Scholarships & Grants for Mature Students in Canada

These are the main funding sources available to mature students returning to post-secondary education in Canada:

• Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students: Up to $4,200/year — no age limit, assessed through your provincial student aid application
• Canada Student Grant for Students with Dependants: Up to $200/week per child under 12 — many mature students qualify
• Provincial mature student bursaries: Ontario (OSAP Second Career), BC (Adult Upgrading Grant), Alberta (Learner Income Support)
• University mature student entrance awards: Many universities offer specific entrance scholarships for students 21+ or 25+
• Indspire Building Brighter Futures: Open to Indigenous learners of any age returning to education

After talking to hundreds of mature students, these are the most common funding mistakes we see:

• Assuming you're too old for student aid — you're not. Most programs have no age limit.
• Not applying for student loans/grants because you think you won't qualify — the income assessment is based on your current situation, not your lifetime earnings
• Forgetting the dependants grant — if you have kids under 12, this alone can add $8,000+/year in non-repayable funding
• Skipping your university's bursary application — institutional bursaries are often undersubscribed by mature students
• Not exploring part-time study options — you can receive student aid for part-time study while working

Actionable advice for mature students navigating the funding landscape:

• Apply for provincial student aid even if you're unsure — the worst that happens is you're assessed at $0
• Contact your university's mature student centre or adult learner office for dedicated support
• If you've been out of school for 4+ years, many universities waive high school grade requirements for admission
• Consider whether full-time or part-time study better fits your financial situation — both have funding options