Can I use my RRSP for education through the Lifelong Learning Plan?

Arsen Accounting Services · Question 163 · Sources checked October 29, 2026

Browse registered plans and investments →

The Lifelong Learning Plan can allow qualifying RRSP withdrawals for education or training for you or your spouse or common-law partner. It has its own eligibility, withdrawal, and repayment rules; it is not a general tax-free withdrawal for any family education expense.

Check the student and program conditions

CRA currently lists a $10,000 annual withdrawal limit and a $20,000 total limit for a participation period. Eligible withdrawals are not included in income at withdrawal, but amounts generally must be repaid over ten years. The repayment start depends on the student's circumstances.

Required repayments are designated through Schedule 7. An amount not repaid when due is included in income for that year. Do not claim an ordinary RRSP deduction for the same contribution designated as an LLP repayment.

Official guidance: [1], [2], [3].

Plan for school and the later repayment

For example, someone retraining after a career change should compare tuition, living costs, the available withdrawal, and future repayment obligations. The program can change the timing of access to retirement funds; it does not make the withdrawal permanently tax-free without meeting the rules.

Gather the application records

• School and program details, enrolment dates, and student status.
• RRSP balance and previous LLP participation history.
• Proposed withdrawal dates and amounts.
• A budget for later repayments.

Ask the RRSP issuer and your preparer to confirm eligibility before releasing the funds. Keep the withdrawal forms and annual repayment statements. If studies stop or enrolment changes, review the repayment timing promptly rather than waiting until a missed amount appears as taxable income.