No. An RESP can exist for 26 years before you must close it. If a child does not wish to pursue post-secondary education immediately, it is recommended that you wait a few years until the child decides whether or not to pursue his or her education. Rest assured that the money invested in the RESP will continue to earn tax-sheltered income during this period. Should your child decide never to pursue post-secondary education, you have the option of transferring the earned income (up to a maximum of $50,000) into your Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), or that of your spouse. Finally, the money can be withdrawn subject to various tax rates. Under all these circumstances, the grant is returned to the Government of Canada. However, the interest earned on the grant remains with you, the subscriber.