The Graduate Retention Program rewards graduates living in Saskatchewan by providing 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.
| Program |
Tuition Rebate Maximum |
| 1 year Certificate, Diploma, or Journeyperson |
$3,000 |
| 2 or 3 year Certificate or Diploma |
$6,400 |
| 3 year Undergraduate Degree |
$15,000 |
| 4 year Undergraduate Degree |
$20,000 |
Rebate Payment
As an eligible graduate, you're issued a Graduate Retention Program Certificate by the Ministry of Advanced Education. You submit this 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.