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WHAT IS OSAP?
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a financial aid program funded by the federal and provincial government that can help with education costs and basic living expenses, making it easier for students to attend college. OSAP is open to Ontario residents of any age who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons. Funding is available for both full and part-time postsecondary students, and is based on a number of factors, including your family income. Some students may get their tuition covered by OSAP. It may also help pay for books, equipment, supplies, mandatory student fees, living expenses for full-time students.
- A grant: money you usually don't have to pay back
- A loan: money you need to repay
Before you apply
To be eligible for OSAP, you must be:
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A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person*
*If you are studying in Canada using a study permit (if you are an international student), you are not eligible for OSAP. However, you might be eligible for other financial aid. Check out Scholarships to learn more.
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A resident of Ontario**
**You must meet certain requirements to be considered a resident of Ontario for OSAP purposes. You may also be eligible if your spouse or parent(s) meet certain residency requirements.
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Enrolled in an approved post-secondary school taking an approved program
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Taking at least 60 percent of a full course load, or 40 percent if you have a permanent disability***
***Based on full-time studies. Averaging of course loads is not permitted. Part-time students must be taking between 20 and 59 percent of a full course load, or 20-39 percent if you have a permanent disability.
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Taking a program that will continue for 12 or more weeks
OSAP DATES AND DEADLINES
Students can apply for OSAP once the OSAP application for that academic year has opened. You will need to apply for OSAP again each year to continue receiving funding.
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General Application Timelines
The OSAP application for the new academic year typically opens in May.
Application Deadlines
The following dates can be used as a guide to ensure your OSAP application is submitted before the deadline. Applications close 60 days before the end of the study period.
Deadlines for 15 Week programs
SUMMER 2024: June 25, 2024
FALL 2024: October 15, 2024
WINTER 2025: February 25, 2025
SUMMER 2025: June 24, 2025
Deadlines for 16 Week programs
SUMMER 2024: June 28, 2024
FALL 2024: October 22, 2024
WINTER 2025: March 1, 2025
SUMMER 2025: June 28, 2025
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Documentation Deadline
You are not required to submit all supporting documentation at the time of submitting your application, however, funding will not be released until all documents are submitted and approved by the Financial Aid Office. OSAP provides an additional window of time to complete this step. All OSAP documents must be submitted 40 days before the study period end date. You can confirm your documentation deadline by visiting the dates to remember page.
STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
If you’re a student with a disability, an indigenous student, receiving social assistance or a first generation student may mean that you're eligible for additional OSAP funds or money from other sources to help you pay for school.
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