OSAP — Ontario Student Assistance Program
OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) is Ontario's main student financial aid program, providing both non-repayable grants and loans. Students from families earning under $175,000 are generally eligible. Those from families earning under $50,000 can receive grants that often cover full tuition. OSAP is assessed annually — you must re-apply each year.
OSAP uses a needs-assessment formula that subtracts your available resources from your cost of attendance. The shortfall is filled with grants (non-repayable) and loans (repayable).
- Family income under $50,000: Maximum grant — often covers 100% of tuition
- Family income $50K–$100K: Significant grant + some loan
- Family income $100K–$175K: Smaller grant; primarily loan-based
- Independent students: Assessed on their own income only
To qualify for OSAP:
- Ontario resident (lived in Ontario for 12 months before starting school, not for school)
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
- Enrolled full-time or part-time at an eligible Ontario institution
- Not in default on any student loan
- Family income under $175,000
Applications open each spring for the following academic year.
- Apply at ontario.ca/osap — use your ONe-key or ServiceOntario account
- Apply at least 3 months before your program starts to ensure funding arrives on time
- Gather: SIN, parents' NOA (Notice of Assessment) or income estimate, school enrollment info
- Upload required documents within 30 days of applying
- Re-apply every academic year — OSAP does not auto-renew
Frequently asked questions
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