.

Ready to request a withdrawal? You can start the withdrawal process with Embark or speak with an Education Savings Specialist if you have questions about your specific plan.

Can You Withdraw More Than the Standard Part-Time Limit?

In some cases, yes. If a family needs more than the $4,000 EAP limit for a 13-week period, the RESP provider can submit a request to the Canada Education Savings Program. That request must include verified receipts for school-related expenses.

This process is not automatic; it goes through a formal review. But the option is there for families with higher education costs, and it is worth asking your provider about if you think the standard limit will not be enough.

At Embark, we’re upfront about this option and how to access it. Our Education Savings Specialists can walk you through the process and help you prepare the required documentation — no surprises.

Can Part-Time Students Still Receive RESP Payments After Studies End?

Yes, within a window. Once enrolment ends, a part-time student may still be able to receive an EAP for up to six months — as long as the payment would have qualified while the student was still enrolled, and the plan allows it. This grace period applies to both part-time and full-time students.

Many families are not aware of this. If a student finishes a program mid-semester or leaves before completing it, it is worth asking your provider whether the grace period applies.

For tips on withdrawal timing, see Embark’s guide on when to withdraw from your RESP, or speak with an education savings specialist.

What Families Should Do Before Requesting a Part-Time RESP Withdrawal

Here are the steps to take before you request funds:

• Confirm the program qualifies. It must be post-secondary, run for at least three consecutive weeks, and require at least 12 hours of coursework per month. Check the list of RESP-eligible schools to confirm the institution is recognized.
• Confirm the student is at least 16. This age requirement applies to EAPs under the part-time program rule.
• Get proof of enrolment. Request a confirmation letter from the school as early as possible.
• Decide how to split the withdrawal. The EAP is limited to $4,000 per 13-week period. Think about whether contribution withdrawals should supplement that amount.
• Ask your provider what is needed. Find out what documents your plan requires and whether contributions can be paid directly to the student.

For the full withdrawal walkthrough, visit Embark’s RESP withdrawals guide. If you are thinking about withdrawing early, you can also read more about early RESP withdrawals and what to consider before you do.

Part-time study is a real and valid path — and your RESP was built to support it. If you have questions about your plan or are not sure where to start, Embark’s team is here to help you make sense of your options.

Ready to request a withdrawal? It takes just 5 minutes to get started digitally – no branch visits necessary. You can start the withdrawal process with Embark or speak with an Education Savings Specialist if you have questions about your specific plan.