Student Aid for Students with Disabilities
Students with permanent or persistent disabilities in Canada have access to dedicated non-repayable funding beyond standard student aid. The Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities provides up to $4,000 per year specifically for disability-related educational costs — tutoring, sign language interpreting, note-taking technology, and assistive devices — separate from your regular grant eligibility.
This federal grant provides up to $4,000 per year to help cover disability-related educational costs that other students do not face.
- Up to $4,000 per year for eligible students with permanent or persistent disabilities
- Covers: tutoring, sign language interpreting, real-time captioning, note-taking, attendant care, assistive technology
- Assessed through your provincial student aid application
- Requires documentation of disability from a qualified professional
- Stackable with other Canada Student Grants
Most provinces provide additional support beyond the federal grant:
- Ontario (OSAP): Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) for exceptional education costs
- BC: Permanent disability supplement through StudentAid BC
- Alberta: Disability-related expenses supplement
- Contact your provincial student aid office for province-specific programs
Every Canadian university and college has a disability or accessibility office offering support beyond financial aid.
- Academic accommodations: Extended time, alternative formats, exam accommodations
- Emergency bursaries: Quick-turnaround funds for unexpected accessibility costs
- Assistive technology lending programs
- Register with your accessibility office early — the process can take several weeks
Frequently asked questions
Related awards in our database
See allReady to find your funding?
Take our free 5-step quiz and get a personalized list of Canadian scholarships, grants, and bursaries matched to your exact situation.