Use the checks below to confirm whether the answer fits the family, provider, and school situation.
Review common eligibility points before opening or updating an RESP.
Yes. Canada.ca says adults can open an RESP for themselves or another eligible adult. That makes an RESP possible for adult learners, not only parents saving for children.
The adult opening the plan is the subscriber, and the adult who may use the money for education is the beneficiary. In a self-opened adult RESP, those can be the same person.
The provider still has to register the account properly, confirm Social Insurance Number information, and make sure the beneficiary and plan setup meet RESP rules.
How to check this rule
Details that matter
Adult self-opened RESP
An adult can open an RESP for themselves and be both subscriber and beneficiary.
Another adult beneficiary
An adult may also open an RESP for another eligible adult.
Provider registration
The promoter still needs the details required to register and administer the RESP.
Grant difference
Adult eligibility to open an RESP is different from adult eligibility for new RESP grants.
Example
Example: A 30-year-old planning a college certificate in three years can ask a promoter to open an individual RESP with themselves as subscriber and beneficiary. The next question is whether the RESP is worth the restrictions without child-based grant eligibility.
Questions to ask your provider
Can I open this RESP with myself as subscriber and beneficiary?
What SIN, residency, and identity details do you require?
Do I have to use an individual RESP for this setup?
Do you need to check existing RESP contribution history for me?
What fees, investment options, and withdrawal rules apply?
Read next
RESPs for adults explains the broader decision and links to related tools.
Tool next step
RESP Eligibility Quick Check can help estimate the practical contribution choices before you confirm eligibility with the promoter.
Provider next step
RESP Provider Checklist helps you compare promoters on grant support, fees, and withdrawal process before opening or moving an RESP.