Saskatchewan Education & Student Credits (2025)
Saskatchewan students, graduates, and parents can access a range of provincial and federal tax credits and cash benefits to help with the cost of post-secondary education and training. This guide explains the Graduate Retention Program (GRP), tuition/education amounts, student loan interest credits, scholarships, and benefit stacking strategies to maximize your refund and minimize education costs.
Graduate Retention Program (GRP)
- What is GRP?
The Graduate Retention Program is a unique Saskatchewan benefit that provides up to $20,000 in refundable tax credits to post-secondary graduates who stay and work in Saskatchewan after graduation. - Eligibility:
Graduates of recognized post-secondary programs (diploma, degree, certificate, trade) from 2008 onward. Must file a Saskatchewan tax return as a resident in the year of graduation and subsequent years. Both in-province and out-of-province students who move to Saskatchewan to work may qualify. - How Much?
Up to $20,000 over 7 years: $3,000–$20,000 depending on credential. Claimed as a refundable tax credit, so you receive the benefit even if you owe no tax. - How to Claim:
Receive a Graduate Retention Certificate from your institution, then claim the credit on your Saskatchewan tax return (SK428, line 65). If you do not use the full credit in one year, unused amounts can be carried forward up to 10 years. - Calculation Example:
Bachelor’s degree graduate receives $20,000 total, claimed over 7 years (e.g., $2,857 per year). If you pay less tax, the remainder carries forward.
Tip: You must file a Saskatchewan tax return and enter your certificate number to claim GRP, even if you have no taxable income.
Tuition & Education Amounts
- Tuition Amount:
Claim eligible post-secondary tuition fees paid in Canada (and some abroad) for yourself, your spouse, or your dependent children. - Education Amount:
Saskatchewan no longer has a separate education amount; the federal program ended in 2017. However, you may still carry forward unused provincial or federal tuition/education amounts from prior years. - Carryforward & Transfer:
Unused tuition/education credits may be carried forward indefinitely or transferred in the year paid (to parent, grandparent, or spouse; max $5,000). - How to Claim:
Enter your tuition/education amounts on your federal and Saskatchewan returns. You will need a T2202 certificate from your institution.
Tip: Parents can claim tuition transferred from a student child only if the student does not need it to reduce their own tax to zero.
Student Loan Interest Credit
- What is it?
Non-refundable credit for interest paid on eligible Saskatchewan and Canada student loans after graduation. Interest must be actually paid (not just accrued). - How to Claim:
Enter the amount of interest paid on your federal and Saskatchewan returns. Unused amounts can be carried forward up to 5 years. - What loans qualify?
Canada Student Loans, Saskatchewan Student Loans. Private bank loans and lines of credit are not eligible.
Scholarships, Bursaries & Tax Exemptions
- Tax Exemption:
Most scholarships, bursaries, and grants for post-secondary study are tax-free at the federal and Saskatchewan levels if you are eligible for the full-time education amount (or would have been prior to 2017). Amounts exceeding tuition/education may be taxable; check your T4A slip. - Claim Process:
Enter on your federal return. If taxable, will be included on your T1.
Other Student & Graduate Supports
- Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship:
$500 for eligible high school graduates entering post-secondary in Saskatchewan. Applied automatically to tuition for participating institutions. - Canada Student Grants:
Federal grants for low/moderate-income students, students with disabilities, and part-time students. Applied through the loan/grant application process. - Canada Training Credit:
Federal refundable tax credit for adult learners (ages 26–65) for eligible tuition/training fees. Accrue $250/year up to $5,000 lifetime; claim on your federal return.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can out-of-province graduates claim the GRP?
Yes. If you completed a recognized credential elsewhere and move to Saskatchewan for work, you may be eligible for the Graduate Retention Program. File a Saskatchewan tax return and provide your certificate number.
What if I don’t earn enough to use my credits?
Unused tuition and GRP credits can be carried forward to future years or transferred (in the case of tuition) to a parent or spouse for the current year.
Can I claim student loan interest if my parents paid?
No. Only the person responsible for the loan and who actually pays the interest can claim the credit.
What documents do I need to keep?
Keep all T2202 and T4A slips, graduate retention certificates, student loan interest statements, and receipts for tuition, books, and supplies for at least 7 years.