Can 529 Plans Be Used for Canadian Universities? Eligible Schools List
Planning to attend a university in Canada and wondering whether you can use your U.S. 529 college savings plan to cover the costs?
Many eligible Canadian universities qualify for tax-advantaged 529 withdrawals, and you may not need to abandon your 529 college savings plan.
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Find Your 529 Savings TargetCan You Use a U.S. 529 Plan at a Canadian University?
Yes, you can use a 529 Plan at a Canadian University, but the Canadian university must qualify as an eligible educational institution under U.S. federal rules.
A 529 plan isn’t restricted to colleges in the United States.
That can include certain universities outside the country.
You can start with the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website to check for any inquiries.
StudentAid.gov
Apply for federal student aid, including eligible grants, work-study, and federal student loans, through the official FAFSA application.
Find answers about financial aid, FAFSA, federal student loans, and repayment through the Federal Student Aid Help Center or the Feedback Center.
Federal Student Aid Information Center
P.O. Box 84
Washington, DC 20044-0084
Which Canadian Universities Are Eligible for 529 Funds
Several well-known Canadian universities have appeared on U.S. federal school lists, including institutions such as:
| Institution | Location (City, Province) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Acadia University | Wolfville, NS | Eligible |
| Ambrose University | Calgary, AB | Eligible |
| Bishop’s University | Sherbrooke, QC | Eligible |
| Brandon University | Brandon, MB | Eligible |
| Brock University | St. Catharines, ON | Eligible |
| Burman University | Lacombe, AB | Eligible |
| Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine | Toronto, ON | Eligible |
| Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College | North York, ON | Eligible |
| Carleton University | Ottawa, ON | Eligible |
| Columbia Bible College | Abbotsford, BC | Eligible |
| Concordia University (Montréal) | Montréal, QC | Eligible |
| Concordia University of Edmonton | Edmonton, AB | Eligible |
| Crandall University | Moncton, NB | Eligible |
| Dalhousie University | Halifax, NS | Eligible |
| Holland College | Charlottetown, PEI | Eligible |
| King’s University (The) | Edmonton, AB | Eligible |
| Kingswood University | Sussex, NB | Eligible |
| McGill University | Montréal, QC | Eligible |
| McMaster University | Hamilton, ON | Eligible |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | St. John’s, NL | Eligible |
| Mount Allison University | Sackville, NB | Eligible |
| Mount Saint Vincent University | Halifax, NS | Eligible |
| Pacific Life Bible College | Surrey, BC | Eligible |
| Providence University College & Theological Seminary | Otterburne, MB | Eligible |
| Queen’s University (at Kingston) | Kingston, ON | Eligible |
| Redeemer University College | Ancaster, ON | Eligible |
| Regent College | Vancouver, BC | Eligible |
| Saint Mary’s University | Halifax, NS | Eligible |
| Saint Paul University | Ottawa, ON | Eligible |
| The Salvation Army William & Catherine Booth College (University College, The) | Winnipeg, MB | Eligible |
| Simon Fraser University | Burnaby, BC | Eligible |
| St. Francis Xavier University | Antigonish, NS | Eligible |
| St. Thomas University | Fredericton, NB | Eligible |
| Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson) | Toronto, ON | Eligible |
| Trinity Western University | Langley, BC | Eligible |
| Tyndale University | Toronto, ON | Eligible |
| Université de Montréal | Montréal, QC | Eligible |
| University of Alberta | Edmonton, AB | Eligible |
| University of British Columbia | Vancouver, BC | Eligible |
| University of Calgary | Calgary, AB | Eligible |
| University of Guelph | Guelph, ON | Eligible |
| University of King’s College | Halifax, NS | Eligible |
| University of Manitoba | Winnipeg, MB | Eligible |
| University of New Brunswick | Fredericton, NB | Eligible |
| University of Northern British Columbia | Prince George, BC | Eligible |
| University of Ottawa | Ottawa, ON | Eligible |
| University of Prince Edward Island | Charlottetown, PEI | Eligible |
| University of Toronto | Toronto, ON | Eligible |
| University of Victoria | Victoria, BC | Eligible |
| University of Waterloo | Waterloo, ON | Eligible |
| University of Western Ontario (The Western) | London, ON | Eligible |
| University of Windsor | Windsor, ON | Eligible |
| University of Winnipeg (The) | Winnipeg, MB | Eligible |
| Vancouver School of Theology | Vancouver, BC | Eligible |
| Wilfrid Laurier University | Waterloo, ON | Eligible |
| York University | Toronto, ON | Eligible |
School listings and statuses can change, so confirm the details using the federal database before relying on a tax-free withdrawal.
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Qualified Expenses at Canadian Universities
Qualifying expense categories generally work the same way at an eligible Canadian university as they do at an eligible U.S. college.
Qualified expenses generally include:
- Tuition and mandatory fees: Charges required for enrollment or attendance.
- Books and supplies: Textbooks, course materials, and other required supplies.
- Required equipment: Equipment needed for the student’s course of study.
- Computers and related expenses: Eligible computers, software, and internet access used primarily by the student during enrollment.
- Room and board: Eligible housing and meal costs for students enrolled at least half-time, subject to applicable cost-of-attendance limits.
- Special-needs services: Qualifying services related to attendance, when applicable.
What Doesn’t Qualify?
Not every expense associated with studying in Canada can be paid tax-free from a 529 account.
Common nonqualified expenses include:
- Transportation: Airfare, public transit, fuel, and commuting costs.
- Health insurance and medical expenses: Student health insurance, medical bills, and health fees.
- Personal living expenses: Clothing, toiletries, and personal purchases.
- Entertainment: Movies, concerts, recreational activities, and nonacademic hobbies.
- Nonrequired expenses: Optional fees or supplies that do not meet applicable 529 rules.
- Expenses exceeding room and board limits: Housing and meals above the applicable IRS limits may not qualify.
The student also must be enrolled at least half-time, and the amount you can treat as qualified is subject to the applicable limits based on the institution’s cost of attendance or eligible actual charges.
How to Check 529 Eligibility of a Canadian School
To determine if a specific Canadian college or university accepts 529 plan funds, follow these steps:
| Step | What to Do | Where to Check |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Search | Look up the school’s name and federal school code. | Federal School Code Search |
| 2. Verify | Check official U.S. Department of Education listings for Canadian schools. | Federal Student Aid Resources |
| 3. Ask the School | Contact Financial Aid or the Registrar to confirm eligibility and request its federal school code. | School’s official website |
| 4. Check Your Program | Confirm your specific campus and program qualify, especially for study-abroad arrangements. | School’s Financial Aid Office |
| 5. Contact Your 529 Provider | Ask how to pay a Canadian school and what documents are required. | Your 529 plan administrator |
| 6. Keep Records | Save eligibility confirmations, tuition bills, and payment receipts. | Your personal records |
Sample Email to School Financial Aid Office:
I am planning to use funds from a U.S. 529 college savings plan to pay for my [relation]’s education at [School Name]. Could you please confirm whether [School Name] is eligible to participate in U.S. Federal student aid (Title IV), and if so provide the federal school code or any documentation? If not, can you advise on whether you accept 529 plan payments for tuition or fees?
Thank you for your assistance.
[Your Name]
Sample Email to 529 Plan Administrator:
My beneficiary will be attending [School Name] in Canada, and I wish to use our 529 account for qualified expenses. I have confirmed that the school is (or may be) Title IV eligible. Please advise on the process for making a distribution to this institution. What information do you need (federal school code, invoice, etc.)? Can you pay directly in U.S. dollars to the school, or should we route it through the student’s account?
I appreciate your guidance on any special requirements or timing.
[Your Name]
What Happens If the Canadian University Isn’t Eligible?
If the institution doesn’t meet the federal eligibility requirements, a withdrawal used for its expenses generally won’t qualify for the usual tax-free treatment.
For example, you could consider changing the account beneficiary to another eligible family member, subject to the applicable rules, or using the funds for another permitted purpose.
Certain 529 accounts may also be eligible for a rollover to a Roth IRA or other permitted transaction, but these options have specific requirements and limitations.
If you take a nonqualified withdrawal, the earnings portion is generally subject to federal income tax and an additional 10% federal tax.
Because the consequences can be significant, I recommend that you confirm the school’s eligibility and discuss your alternatives with your plan administrator or tax professional before withdrawing the money.
What About Currency Conversion and Paying a Canadian University?
Yes, your 529 savings are typically held in U.S. dollars, but your child’s tuition bill may be in Canadian dollars.
That means the amount withdrawn from your account may not match the final amount charged to your bank account after conversion.
Since exchange rates can move, your bank or payment provider may charge currency-conversion or international transfer fees.
Before the first tuition payment, check:
- Whether the university accepts payment directly from a U.S. bank account or 529 plan distribution.
- Whether the payment must be made in Canadian dollars.
- Which exchange rate and conversion fees will apply.
- How long an international payment may take to arrive.
- Whether your 529 plan requires any particular documentation or withdrawal process.
You can use a U.S. 529 college savings plan to pay for a Canadian university, provided the institution meets the federal eligibility requirements and the withdrawal covers qualified expenses.
529 Funds At Canadian Schools FAQs
529 funds can cover expenses at eligible institutions, but courses billed through a Canadian school must meet the applicable eligibility rules.
Yes, if the student attends an eligible institution or participates through an eligible U.S. university program and the expenses qualify.
You can request a 529 distribution in U.S. dollars and arrange payment or currency conversion with the school or your bank.
Yes. 529 funds can generally pay qualified expenses at eligible foreign institutions, but confirm the school’s eligibility and your plan’s payment requirements.
Form 1099-Q reports distributions in U.S. dollars, so keep records of the distribution and the Canadian-dollar expenses paid.
Yes. Match withdrawals to qualified expenses paid in the same tax year, and allow enough time for processing and currency conversion.
No. The beneficiary generally need not be a U.S. citizen, but individual plans may require a Social Security number or taxpayer identification number.
Yes. State tax benefits and plan procedures vary, so check your state’s rules and your plan’s requirements for foreign institutions.
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