Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) Canada 2026

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a financial aid program that helps students pay for college or university in Ontario, Canada. OSAP offers funding through grants (money you do not have to pay back) and student loans (money you repay after finishing school).

When you apply, you are automatically considered for both. If you are a full‑time or part‑time student and do not want a loan, you can decline it after your application is approved. For students exploring other fully funded opportunities in Canada, you can browse fully scholarships in Canada for international students to discover additional programs.

What’s New for 2026

Changes to the provincial portion of OSAP were announced on February 12, 2026, and come into effect for programs starting on or after August 1, 2026. Key changes include:

• Students will receive more of their provincial OSAP funding as loans rather than grants

• Students attending publicly assisted colleges and universities in Ontario and Canada, as well as private institutions in Ontario, will receive a larger share of their provincial funding as loans

• Students enrolled in career colleges will receive all of their provincial OSAP funding as loans

Information about how these changes affect your own OSAP estimate will be available when the 2026–2027 OSAP application is released in spring 2026.

For students also considering study options in other North American regions, you can explore scholarships in USA  to compare opportunities.

What OSAP Can Help Pay For

OSAP can help cover:

• Tuition fees

• Books and equipment

• Fees charged by your school

• Living expenses (for full‑time students only)

• Child care (for full‑time and part‑time students with children)

Who Can Get OSAP

OSAP is open to Ontario residents of any age who are:

• Canadian citizens

• Permanent residents

• Protected persons

Who Is Not Eligible

You may not be eligible for OSAP if you:

• Do not meet academic progress requirements

• Have enough financial resources (including other government aid) to cover your expenses

• Report income on your OSAP application that is significantly different from what you reported to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

• Have defaulted on a student loan

• Have grant or bursary overpayments or multiple outstanding loan overpayments

• Have filed for bankruptcy, made a consumer proposal, obtained a consolidation order, or filed a document seeking relief for orderly payment of debts

• Have reached your lifetime limit of student loan funding (340 weeks of funding; 400 weeks for doctoral studies; up to 520 weeks for students with disabilities)

• Are an international student

• Are not a resident of Ontario

Students Receiving Social Assistance

Before you begin your studies, you need to:

• Report the amount of social assistance you receive on your OSAP application

• Let your caseworker know how much OSAP you receive

OSAP-Approved Schools

You can use OSAP to attend a private or public college or university anywhere in the world, as long as the institution has been approved. Use the OSAP school search tool to find approved schools.

Micro‑Credentials

If you are in a micro‑credential program, you can only receive OSAP for OSAP‑approved micro‑credentials offered at a postsecondary institution in Ontario. Log in to your OSAP account to see the approved micro‑credentials.

How Much You Can Get

The amount of money you can receive depends on:

• Educational costs – tuition, books, child care (full‑time and part‑time), personal living expenses (full‑time only), supplies, and equipment

• Course load – full‑time or part‑time status

• Program hours – for students in micro‑credential programs only

• Personal financial situation – based on your income and your family’s income, family size, dependants, and other factors

Important: Using money from your Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) will not affect how much OSAP you can get.

Additional Funding for Under‑Represented Learners

Extra funding may be available if you are:

• An Indigenous student

• A student with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability

• A youth in or from extended society care

If you receive social assistance, speak with your caseworker about how OSAP may affect your benefits.

For students seeking financial aid options across North America, you can review  aids for students in America to find other programs.

How to Apply for OSAP

Step 1: Visit the official OSAP website and create an account.

Step 2: Complete the online application, providing information about your school, program, income, and family situation.

Step 3: Submit any required supporting documents (proof of income, residency, etc.).

Step 4: Receive your funding assessment. If approved, grants are applied automatically. Loans can be declined if you do not want them.

Step 5: Funds are disbursed directly to your school, with any remaining amount sent to you.

Final Thoughts

OSAP is a valuable financial aid program for Ontario residents who need help paying for post‑secondary education. With changes coming in August 2026, students will receive more funding as loans rather than grants, especially those in career colleges. OSAP covers tuition, books, living expenses, and child care, and is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons living in Ontario.

International students are not eligible for OSAP but can explore other scholarships. If you are an Ontario resident planning to study at an approved institution anywhere in the world, OSAP can help make your education affordable. The 2026–2027 application launches in spring 2026 – prepare your documents and apply early.

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