The 2024-25 OSAP application is now available for full-time and part-time students.
Take a look at our step-by-step guide on "How to Apply for OSAP." Remember to apply for OSAP early!
Overview of OSAP
OSAP is available to eligible students in the form of grants and an integrated student loan funded by the Province of Ontario and Government of Canada. The grant portion does not need to be paid back. The loans are interest-free while you are in full-time studies; repayment begins six months later. OSAP's objective is to help students meet the costs of post-secondary education, including tuition, books, supplies and basic living expenses. OSAP is not intended to supply all the funding to meet these costs. OSAP's purpose is to supplement, not to replace, the financial resources that you (and your family) are expected to contribute.
Student Access Guarantee
We will guarantee that any unmet need for tuition, books and mandatory fees, as calculated by the Ministry through the OSAP system, will be provided to students seeking financial assistance. The University of Guelph has partnered with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to support access to post-secondary education through the "Student Access Guarantee."
OSAP Dates & Deadlines
Important dates and deadlines to ensure that your student loan arrives for the start of your school year.
ID Requirements
A list of acceptable forms of identification for OSAP applicants. Pursuant to the Ministry's policy, no exceptions to the identification requirements will be made!
OSAP Eligibility
You may or may not be eligible for OSAP based on your course load, student status, program, academic progress and residency. Click to find out if you are eligible!
Tuition and OSAP
Information on paying your tuition with OSAP loans and grants.
Overpayment
An OSAP overpayment occurs when you received more OSAP funding that you are eligible for – this could happen when you change your course load, or fail to report all your income during the study period. Click here to find out how to repay an overpayment.
Confirmation of Enrolment
For students who have applied for OSAP, Student Financial Services will provide confirmation to the Ministry of Colleges and Universities of their registration in the appropriate number of courses in the current semester.
Interest-Free Status
Procedure for applying for interest-free status, for full-time students with previous OSAP loans that are not receiving a loan in the current study period (e.g. you're on a co-op work term).
National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC)
The NSLSC is the banker for your student loans. They release your OSAP funding to you when you are in school. Once you leave full-time studies, you will make your student loan payments to the NSLSC. Visit the NSLSC website to set up an account and monitor and track your student loans.
For helpful information about loan repayment, watch an on-demand webinar from the NSLSC.
Students with a Permanent Disability
Special assistance, OSAP, bursaries, and scholarship can be available for students with a permanent disability. Information on these programs can be found here.
Ontario Students Studying Out of Country
Information for students studying outside of Ontario AND are applying for OSAP assistance.
FAQs
Have questions about the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)? Answers for parents and students can be found here.