Financing your post-secondary education can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to stop you from reaching your goals. The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is designed to make education accessible by providing financial support to students through grants and loans.
At Educate Canada, we specialize in helping students like you understand OSAP, complete the application correctly, and secure the maximum possible funding. Whether you’re starting your first college diploma, pursuing a university degree, or returning to school after a break, our consultants make the process smooth and stress-free.
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a joint initiative between the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada that provides both grants (money you don’t need to pay back) and loans (money you repay after graduation).
It is the largest student financial aid program in Ontario, serving thousands of students every year. Through OSAP, students can get help covering tuition fees, books, living expenses, transportation, and other education-related costs.
The beauty of OSAP is that it combines both federal and provincial funding streams in a single application. That means you only need to apply once to access both types of support — a significant time-saver and a huge advantage for students.
OSAP is available for both full-time and part-time studies, and in many cases, you can use it for programs outside Ontario as long as your institution is recognized and eligible for student aid.
By applying through OSAP, students gain access not only to loans but also to grants, bursaries, and specialized funding that can significantly reduce or even eliminate their need for repayment after graduation.
The amount of OSAP funding you’re eligible for depends on several factors — including your financial need, family income, living arrangements, and program length — but Ontario publishes maximums each year to ensure transparency.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, here are the key funding levels:
This means a typical 34-week academic year could provide over $17,000 in combined support — and a significant portion may be non-repayable grants.
It’s important to remember that OSAP funding is needs-based, not merit-based. You don’t need straight-A grades to qualify. What matters most is your financial situation and your commitment to study.
Education is one of the most valuable investments in your future, but for many students, tuition and living costs are major obstacles. OSAP bridges that gap, allowing every student the chance to pursue higher education — regardless of financial background.
Here’s why OSAP is such an essential part of Ontario’s education landscape:
At Educate Canada, we view OSAP not just as financial assistance, but as a tool for empowerment. We help students understand how to use OSAP strategically — to fund their education responsibly while minimizing debt.
Eligibility for OSAP is broad, but it’s important to meet certain criteria. You may qualify if you:
Beyond these core requirements, there are a few additional details worth knowing:
Even if you think you might not qualify, it’s always worth checking — many students are surprised to discover they’re eligible for far more than expected.
Our consultants at Educate Canada can help you calculate your potential OSAP award before you apply, giving you clarity and confidence about your funding options.
OSAP funding can go far beyond tuition. It is designed to support the real cost of being a student, covering expenses such as:
In short, OSAP looks at your total cost of study — not just what you pay in tuition — to make education genuinely affordable.
One of the best features of OSAP is that it combines two types of support: grants and loans.
Many students find that 40–60% of their OSAP package consists of grants, meaning that only a portion of the funding must be repaid.
At Educate Canada, we help students understand this mix so they can plan effectively — ensuring they benefit from every dollar of available grant funding before relying on repayable loans.
Applying for OSAP can feel overwhelming. Between online forms, required documents, and eligibility calculations, many students miss opportunities or make small errors that delay their funding.
That’s where Educate Canada comes in.
We provide end-to-end assistance to help students and families successfully complete their OSAP applications and access every dollar available.
Our Services Include:
Our consultants are trained and experienced in OSAP regulations, deadlines, and eligibility rules. We’ve helped hundreds of students unlock higher funding and reduce their reliance on loans — ensuring a smoother financial journey throughout their studies.
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) provides financial help to students studying in Ontario. Both full-time and part-time students can apply if they’re Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons enrolled in an approved postsecondary program.
Eligibility depends on your residency, income, family size, and course type. You must be an Ontario resident, enrolled in an approved program, and demonstrate financial need based on OSAP’s assessment formula.
You’ll need your Social Insurance Number (SIN), income details, your parent’s or spouse’s financial information, school and program details, and valid identification. Some applicants may also need to provide additional proof of status or income.
The amount varies based on financial need, tuition cost, living expenses, and your course load. OSAP includes both grants (which you don’t repay) and loans (which you repay after graduation).
OSAP provides both grants and loans. The grant portion does not need to be repaid, while the loan portion must be repaid after your studies. You can choose to decline the loan and accept only the grant.
It’s best to apply as soon as applications open, usually in spring before the academic year starts. Early applications help ensure your funding is processed before tuition deadlines.
Yes, part-time students can apply through a separate OSAP stream designed specifically for part-time learners. Funding amounts may differ, but grants and loans are still available based on financial need.