The Graduate Retention Program (GRP) is a refundable income tax credit to rebate up to $20,000 of tuition fees paid by eligible graduates. This initiative replaces the previous Graduate Tax Exemption beginning January 1, 2008.

From 2000-2007, the Government of Saskatchewan had two previous graduate tax benefit programs for graduates from post-secondary programs.

Application forms for the GRP are currently in the design stage and will be available in the fall of 2008. Continue to check this site for updates.

PLEASE NOTE:  If you graduated in 2006 or 2007 and previously received the GTE, this information will be used to generate your GRP certificate. Please ensure we have your most current address.

Post-secondary graduates who successfully graduate from an approved program at a Saskatchewan post-secondary institution are eligible for the new GRP.  Eligible programs must be equivalent to at least six months of full-time study and must:

• Result in a certificate, diploma, or undergraduate degree; or, 
• Provide certification to journeypersons.

Eligibility will also be extended to approved programs at post-secondary institutions outside Saskatchewan. 

The GRP applies to the graduate only and cannot be transferred to another person including your parents or spouse. 

Tuition rebates will be based on actual tuition amounts paid based on the T2202A certificates that are issued by post-secondary institutions and the particular program of study that was completed.

The maximum tuition rebate for each program of study is as follows:

Transition Provisions

The new Graduate Retention Program (GRP) replaces the previous Graduate Tax Exemption program. All 2006 and 2007 graduates who were eligible under the previous Graduate Tax Exemption program will continue to benefit under that program for the 2007 taxation year.

In addition, 2006 and 2007 graduates of programs that meet the Graduate Retention Program eligibility criteria will also receive benefits under the new program. These benefits will be based on a portion of their tuition costs and the particular program of study that was completed.

Tuition rebate benefits for 2008 and 2009 graduates will also be based on their program of study and a portion of their tuition costs.

The maximum amount of tuition that can be claimed by eligible 2006-2009 graduates will be as follows:

To fully qualify for tuition rebate entitlements, graduates must remain in Saskatchewan for seven years after graduation.  Eligible graduates who opt to continue their post-secondary education in additional certificate, diploma or undergraduate programs will be eligible for additional tuition rebates.  The total amount of tuition rebates any graduate can receive over the course of a lifetime is $20,000.

Program application and eligibility verification will be conducted by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour.  The Ministry will accept applications for the new program from students and institutions, confirm that the individual graduated from an eligible program at an eligible institution, and issue a certificate confirming eligibility and the program of study completed.

A graduate’s tuition rebate entitlement will be paid out through the provincial income tax system based on a seven-year rebate claim schedule, with 10 per cent of the entitlement paid out in each of the first four years after graduation and 20 per cent paid out in each of the next three years.

Graduates will be required to attach the Graduate Retention Program certificate of eligibility and all applicable tuition receipts to their Saskatchewan income tax return.  The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will then use the tuition receipts and eligibility certificate to establish the graduate’s total rebate entitlement.  Based on this entitlement amount, the CRA will calculate the individual’s rebate payment for each taxation year, applying the seven-year rebate claim schedule.  Payments will be made each year provided that the graduate files a Saskatchewan income tax return for each of those years.