How to apply to OSAP
In a few easy steps!
What is OSAP?
The Ontario Student Assistance Program ( OSAP ) is a mix of grants and loans for students. Through one OSAP application, you have access to this mix of different financial aid programs, depending on your circumstances. You can get OSAP to attend any schools that are approved for OSAP .
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
- Canadian citizen
- protected person
- Permanent resident
YOU MAY NOT BE ELIGIBLE IF...
- have defaulted on a student loan
- failed a credit check
- declared bankruptcy
- are an international student
HOW MUCH MONEY CAN YOU GET?
It all depends on...
- Your course load being full or part-time
- Your families financial income
- .The expenses for school, housing, etc.
The maximum amount you can get depends on your circumstances...
For one academic year (two terms) for a typical, full-time student:
- single, no dependents: $12,240
- married or common-law or sole-support parent: $19,040
The basic formula is:
- Allowed education expenses – money you’re expected to contribute = financial need
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
- Early as possible, even before your accepted into your program!
What you need to apply?
- Are you a full time or part-time student?
Full-time students = taking 60% or more of a full course load.
Part-time students = taking 20-59% of a full course load.
- Students with disability: 60%+ of a full course load = full-time student
20-39% of a full course load = part-time student.
2. Know if you can get more financial aid!
- an Aboriginal student
- a student with a permanent disability
- a youth with Crown ward status
- the first in your family to go to college or university
3. Know the deadlines!
THE STEPS TO APPLY!
Step 1: apply
To apply online, you need to:
- go to the application website
- log in or register for an OSAP Access Number (OAN) and password
- choose the right academic year
- choose the right application: full- or part-time student
- fill out the application
- submit the application online
Step 2: gather all supporting documents
- print your personalized forms such as your declaration and signature page (if needed) - sign and date it
- print the declaration and signature page for your parent(s) and/or spouse (if needed) - have them sign and date it
- if you’re a full-time student, print your lifetime student loan agreement (if needed) - then see Step 3
- gather any other supporting documents if needed (e.g., an affidavit)
- mail or deliver in-person the documents (except your lifetime student loan agreement) to your school’s financial aid office
WHAT OSAP DOES WITH YOUR APPLICATION!
- OSAP checks and verifies all your information
- OSAP verifies your income and your guardian/spouses income
- They contact your school to verify the costs, and if your enrolled to classes
- Then they let you know if you have been accepted, and all the details on that