If the beneficiary chooses not to pursue post-secondary education, one of three things must happen:
- You change the plan's beneficiary (e.g. to a sibling)*
- You transfer funds to another RESP*
- You close out the plan completely*
If you choose to close the plan you will have to return any government grant money. Since the RESP contributions belong to the subscriber, these can be withdrawn from the RESP without penalty.
*Some restrictions and/or penalties may apply.