It is a contemporary world, and you know what? The importance of digital literacy and access to technological resources cannot be overstated. So, a free laptop for students in Canada is now something students can’t do without.
For students, a laptop is more than just a tool; it’s a gateway to knowledge, a platform for creativity, and a means to connect with the world. However, the reality is that not every student can afford one.
Thankfully, several organizations in Canada have stepped up, offering programs that provide free or low-cost laptops to students. These initiatives are not just about providing hardware; they’re about empowering students, fostering equal opportunities, and shaping a brighter future.
Free Laptop for Students in Canada
In this article, we have carefully identified the top laptop programs you should apply for if you study in Canada (to know someone studying there). Even non-students may qualify for these laptop opportunities.
That said, below are the best programs with free laptop for students in Canada:
1. reSTART – reBOOT Canada
The reSTART program is a unique initiative designed to close the digital divide for individuals receiving social assistance. It provides computers at a cost significantly lower than retail prices to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder access to digital resources.
Furthermore, the program is not just about providing hardware; it’s about empowering individuals. The affordable computers provided by reSTART enable people to access educational resources, find job opportunities, and even start and manage new small businesses. This holistic approach ensures that beneficiaries can fully leverage the power of technology to improve their lives.
Where to apply? Apply for reSTART – reBPOOT Canada for a free PC.
2. PCs for People
Looking for a reliable program that offers a free laptop for students in Canada? Look no further and sign up on PCs for People. This organization gives refurbished computers only to eligible customers though (but for affordable prices). You can also get low-cost high-speed internet solutions.
You need to be eligible, and not necessarily be a student. But from the trend, it seems they favor students in Canada more than grads. You can get these ridiculously cheap laptops if you are currently participating in any government-based assistance program or have a qualifying household income (less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines or 60% of area median income.
PCs for People will also need your photo identification and income documentation to make sure that you meet the requirements.
3. Laptops for Learning
How about signing up to get a free laptop as a Canadian student via The Laptops for Learning initiative? Apply for this free laptop NOW! This program is set on the belief that every child has a right to an education. It was developed by Greenwin Cares and Toronto Police Services 31 Division and provides laptops to young people to give them the necessary tools for their learning journey.
Before you apply for this free laptop for students in Canada, take note of these conditions:
- After completing the registration form, it does not automatically mean that you will receive a free laptop.
- You must live within the 31 Division boundaries to be eligible.
- Greenwin Corp. and Toronto Police Service, 31 Division Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) reserves the right to reject any application requesting a laptop.
- you can only receive one laptop (per household).
4. Let’s Get Together
You should sign up for the Let’s Get Together free laptops. First, let’s carefully explain how this opportunity with a free laptop for students in Canada works. They simply wipe/erase and refurbish laptops and other devices with the support of the Tech4All Youth and the Edutechconnect volunteer teams. Finally, they recycled the PCs through DnC Metal Recycling, RCT and Electronics Recycling Association. That’s how the free PC gets to you in Canada.
When you are on the application page, just fill out the application to apply for a refurbished laptop. Let’s Get Together will then contact you with available options to pick from, then the laptop is yours.
However, you have to be eligible! To be eligible you must be someone or a student living in a community with a population 500,000 and over with income below limits based on Low-income cut off 2017 before tax amounts):
Below are the acceptable forms of proof of income:
- Ontario Works (OW)
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Employment Insurance in the form of a benefit statement
- Current OSAP statement of funding
- Second Career agreement
- Refugee Payment from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRC)
5. Computers for Schools Plus
The Computers for Schools Plus program is a testament to the power of community service. Building on over 25 years of success, the program serves communities across Canada by providing computers for schools. The program recognizes that access to digital tools is crucial for effective learning in the modern world.
This program ensures that schools (and students) have the resources they need to provide a comprehensive education. The “Plus” in Computers for Schools Plus signifies the program’s commitment to going above and beyond in serving communities in Canada.
6. Contact North
Contact North program provides free laptops and internet at no cost for Ontario Students. That’s because they recognize the importance of digital tools in modern education, the program ensures that all students, regardless of their financial situation, have access to the necessary resources. Currently, we do not have sufficient information on this free laptop campaign. However, you can visit the official page HERE.
7. Electronic Recycling Association (ERA)
ERA explains that seeing “access to a personal computer as a non-essential luxury is a thing of the past.” That shows that they understand that even basic activities now need a computer, including job applications, completing school work, keeping in touch with family members, etc.
That is why ERA developed a charitable computer donation program that gives free laptops to students in Canada. You can apply for a free laptop by going to www.era.ca.
8. Tech for Home – BC Tech for Learning Society
Tech for Home also offers affordable refurbished desktop computers to BC students enrolled in most types of education programs. This Canadian free laptop program recognizes that access to a computer is a necessity for modern education.
How BC Technology for Learning Society works is simple – when people donate, they give it out to students in need. BC Tech for Learning is a registered charity that collects used laptop donations from both governments and businesses for refurbishment. And as mentioned earlier, they then re-distribute them to schools, libraries, low-income families, and learning-focused non-profit organizations across BC.
So far, they have been able to refurbish and redistribute over 190,000 computers across BC – part of 1.7 million across Canada.
9. Factory Direct
Well, Factory Direct is not exactly going to give a free laptop to students in Canada – but we can’t completely rule that out. However, they offer some of the cheapest computers out there. You can check it out yourself. The list of available, cheap PCs is long, so you have a wide range of options. Remember though, make your pick and payment fast before some other student steals the deal.
Other Ways to Get Free Laptops in Canada
1. Community Centre/Newcomer-serving agencies
Community organizations often provide programs that include public access to computers. For instance, Family Dynamics’ Family Resource Centres in Winnipeg are open to residents of subsidized housing communities and nearby areas.
If you’re not close to these centers, you can reach out to the nearest regional settlement center for assistance or referrals to organizations offering the services you need.
2. Library
If you need a computer quickly, most Manitoba libraries offer free use of desktop computers and Wi-Fi to their members. You can also print documents for a nominal fee. Librarians are usually available to assist with online information or job searches, email, resume formatting, or application submissions.
You can find the closest library using this directory: Manitoba Libraries. It’s advisable to call ahead to check if you need to book in advance and to inquire about any COVID-19 protocols. You can also call your nearest library to ask about the application requirements and process.
And the last two options below have already been mentioned, but let’s just throw them in again since there is really something special about their free laptop offers for Canadian students.
3. Sign up for Computers for Life
Computers for Life is a program designed specifically for Manitoba immigrants with limited English proficiency (CLB 1-4) and no computer experience. Participants are required to enroll in a four or six-week course to learn basic computer skills. Upon completion of level 1 (out of 2 levels), they receive a free or low-cost desktop computer. The program also provides childminding and interpreters.
4. Request from ERA
The Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) is a non-profit organization that refurbishes electronics donated by individuals and organizations across Canada. They initially launched a laptop lending program to assist families in need during the pandemic. With the support of Canadian businesses donating laptops, ERA began offering budget laptops ($80 for students and low-income individuals) and free laptops for low-income families (up to two free laptops). Due to high demand, the program is currently on hold, but you can still submit your request on their website (ERA) if you’re willing to wait.
Conclusion
SO, there you go with many programs willing to hand you a free laptop for school. Just be sure to meet the eligibility requirements before you apply. If you are seeing this article but not based in Canada, do share this information with people you believe might need these PCs.
Read also: Aviation scholarships in Canada for international students
