Ontario Student Assistance Program

What is the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)?

• OSAP is needs-based financial assistance funded by the federal and provincial governments to assist students and families with the cost of post-secondary studies
• OSAP's purpose is to supplement the financial resources that you and/or your family are expected to contribute
• Made up of a combination of grants (funding that you do not have to pay back) and loans (funding that you do need to pay back)
• For full details, please visit ontario.ca/osap

Full-Time OSAP Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for Full-Time OSAP, students must be:

• A Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person
• An Ontario resident
• Enrolled in a minimum of 60% of a full-time course load during the study period, in a diploma or certificate program (4 out of 6 courses)
  • Students with documented permanent disabilities can be enrolled in 40% of a full-time course load and still be considered full-time (3 out of 6 courses)

Part-Time OSAP Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for Part-Time OSAP, students must be:

• A Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person
• An Ontario resident
• Enrolled in a course load between 20% and 59% during the study period (2 or 3 courses out of 6 with no permanent disability status)
• Part-Time OSAP is applied to on a semesterly basis (ex. 1 application for the fall semester and 1 application for the winter semester)

Special Note: Students in the Veterinary Technology Alternative program are eligible for part-time OSAP in the fall and winter semesters only and full-time OSAP in the summer semester

Submitting Your Application

• Full-Time and Part-Time OSAP applications are completed online at ontario.ca/osap
• Full-Time OSAP is applied to on a yearly basis
• As noted above, Part-Time OSAP is applied to on a per-semester basis
• If you've never applied for OSAP before, you will need to set up a new account
• It is important that students check their OSAP application regularly to ensure they have completed all of the necessary steps and supporting documents
• Students are encouraged to apply for OSAP at least 6-8 weeks before the start of the fall semester to avoid any delays
• The Confirmation of Enrolment process for Full-Time and Part-Time OSAP will begin within 10 days of the start of the semester (late August for Fall; late December/early January for Winter)

Application Deadlines

• Full-Time OSAP: 60 days before the end of your study period
  • Supporting document and review submission deadline: 40 days before the end of your study period
• Part-Time OSAP: 40 days before the end of your study period
  • Supporting document and review submission deadline: 40 days before the end of your study period

OSAP Deadlines (2021-2022)

National Student Loan Service Centre (NSLSC)

• NSLSC is the 'banker' for your student loans
• Once OSAP authorizes the release of your funding, the NSLSC disburses the funds
• You will make payments to the NSLSC once you are no longer a full-time student and the 6-month grace period has expired
• Sign in to your account on the NSLSC's website to track your loan status and outstanding balance at any time
• To learn more about the NSLSC, watch these helpful videos or visit their website

Continuation of Interest-Free Status (CIFS)

• If you have previous student loans and are returning to full-time studies, but don't require financial aid through OSAP or are restricted from receiving OSAP funding, make sure you submit a CIFS application to put your loans back into interest-free and no-payment status
• Full-Time enrollment is required to apply for CIFS (60% of a course load or more; 40% or more for students with permanent disability status)
• Submit your CIFS application through your OSAP account as early as 15 days prior to the start of the study period, but no later than 21 days before the end of your study period
  • Out-of-Province/Territory students should consult their home province or territory's student aid website for specific information relating to CIFS

Loan Repayment Information & Webinar

• Your 6-month grace period begins after the end date of your last confirmed full-time study period

• Any outstanding Provincial Loans will start to accumulate interest after you finish your last confirmed full-time study period

• Any outstanding Federal Loans will start to accumulate interest after the 6-month grace period ends

• You can start to make payments on your outstanding loans at any time; you don't have to wait until you finish your studies or until the grace period ends

• Learn more about what to expect when you enter into loan repayment with the NSLSC

• This short presentation will walk you through the repayment process, interest charges, and what to do if you can't afford to repay your loans after full-time studies: NSLSC Repayment Webinar

• If you can't afford to start making loan payments after the grace period ends, contact the NSLSC or learn more about your options through the Repayment Assistance Plan

• Reach out to the NSLSC if you have any questions or concerns about your account or the repayment process. Their toll-free number is 1-888-815-4514