If you’re asking how much tuition credit can I claim (in Canada — or specifically how much tuition credit can I claim in Ontario), the short answer is: you can generally claim the eligible tuition fees you paid for the tax year — but the actual tax benefit depends on your taxable income and whether you transfer or carry forward unused credits. Below we unpack the federal and provincial rules, per-year limits, transfer rules, and step-by-step examples.
Quick note: Tuition tax credits are non-refundable — they reduce how much tax you owe but won't generate a refund if you have no tax payable. However, unused amounts can be carried forward or transferred to a spouse, parent, or grandparent.
What is the tuition tax credit?
The tuition tax credit is a non-refundable tax credit that lets eligible students reduce their federal and provincial income tax by claiming qualifying tuition and education amounts reported on an official T2202 (or equivalent) slip from their educational institution.
How much tuition credit can I claim in Canada (federal rules)?
For federal tax, you can claim the total eligible tuition fees paid for courses at designated institutions in the tax year, as per your T2202 slip. The federal tuition tax credit is calculated by multiplying your eligible tuition amount by the lowest federal tax rate (the basic personal amount rate). Practically, the key points:
- You can claim tuition paid in the tax year or choose to carry forward unused amounts.
- There is no fixed dollar cap per year — the limit is the eligible tuition amount you actually paid.
How much tuition tax credit can I claim — example (federal)
Example: If you paid $6,000 in eligible tuition in 2025 and you owe $1,200 in federal tax before credits, the tuition credit will reduce your federal tax payable. If your calculated credit exceeds your tax payable, you can transfer up to the allowed amount to a supporting person, or carry the rest forward.
Provincial tuition credits — how much tuition credit can I claim in Ontario?
Provinces, including Ontario, have their own tax credit computations. Like the federal credit, Ontario allows you to claim eligible tuition amounts against provincial tax. There is typically no separate per-year cap beyond the eligible tuition amount; however, the provincial tax reduction depends on Ontario’s provincial tax rate.
Tip: Always claim both federal and provincial tuition credits on your tax return. If you don’t need the credit to reduce your tax payable, consider transferring part to a parent or carrying it forward.
How much tuition credit can I claim per year?
Your per-year claim equals the eligible tuition fees paid that year (supported by T2202). There’s no legislated maximum dollar cap per se — the restriction is the amount you actually paid for qualifying tuition. Important caveats include:
- Only fees for eligible programs (post-secondary, certified courses) qualify.
- Associated fees (e.g., student association fees, some ancillary fees) may be eligible — check the T2202 and CRA guidance.
Carry forward and transfer rules
If you don’t need the full credit this year, you can either transfer up to $5,000 of the current-year tuition credit to a spouse, parent, or grandparent, or carry forward the unused portion indefinitely to use in future years.
How transfer works
- Calculate your total federal tuition credit for the year.
- Apply any unused amount against your federal tax payable.
- Transfer up to $5,000 of the current-year tuition amount (after you’ve applied it to your tax payable) to a supporting person if eligible.
Carry forward example
Student A has a $7,000 tuition credit and owes $500 in federal tax. They can apply $500 to tax, transfer up to $5,000 to a parent (if they choose), and carry forward the remaining amount to future years.
Caution: Transfers and carryforwards have specific ordering rules on the tax form. Ensure you complete Schedule 11 and the transfer sections correctly, or use certified tax software to avoid mistakes.
Special situations: part-time students, international students, and OSAP
Part-time students can claim tuition credits too — different education amount rules may apply. International students studying in Canada at eligible institutions can claim tuition credits if they have a Canadian tax obligation. Note: student loan interest (e.g., OSAP) is a separate non-refundable credit for interest paid, not tuition.
How to claim tuition credits on your CRA return (step-by-step)
- Collect your T2202 (or equivalent) slips from educational institutions.
- Enter eligible tuition on Schedule 11 of your T1 tax return.
- Decide whether to transfer, claim, or carry forward unused amounts.
- File your return (or use certified tax software) and keep documentation for CRA review.
Worked example: how much tuition credit can I claim (Ontario student)
Emma, an Ontario student, paid $8,000 in eligible tuition in 2025. Her federal tax before credits is $1,500 and her provincial tax is $800. She can apply the tuition credit to reduce federal and provincial taxes. Suppose the federal credit reduces her tax by $1,200 and the provincial credit reduces provincial tax by $640 — she would still owe some tax or could transfer part of the unused credit. Use Schedule 11 to compute exact transfer/carryforward amounts.
Common mistakes students make
- Failing to keep T2202 slips and receipts.
- Attempting to claim non-eligible fees (check CRA guidance).
- Incorrectly transferring more than allowed — the $5,000 current-year transfer limit applies.
Provincial differences — Ontario vs other provinces
While federal rules are consistent across Canada, provincial tax rates and credit calculations differ. Ontario calculates its provincial tuition credit based on provincial tax rates. Always check provincial guidance if you live outside Ontario for exact examples and rates.
Free tools and resources
CRA’s website, certified tax software, and university student finance offices often provide calculators and help for claiming tuition credits. For planning and budgeting around education costs, our Capital Budgeting Guide can help you plan long-term education spending.
FAQs — exact keyword coverage
Q: how much tuition credit can i claim?
A: You can claim the eligible tuition fees you paid in the tax year as reported on your T2202 slip. The tax benefit depends on your federal and provincial tax rates, and unused amounts can be transferred or carried forward.
Q: how much tuition credit can i claim canada?
A: Across Canada, you can claim the eligible tuition fees paid in the tax year. There’s no fixed dollar cap; the limit is the tuition amount you actually paid, subject to CRA eligibility rules.
Q: how much tuition tax credit can i claim?
A: The tax credit equals the eligible tuition amount multiplied by the applicable federal and provincial tax rates. Because it is non-refundable, it reduces tax payable rather than producing a refund beyond taxes paid.
Q: how much tuition credit can i claim in ontario?
A: In Ontario, you claim eligible tuition fees on your provincial return — the amount you can claim per year equals the tuition you paid that year (subject to eligibility). Use Schedule 11 to calculate the provincial portion.
Q: how much tuition credit can i claim per year?
A: Per year, you may claim the total eligible tuition you paid in that tax year. There is no prescribed dollar cap beyond the eligible tuition amount itself.
Q: how much tuition credit can i claim ontario?
A: Same as above — Ontario allows you to claim eligible tuition fees paid that year. Ensure you claim both federal and Ontario credits when filing.
Conclusion
When you ask "how much tuition credit can I claim", focus first on gathering correct T2202 slips and confirming eligible tuition amounts. Claim the credits on Schedule 11, consider transferring up to $5,000 if you don’t need the credit personally, and carry forward unused amounts. For Ontario-specific calculations, follow provincial instructions on Schedule 11 and consult CRA guidance or a tax professional for complex situations.
Final Pro Tip: Keep year-by-year records of tuition and transfers — it makes claiming carryforwards straightforward and protects you in case CRA asks for documentation.