Graduate Retention Program

The Graduate Retention Program (GRP) rewards graduates living in Saskatchewan by providing a rebate up to $20,000. To be eligible, you have to live and file an income tax return in Saskatchewan.

Tuition Rebate Amount

Your rebate will be based on the tuition you paid. It is indicated on T2202A tax receipts issued by your post-secondary institution. Your maximum tuition rebate is based on your program.

Rebate Payment

Eligible graduates will be issued a Graduate Retention Program Certificate by the Ministry of Advanced Education. Submit this certificate when filing your Saskatchewan income tax.

The GRP rebate is paid out over seven years, provided you file your taxes in Saskatchewan. Your rebate is applied to reduce the amount of Saskatchewan income tax you owe.

In each of the first four tax years, you receive 10 per cent of your maximum rebate. In each of the final three tax years, you receive 20 per cent of your maximum rebate.

If your rebate is more than what you owe, the unused benefit can be applied in a future tax year. You have up to 10 years after graduation to apply unused credits.

2015 Change

In 2015, the GRP was amended to a non-refundable tax credit. When you file tax returns for 2015 and beyond, you receive your rebate as a reduction in provincial income tax. If your rebate is greater than the tax payable, the excess can be applied in a future tax year. As part of the shift to a non-refundable tax credit, you now have up to 10 years to fully use your entitlement.

2014 and previous tax years are not affected. If you are having your income tax assessed for years prior to 2015, you will continue to be eligible for a cash refund for your 2008 to 2014 income tax years.

You are eligible for the Graduate Retention Program (GRP) rebate if you:

• graduated from an approved post-secondary program and applied within seven years of graduation;
  • Graduates from 2015 and earlier are no longer eligible to apply for the Graduate Retention Program.
  • Graduates from 2016 have until April 30, 2023, to apply.
• already live in Saskatchewan; or
• are moving to Saskatchewan.

An approved program must:

• be equivalent to at least six months of full-time study at an eligible institution;
• result in certificate, diploma, or undergraduate degree; or
• provide journeyperson certification.

* Master and PhD degrees are not eligible for the GRP. Your undergraduate program may qualify for the GRP if it meets the above requirements.

Visit Government of Canada's website for a list of designated educational institutions.

Most Saskatchewan post-secondary institutions apply for the Graduate Retention Program (GRP) on your behalf; however, you must provide consent for them to do so. Check with your institution on how to provide consent.

After graduation, you will receive an email from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Advanced Education inviting you to create an account for the Advanced Education Student Portal in order to download your GRP certificate. If you have an existing account, you will be able to log in. The certificate is needed in order to claim your income tax benefit.

The following institutions apply on behalf of graduates:

• Academy of Learning – North Battleford
• Academy of Learning – Saskatoon
• Avant Garde
• Axiom College
• Briercrest College and Seminary
• Eston College
• Millar College of the Bible
• Professional Institute of Massage Therapy
• Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT)
• Saskatchewan Polytechnic
• Saskatoon Business College
• University of Regina (includes Luther College, Campion College and First Nations University of Canada)
• University of Saskatchewan (includes St. Thomas More College and St. Peter's College)
• Western College of Remedial Massage

If you studied at an institution that doesn't apply on your behalf, or an institution outside Saskatchewan, you must apply directly to the Ministry of Advanced Education. Instructions are in #4: Apply.

A copy of your certificate, diploma or degree – or for international study, a copy of your Canadian educational credential assessment confirming the program of study – should be submitted with your completed application to:

Student Service Centre
1120 - 2010 12th Avenue
Regina, SK S4P 0M3

Fax: 306-787-1608

Download an application

If you studied at an institution that does not apply on your behalf, or an institution outside Saskatchewan, you must apply to the Graduate Retention Program (GRP) through the Saskatchewan Ministry of Advanced Education.

A copy of your certificate, diploma or degree should be submitted with your completed application. For international study, a copy of your Canadian educational credential assessment confirming the program of study should be submitted with your completed application.

1. Fill out the required documents

• Save or print a copy of your certificate, diploma or degree – or for international study, a copy of your Canadian educational credential assessment confirming the program of study.

2. Submit your documents

If you have an existing account, upload your application and supporting documents online using the Advanced Education Student Portal.

If you do not have an existing Advanced Education Student Portal Account, or you need to upload documents on behalf of a student, you can upload the application and documents online using the Post-Secondary Document Uploader.

You may also mail the application and documents to:
Student Service Centre
1120 - 2010 12th Avenue
Regina, SK S4P 0M3

Please visit The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for information on how to obtain an assessment.

You must complete the Consent to Release Information Form to authorize any individual to call the Student Service Centre on your behalf about your GRP.

Please allow two to four weeks for processing.

In order to claim your tax credit, you will need to download a Graduate Retention Program (GRP) certificate. When you apply for GRP, or when your post-secondary institution applies on your behalf, following graduation you will receive an email from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Advanced Education with instructions on how to download your GRP certificate.

To access your GRP information online, log in to your Advanced Education Student Portal account.

Find more information about how to claim your Graduate Retention Program rebate when filing your income tax return.

If you filed your Saskatchewan income tax return and did not claim your Graduate Retention Program tax credit, or your year of graduation is prior to the Graduate Retention Program certificate year of issue, you must contact the Canada Revenue Agency and submit a written request for reassessment of your tax returns.

If you have questions about filing your income tax return, contact Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-8281 or visit CRA online.