Program · Federal

RESP plan types: Individual, Family, Group

Three structures available in Canada. Individual plans hold one beneficiary. Family plans hold multiple related beneficiaries (siblings). Group (scholarship) plans pool funds with other subscribers under a dealer's schedule.

Reviewed by Ben Stevenson, Managing Editor, Canadian Money Help Updated April 21, 2026 Methodology

Eligibility

Any adult can be the subscriber
Beneficiary must have a Canadian SIN
Family plans require beneficiaries to be blood relatives or adoptees of the subscriber

Limits and rules

Lifetime $50,000 contribution per beneficiary (across all plans)
No annual contribution limit, but CESG match caps at 20% of first $2,500/year
Group plans have scheduled contribution requirements and typically high front-end fees

Source

CRA: RESP overview →