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What ESDC Certification Means
Employment and Social Development Canada certifies educational institutions that provide training designed to help people obtain or improve skills needed for an occupation. Stand Up and Speak Inc. has been added to ESDC’s official list of certified institutions for 2026.
Certification applies to the institution. A student’s ability to claim tuition fees still depends on the course, the occupational purpose of the training, the fees paid, and the student’s individual circumstances.
Who May Be Eligible
A student may be able to claim eligible tuition fees when all applicable CRA requirements are met, including the following:
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The student is at least 16 years old by the end of the tax year.
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The training is taken to obtain skills for, or improve skills in, an occupation.
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The fees are eligible tuition fees and exceed the applicable CRA minimum.
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The fees have not been paid or reimbursed in a way that makes them ineligible.
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The student meets the remaining CRA requirements based on their individual circumstances.
Programs That May Be Eligible
Eligible tuition receipts may be available for selected Stand Up and Speak programs designed to build occupational communication and leadership skills. Eligibility is not determined solely by the program name. The student must also meet the applicable age, occupational-purpose, fee, and CRA requirements.
What May Not Qualify
Training taken solely for personal interest or recreational purposes does not qualify under this occupational-skills pathway. Programs for students under age 16 are not eligible through this certification route. Fees paid or reimbursed by an employer or government program may also be ineligible, depending on how the payment is treated for tax purposes.
Tuition Receipts and T2202 Certificates
Stand Up and Speak will provide the appropriate tuition documentation to qualifying students in accordance with CRA requirements. Eligible students may receive a T2202 Tuition and Enrolment Certificate for the applicable calendar year.
Students are responsible for determining whether they qualify to claim the tuition amount on their Canadian income tax return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Stand Up and Speak course qualify?
No. Certification of the institution does not automatically make every course or fee eligible. The training must be connected to obtaining or improving occupational skills, and all applicable CRA requirements must be met.
Is the tuition tax credit a guaranteed refund?
No. It is a non-refundable tax credit. Its value and use depend on the student’s tax situation.
Does every student aged 16 or older qualify?
No. Age is only one condition. The purpose of the training, the program, the fees paid, reimbursement arrangements, and the student’s circumstances also matter.
What if an employer pays or reimburses the tuition?
Employer-paid or reimbursed tuition may not be claimable when the amount is not included in the student’s income. Students should review the CRA rules or speak with a qualified tax professional.
Can students under age 16 claim the tuition tax credit?
Not through this ESDC-certified occupational-training pathway. The student must be at least 16 years old by the end of the applicable tax year.
Can Stand Up and Speak provide personal tax advice?
No. We can provide information about our certification, programs, fees, and tuition documentation. Students should consult the CRA or a qualified tax professional about their personal eligibility.
Tax Disclaimer
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Eligibility for the tuition tax credit is determined under the Income Tax Act and applicable CRA requirements based on each student’s circumstances. Stand Up and Speak does not guarantee that any student, course, or fee will qualify. Please consult the Canada Revenue Agency or a qualified tax professional for advice about your situation.