RESP Withdrawals for Part-Time Students

Key Takeaways

• Part-time students may use RESP EAPs if they are enrolled in a qualifying program.
• A qualifying part-time program in Canada generally needs at least 3 consecutive weeks and at least 12 hours per month.
• Part-time EAPs are limited to $4,000 for every 13-week enrolment period.
• Proof of enrolment is usually required before the provider releases EAPs.
• EAPs are taxable income to the student beneficiary.
• Contribution withdrawals are different from EAPs and may help supplement costs, depending on plan terms.

Studying part-time is more common than ever. Students balance school with work, caregiving, or health needs. Some take online courses or carry a lighter course load. At Embark, we help families navigate RESP withdrawals for part-time students, and the good news is that part-time study can still qualify for RESP funds, as long as the program and school meet the requirements.

Here, we walk through how part-time RESP withdrawals work — what limits apply, what documents you will need, and how taxes factor in. If you still have questions, you can always get in touch with an Embark Education Savings Specialist.

Can part-time students withdraw from an RESP?

Yes, part-time students can receive Educational Assistance Payments (EAPs) from an RESP if their program meets the eligibility requirements. An EAP includes government grants and the accumulated investment earnings in the RESP.

To receive an EAP, the subscriber (usually a parent or guardian) requests the payment from the RESP provider. The student must be enrolled in an eligible program at an eligible school. Proof of enrolment is typically required before any funds are released.

Not sure if your school qualifies? Feel free to speak with an Embark Education Savings Specialist for more information.

What counts as a part-time program for RESP withdrawals?

For RESP purposes, a part-time program in Canada generally means a post-secondary program that:

• Lasts at least 3 consecutive weeks, and
• Requires at least 12 hours per month on courses in the program.

This is sometimes called a “specified educational program.” It can include online courses, continuing education programs, and reduced course load options — as long as the program meets those minimum requirements.

RESP EAP limit for part-time students

This is where part-time rules differ significantly from full-time rules.

For part-time studies, EAPs are limited to $4,000 for every 13-week period of enrolment. This limit was increased from $2,500, effective March 28, 2023, though some providers may need to update their plan terms before the higher limit applies.

For full-time students, the limit works differently: $8,000 can be withdrawn in the first 13-week period.

Part-time vs. full-time RESP withdrawals

	Part-Time	Full-Time
Minimum study requirement	3 consecutive weeks; 12 hours/month	Varies by program and school
EAP limit (13-week period)	$4,000	$8,000 in first 13 weeks*
Proof of enrolment required	Yes	Yes
EAPs taxable to student	Yes	Yes
Contribution withdrawals available	Yes, subject to plan terms	Yes, subject to plan terms

* Full-time students may withdraw more after the first 13 weeks, subject to plan terms. Always confirm limits with your provider.

What documents do part-time students need?

Before requesting a part-time RESP withdrawal, gather the following:

• Official proof of enrolment from the school
• School name and address
• Program name and type
• Program start and end dates
• Course load details, including hours per month
• Tuition or fee statement
• Student Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Any withdrawal forms required by your RESP provider

Having these documents ready before contacting your provider will help avoid delays.

Are EAPs taxable for part-time students?

Yes. EAPs are taxable income to the student beneficiary, not the subscriber. The student typically receives a T4A tax slip reporting the EAP amount, which they include on their tax return.

This does not always mean the student will owe a large tax bill. Many students have low total income and may owe little or no tax as a result. However, income from part-time work, summer jobs, or scholarships can change that outcome. A tax professional can help assess the student’s specific situation.

For more information, read this article on How EAPs are Taxed, or visit Embark’s Learning Centre.

Can contribution withdrawals help cover more costs?

EAPs are not the only source of funds in an RESP. Contribution withdrawals, sometimes called a return of contributions, allow the subscriber to withdraw the original amounts they contributed. Because contributions were made with after-tax dollars, they can generally be returned to the subscriber without triggering additional tax.

If education costs go beyond the $4,000 EAP limit in a 13-week period, contribution withdrawals may help cover the difference, depending on your plan terms. Contact your RESP provider to find out what your specific plan allows — if your RESP is with Embark, our team can walk you through your options.

To understand more, visit Embark’s guide on RESP withdrawal rules and what role EAPs play in RESPs.

What expenses can part-time RESP withdrawals cover?

The CRA does not publish an official list of approved expenses for RESP withdrawals. Families commonly use funds for education-related costs such as:

• Tuition and student fees
• Books and course materials
• Tools or equipment required for the program
• Technology, such as a laptop or software
• Transportation to and from school
• Rent and living costs

What if the student changes from full-time to part-time?

If a student switches from full-time to part-time — or takes a break — the EAP limits and eligibility rules change. It is a good idea to reach out to your RESP provider before the course load changes, especially if you have a withdrawal planned. If your RESP is with Embark, our team can help you understand how the change may affect your next withdrawal.

Students can also receive EAPs for up to 6 months after the end of enrolment in some cases, if the plan allows and the expenses would have qualified while the student was enrolled.

Common mistakes families make with part-time RESP withdrawals

• Assuming part-time students are not eligible for EAPs
• Requesting full-time EAP amounts while the student is enrolled part-time
• Not confirming whether the program meets the 3-week and 12-hour-per-month requirements
• Not keeping proof of enrolment on file
• Overlooking the effect of student income on tax outcomes
• Treating contribution withdrawals and EAPs as if they are taxed the same way

Frequently Asked Questions

Can part-time students use RESP funds?

Yes, if the student is enrolled in an eligible part-time post-secondary program. The program must last at least 3 consecutive weeks and require at least 12 hours per month on courses. The subscriber requests the EAP from the RESP provider, and the student provides proof of enrolment.

What is the RESP EAP limit for part-time students?

For part-time studies, EAPs are generally limited to $4,000 for every 13-week period of enrolment. This is different from the full-time limit of $8,000 in the first 13-week period. Always check with your provider, as plan terms may vary.

What proof is needed for a part-time RESP withdrawal?

You will typically need official proof of enrolment, the program name and dates, course load or hours per month, tuition or fee information, and any forms required by your RESP provider.

Are EAPs taxable for part-time students?

Yes. EAPs are taxable income for the student beneficiary. The student will generally receive a T4A slip. The amount of tax owed depends on the student’s total income for the year, so the impact varies.

Can part-time students use RESP funds for rent or books?

Yes. CRA does not publish an official list of approved expenses for RESP withdrawals. Families commonly use EAPs and contribution withdrawals for education-related costs such as tuition, books, tools, technology, and living expenses during study.