Canada Student Tax Credits 2025 – Claim Tuition, Loan Interest & Moving Expenses Easily

Pursuing higher education in Canada is a significant financial investment—but smart tax planning can significantly ease the burden.

For the 2025 tax year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) continues to offer various tax credits and deductions—both refundable and non-refundable—to help students, graduates, and working professionals offset education-related costs.

Whether you’re paying tuition, relocating for school, or repaying student loans, it’s essential to know how to maximize your claims.

Overview of Student Tax Benefits in 2025

Here’s a snapshot of the student tax benefits you can claim:

Benefit Type	Description	Refundable?
Tuition Tax Credit	Claim 15% of eligible tuition and education expenses; can carry forward/transferred	No
Canada Training Credit (CTC)	Up to $250/year toward eligible training; accumulates up to $5,000	Yes
Student Loan Interest	Non-refundable credit for interest on government student loans (past 5 years)	No
Moving Expenses	Deduct eligible moving costs if your move is at least 40 km closer to school/work	No
Basic Personal Amount (BPA)	Annual non-refundable credit of up to $16,129 reducing taxable income	No

Tuition Tax Credit – The Core Student Benefit

The tuition tax credit is one of the most valuable resources for students. Key points include:

• Must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution (Canadian or approved international)
• Eligible expenses exceed $100, verified via the official T2202 form
• Covers tuition, mandatory fees, lab/library charges, and registration costs
• Claim 15% of eligible tuition—for example, $4,000 yields a $600 federal credit
• Unused credits can be carried forward indefinitely or transferred (up to $5,000) to parents or partners

These credits can significantly reduce your tax payable—especially useful if you’re not earning enough to owe tax this year.

Canada Training Credit (CTC) – For Lifelong Learning

The Canada Training Credit supports continuing education through refundable credits:

• Available to Canadians aged 26 to 65 with at least $10,000 in working income
• Earn $250 per year up to a lifelong max of $5,000
• Your balance is listed on your Notice of Assessment
• Use your full amount to receive a cash refund, even if you owe no tax

This is a great option for those pursuing skill upgrades, career transitions, or professional development.

Student Loan Interest Deduction – Non-Refundable Relief

If you’re repaying government student loans, you can claim:

• Interest paid—but not the principal
• Interest from the past five years, even if unclaimed before
• Apply on Line 31900 of your tax return
• Unused interest credits can be carried forward up to 5 years

This can reduce your taxable income and ease financial pressure during repayments.

Moving Expense Deduction – For Students on the Move

Relocating for school or a co-op? You may deduct moving costs, provided your new residence is at least 40 km closer to your school or workplace. Eligible expenses include:

• Transportation and storage (e.g., packing, movers, insurance)
• Travel costs (meals, lodging, mileage)
• Temporary housing for up to 15 days
• Lease cancellation, utility changes, and address updates
• Claims are made via Line 21900 and must be supported by receipts

This deduction can offset the high costs associated with relocation.

Understanding the Basic Personal Amount (BPA)

The Basic Personal Amount is a universal non-refundable tax credit:

• For 2025, the federal BPA is up to $16,129 (phasing out for incomes over $177,882)
• Reduces taxable income—lowering or eliminating your tax owing

Even if you’re a student with minimal income, claiming the BPA helps ensure you don’t owe any federal tax.

Why You Should Always File a Tax Return

Even with low or no income, filing is important to claim:

• Refundable credits like the GST/HST credit
• Carrying forward tuition credits
• Access to province-specific benefits and grants

Filing your return keeps your CRA eligibility status active, setting you up for benefits now and in future years.

Canada’s student tax credits and deductions for 2025—especially for tuition, loan interest, and moving expenses—can significantly lower your tax burden.

Combined with tools like the Canada Training Credit and Basic Personal Amount, these programs offer real financial support to learners at every stage.

By staying informed, filing accurately, and keeping records, you can maximize your refund or reduce what you owe. Make sure to claim all applicable credits when filing your tax return!

FAQs