Use the checks below to confirm whether the answer fits the family, provider, and school situation.
Prepare documents and questions before requesting RESP withdrawals for school.
The clean rule is that Educational Assistance Payments are meant to help the beneficiary further education at the post-secondary level. The student usually needs to be enrolled in a qualifying full-time or part-time post-secondary program before an EAP can be paid.
That means ordinary costs before post-secondary school, such as elementary or high school tuition, tutoring, sports, camps, child care, hobbies, or a laptop for high school, should not be treated as EAP expenses.
There is one important distinction. Subscriber contributions are not the same as EAPs. Contributions were made with after-tax dollars and can often be withdrawn by the subscriber, but a pre-education withdrawal can trigger grant repayment or change the plan's future grant position.
Also, 'before university' does not always mean 'not eligible.' Many colleges, trade schools, apprenticeships, and foreign post-secondary programs may qualify. The key question is whether the school and program meet the RESP rules, not whether the word university appears in the name.
How to check this rule
Details that matter
EAPs need post-secondary purpose
EAP money is tied to helping the beneficiary further eligible education after high school.
Contributions are separate
Subscriber contributions can be more flexible, but withdrawing them at the wrong time may affect grants.
College can qualify
RESPs are not only for university. Eligible college, trade, and some foreign programs may qualify.
Provider rules matter
The promoter administers withdrawals and may require proof of enrolment, forms, and expense support.
Example
Example: Parents want to use RESP growth to pay for Grade 11 tutoring. That is generally not what EAPs are for. If the same student later enrolls in college, the RESP may then support eligible post-secondary costs.
Questions to ask your provider
Is the requested withdrawal an EAP or a subscriber contribution withdrawal?
Would this withdrawal require any CESG, CLB, or provincial incentive repayment?
What proof of enrolment is required before an EAP can be paid?
Could this school or program qualify as post-secondary education?
What happens if we leave the money in the RESP for future studies?
Read next
Withdraw RESP money explains the broader decision and links to related tools.
Tool next step
RESP Withdrawal Checklist can help estimate the practical contribution choices before you confirm eligibility with the promoter.