OSAP Eligibility

Degree Eligibility

To be eligible for OSAP funding, students must be registered in a program that leads directly to a degree or diploma. Students registered in a non-degree program are not eligible to apply for OSAP funding. Under limited circumstances, some qualifying studies may be eligible for funding. Please contact the Financial Aid office and ask to book an appointment with a counsellor.

The following graduate programs are not OSAP eligible:

• MBA, Business Administration (Food/Agribusiness Mgmt) (course based)
• MBA, Business Administration (Hosp/Tourism Mgmt) (course based)
• Graduate Diploma, Accounting
• Graduate Diploma, Project Management
• Master of Project Management (MPM)

Course Load Requirements

Please note that co-op work term credits are not included when calculating course load for OSAP purposes.

Full-Time OSAP

You are eligible to apply for full-time OSAP assistance if you are enroll in at least 60% of a full course load (per term), or 40% of a full course load, if you are a student with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability.

Part-Time Students

Part-time OSAP is available to students who take less than 60% of a full course load. Students with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability, who are taking 40% of a full course load, have the choice of receiving full- or part-time OSAP funding.

*Note: Students who have a verified persistent or prolonged disability are only eligible for federal assistance if they are taking at least 40% and less than 60% of a full-time course load.

Course Load Changes

Changes in your course load can lead to changes in your OSAP funding. If you drop below the minimum requirements you will lose eligibility for your funding plus incur an OSAP academic penalty. Contact our office or book an appointment with a Financial Aid Counsellor before you make any changes to your course load.

Withdrawal from Studies

If you withdraw from your studies, your OSAP funding will be affected, and you will be assessed with an OSAP academic penalty. If you withdrew because of illness, or family emergency, an appeal may be available. Contact our office or book an appointment with a Financial Aid Counsellor before you make any changes.

Refunds

If you are an OSAP recipient, Student Financial Services will review your eligibility for a refund. OSAP funding may be adjusted as part of this review, and student refunds may be fully or partially sent to the National Student Loans Service Centre as per Ministry requirements. Refund regulations are outlined in the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) and the Signature/Consent pages.

Academic Progress

Full-Time OSAP

• Students must successfully complete at least 60% of a full course load (1.5 academic credits each term) to maintain OSAP eligibility (co-op work term credits do not count)
• Students with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability must successfully complete 40% of a full course load (1.0 academic credits each term) to maintain OSAP eligibility (co-op work term credits do not count)
• Failure to complete the required course load will result in OSAP academic probation or restriction

Part-Time OSAP

• Students who receive part-time OSAP funding must successfully complete all funded courses

Please note: courses that are dropped without academic penalty at University of Guelph are not considered to be successfully completed. Students must complete, and pass, the required course load to avoid OSAP academic penalties. Frequent program switches, and course drops or withdrawals may be considered lack of academic progress, and are subject to OSAP academic penalties. Contact Student Financial Services to set up an appointment with a Financial Aid Counsellor to discuss your situation.

Residency Requirements

You must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident of Canada, or a Protected Person. You also must meet Ontario residency requirements to apply for OSAP. For complete information on OSAP residency requirements, please visit the OSAP website, or contact Student Financial Services.

Not an Ontario Resident?

• Apply to the government student financial aid program in your home province. Every province and territory in Canada offers a student financial aid program.

Questions About Citizenship:

Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for their online help centre and for information about IRCC offices.

Lifetime Loan Limits

A student is eligible to receive student financial assistance provided they have not exceeded the lifetime limits as outlined below:

Notes:

• If a student withdraws before the end of their period of studies, the actual number of weeks of study completed counts toward the lifetime limit.
• For more information about your OSAP lifetime limit please contact finaid@uoguelph.ca.

Need Help?

For complete information on OSAP Loan Eligibility Requirements, please visit the OSAP website, or contact:

Student Financial Services:  519-824-4120 extension 58715, or email finaid@uoguelph.ca