Ontario Student Aid — OSAP
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is the province's main student financial aid program. It combines non-repayable grants with low-interest (or interest-free) loans. Students from families earning under $175,000 are generally eligible, and those from families earning under $50,000 can receive substantial grants covering most or all of their tuition.
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OSAP grants are non-repayable and calculated based on your family's income and your cost of attendance.
- Family income under $50,000: Maximum grant funding — often covers full tuition
- Family income $50,000–$100,000: Partial grant funding
- Family income $100,000–$175,000: Smaller grant; loan-heavy assistance
- Family income over $175,000: Generally not eligible for OSAP
OSAP loans combine federal (Canada Student Loans) and provincial (Ontario Student Loans) funding.
- Federal component: Interest-free at the federal level (since April 2023)
- Provincial component: Ontario charges interest on the provincial portion
- Repayment: Begins 6 months after graduation
- Repayment Assistance: Available through NSLSC if income is low
Apply online at ontario.ca/osap. The application opens each spring for the following academic year.
- Apply at least 3 months before your program starts
- You will need your parents' income information (or your own if independent)
- Upload required documents promptly to avoid delays
- Re-apply every academic year — OSAP does not automatically renew
Frequently asked questions
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