What does OSAP stand for?
The Ontario Student Assistance Program.
How does OSAP work?
OSAP is an integrated student loan made up of both federal and provincial funding to assist students in paying for their post-secondary education. Students requiring financial aid should apply online for OSAP assistance at: http://osap.gov.on.ca OSAP will then compare the student's educational costs against their available resources to determine their eligibility for funding.
Can anyone get OSAP?
Everyone can apply for OSAP, but not everyone is eligible for OSAP. OSAP funding is determined based on a comparison of your financial resources and the cost of your post-secondary education.
Is there a fee to apply for OSAP?
There is no fee for students who choose to apply electronically at: http://osap.gov.on.ca
Students who choose to print the application and apply on paper, will be required to pay a $10.00 processing fee.
Where do I apply for OSAP?
You can apply for OSAP online at http://osap.gov.on.ca
Students with special circumstances can acquire a paper OSAP application from any high school, college or university. Students can also print off the application online; however, a $10 processing fee is charged when using the paper application.
To ensure that you have the proper funding for the start of your studies in September, you must apply for OSAP and submit your signature sheets to the Financial Aid Office at the institution that you are attending by early June.
You will create a password that you will use to access your online application. If you are a returning student and have forgotten your password, you will need to contact a Financial Aid Office with your SIN Number card and Government issued photo ID to have it re-set. (This can be any community college in Ontario.)
You can fill out all of the application at once or fill out only a part and complete it later. You move from one step of the application to another by clicking on the step tab across the top. When you move to a new step, the information you entered on the step you just left is automatically saved. You can cancel the application at any time.
After you submit your online application, the Ministry will send you a set of “Signature and Declaration” forms that must be signed by you (and in some cases your parent(s) or partner) and forwarded to Canadore's Financial Aid Office. You will also have option to print your own forms. Regardless of the option you choose it is essential that you sign and forward these documents to Canadore’s Financial Aid Office as quickly as possible.
Your application does not begin processing until the forms are received at the Financial Aid Office.
I don't remember my OSAP password. Can I get another one?
Yes, from the Financial Aid Office. You must come in and provide us with your Social Insurance Number card and government issued photo identification. We will issue a temporary password that will be effective immediately.
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Who can apply for OSAP?
You must be a full-time student enrolled in an approved postsecondary program that is at least 12 weeks in length and leads to a diploma or certificate in order to qualify. In addition, you need to be a Canadian citizen and a resident of Ontario for at least 12 months prior to starting college.
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What's the deadline date to apply for OSAP?
You should apply for OSAP as soon as you are accepted into your program. The OSAP application process takes anywhere from 4 - 6 weeks; therefore, you should apply no later than the end of June prior to the start of your studies.
The deadlines to apply for OSAP are as follows:
- If your OSAP application is received within 45 days of the beginning of the study period you will be eligible for OSAP funds for the full study period of your current year.
- If your application is received after the first 45 days of your study period and before the last 90 of your study period you will be eligible for OSAP only from the date the application was received by the Awards Office.
- If your OSAP application is received less than 90 days before the end of your study period, you will not be eligible to receive OSAP funding.
If you want to ensure that your loans are ready for the beginning of the school year you should apply and submit your signature and declaration forms by early June.
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What happens when I apply over the internet?
After you have submitted your on-line application over the internet, the ministry will send you the "Consents and Declarations" signature sheets. Along with these signature sheets you will receive notification of any supporting documentation that must be submitted as well.
The signature sheet, and any supporting documentation, must be mailed to the Financial Aid Office at the school you plan to attend.
DO NOT send your signature sheets and supporting documentation to the Student Support Branch in Thunder Bay.
Can I be disqualified from receiving OSAP?
You are not eligible for OSAP if:
- you are in default on previous Canada and/or Ontario Student Loans or Canada Integrated Student Loans, or
- you did not repay any loan, grant, bursary and/or scholarship overpayments;
- you are under investigation for breaching any of the terms and conditions of OSAP;
- you do not meet the academic progress requirements;
- you have loan overpayments from two or more academic years;
- there is a significant variance in the amount of income reported to the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency and the amount reported on your OSAP application; OR
- you are receiving other government assistance that covers expenses related to your post-secondary studies.
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What is Supporting Documentation?
Very often additional information is required to verify the information on your application. For example: copies of marriage certificates, divorce papers, child tax credit forms, low income letters, permanent resident cards, academic probation letters, etc. Submit these documents to the Financial Aid Office at Canadore College.
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I made a mistake on my OSAP application. What should I do?
Contact us immediately and we will assist you to correct the mistakes. Please call 705-474-7600 x5214 or stop by the Financial Aid office to speak to one of our staff.
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How long does it take to process my application?
The OSAP application process can take between 4 to 6 weeks to process. This is assuming that the application is free of errors/complications. Once we receive your printed Signature and Declaration pages, it can take up to 10 weeks to complete the processing of your OSAP application. There are a number of steps that each of the thousands of applications we receive must go through before an initial assessment is complete.
We suggest students apply and submit their signature and declaration forms by early June to ensure their loans are available in September.
What happens if my OSAP money does not arrive in time for start of class?
If your OSAP money is not ready for the start of your classes and you have been assessed and notified that you will be receiving OSAP funds, the College will allow you to begin your studies. The College will then deduct the tuition fees from your OSAP loan document and you will receive the balance.
Before coming to Canadore College, you should financially prepare for your immediate expenses. Some of the expenses you will incur will be fixed amounts such as tuition, supplies, books, fees, and rent. Keep in mind that there will be expenses that may change during the course of the academic year, or ones that you may not be aware of initially.
Please note that you can expect to wait an average of one to two weeks after registration day to pick-up, negotiate, and receive your loan. Be prepared. Be sure to have enough money before you begin your studies to cover your expenses for the first month.
You will need to cover the costs of:
- books required immediately
- groceries for a month
- bus fare or gas money
- pens, paper, binders, etc.
- one month's rent
- deposit on an apartment, if required
- moving expenses
How does OSAP determine if I am a dependant or independent applicant? What's the difference between the two?
If you are dependent on parental support, OSAP considers you to be a dependant. However, if you meet one of the criteria below you are considered for OSAP purposes as an independent applicant:
- Out of high school for four years
- Not a full-time student at a high school or postsecondary institution for at least 12 months on 2 or more occasions.
- Both parents are deceased
- Current or former Ward of the Crown who has not been adopted
- Previously identified as married or sole-support parent but no longer meets the criteria
My parents are divorced and I live with my mother, does my father have to provide any documents?
No. The parent that you live with is the only parent that needs to fill out the OSAP application to provide information/documentation. However, if your custodial parent remarries, you will need to include the step parent's information.
I do not live at home. Do I still need to provide my parents information and signatures?
Living at home or living away from home is not what determines whether or not your parents’ information and signatures are required. The Canada and Ontario Student Loan Programs considers the student dependent and therefore must include their parental information if they have not been out of high school for more than four years.
I won't be living with my parents, how will this affect my OSAP?
If you are a student living away from home during the school year, and your parental home is more than 40 kilometers from your post secondary institution, OSAP will assess your application using a living away from home allowance including food and shelter. If your parents live within 40 kilometers of your institution, your assessment will be based on an at home living allowance, which does not include food and shelter. There are appeals available for students with extenuating circumstances who must live outside the family home.
I have been out of high school for three years and I have been living on my own for two years without any support from my parents; do I still include their financial information on my OSAP?
Yes. Under the Canada-Ontario Integrated Student Loan Program, a student is still considered dependent on their parents and therefore must include parental information on the OSAP application until they have been out of high school for four years.
Do I have to include my parents' income on my application and will I be eligible based on their income?
Maybe. Parental income is only one factor used to determine a student’s eligibility. If you are a single, dependent student as defined by OSAP, your parents may be expected to contribute a portion of their annual income toward your educational expenses. The amount they are expected to contribute is calculated based on the number of people in your family and the gross income of your parents. If your parents’ expected contribution exceeds your estimated costsfor the school year, you will not be eligible for a student loan.
Can my parents call and obtain information about my OSAP?
Only if, you indicated on your OSAP application that you wish your parent(s) to have access to your information.
OSAP considered me as a dependant applicant, but I don't live with my parents for personal reasons and they aren't helping me financially. Can I somehow be considered as an independent applicant?
You will have to make an appointment with a Financial Aid Officer at Canadore College to further discuss your situation. You might have to provide documentation, letters etc. explaining your situation. The Financial Aid Officer may appeal your OSAP on your behalf. However, these types of situations are not always approved and are considered on an individual basis.
I've just moved to Ontario and want to attend college. Can I apply for OSAP?
To be eligible for the Canada-Ontario Integrated Student Loan, a student must meet OSAP provincial residency criteria. To be an Ontario resident, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- As of the first day of the study period, Ontario is the last province that you resided in for 12 consecutive months without being a full-time postsecondary student;
- If you are considered married for OSAP purposes, Ontario is the last province your spouse resided in for 12 consecutive months without being a full-time postsecondary student; or
- If you are a single dependant student, Ontario is the last province your parent(s), step-parent(s), legal guardian(s), or official sponsor(s) resided in for at least 12 consecutive months.
If you do not meet the Ontario residency criteria, you should apply for assistance through the province that you last resided in for the last 12 consecutive months.
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I live in a province outside Ontario. Can I apply for OSAP?
No. To qualify for OSAP you must be considered a resident of Ontario as defined by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
If you don’t live in Ontario, you may be eligible for loans and bursaries through your home province or territory. “Home” province or territory is usually defined as the province in which your parents currently reside, or, if you are an independent applicant, the province in which you have most recently lived and worked for 12 consecutive months.
Would you like more Information?
Click here for a link to your provincial financial assistance web page.
The OSAP application asks "What percentage of a course load will you be taking at college," What do I enter in this field?
If you're attending as a full-time student, you will be attending 100% of your course load. If you're attending as a part-time student you will need to contact the Registrar's Office to determine your course load amount. If you are enrolled in less than a 60% course load you are not eligible for OSAP loan assistance. However, if you are a registered student with disabilities, you may be able to take a reduced course load (no less than 40%) and continue to receive OSAP funding.
I don't have a summer job - will this mean that I get more OSAP?
OSAP assumes that students will work full-time over the summer months. As a result they will automatically add in an expected pre-study income contribution from this period. It is suggested that you keep track of your active job search during the summer - this will allow you to have records of your job search should you not obtain full-time employment over the summer. If this is the case, you may be able to appeal the expected income contribution. In addition, if there are extenuating circumstances that prevent you from working full-time, you may also have grounds for an appeal on the expected contribution.
Can I receive OSAP and social assistance at the same time?
Only recipients of Ontario Disability Support Program funding can receive both social assistance (for their living costs) and OSAP (for school costs). If you are receiving social assistance or assistance through Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program, you must report your expected income from OSAP to your caseworker well before you begin your studies.
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Do I have to include the value of my car?
Vehicle information must be included with your OSAP application. OSAP uses the "blue book" value to determine the value of your car. You are allowed to own a vehicle valued at up to $5,000.00 without it affecting your OSAP funding. Any value above $5,000.00 will be considered as an asset in your OSAP assessment. Certain situations allow for an appeal of this amount.
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I own a house and make mortgage payments; will this affect my OSAP entitlement?
If your house is your primary residence you do not have to include it on your OSAP application as an asset. If you own two or more homes, the value of any homes that are not your primary residence must be included as an asset on your OSAP application and will be used in your OSAP assessment.
I plan on getting married in October. Do I apply as a married student now in July?
When you sign and date your application you are stating that as of that date the information you are providing on the application is true and accurate. You should apply now as a single student. Once you actually get married you should contact the Financial Aid Office in writing notifying us of your status change. Your partner must complete the “Partner Information” section of the OSAP application and submit this to our office along with a copy of the marriage certificate.
However, if you will be getting married at the beginning of September and are applying in July for September classes, it is suggested you apply as married. Your partner must complete the “Partner Information” section of the OSAP application and submit this to our office along with a copy of the marriage certificate.
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I have a permanent disability; do my OSAP requirements change?
Students with a documented disability need only be taking a 40% course load in each term (September to December and January to April) to qualify for OSAP. For more information on students with permanent disabilities and applicable guidelines and regulations, visit the OSAP Web site or contact the Financial Aid Office.
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How much money can I get from OSAP?
OSAP and other programs provide assistance based on a student’s calculated financial need. Assistance is intended to supplement the financial resources of students and their families and may not necessarily cover all educational and living expenses.
Your entitlement may depend on a number of factors such as; your income, your parents’ income, assets (vehicles, RRSPs, RESPs, bank account balances) etc.
What is the maximum amount of OSAP funding I can receive?
| Combined CSL /OSL weekly maximum | Multiplied by the number of weeks in the study period* |
| Student who is married or a sole-support parent | $545 | $18,530 |
| Single student with no dependants | $350 | $11,900 |
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My entitlement is less than I think it should be…what can I do?
There are various reasons why you would get less than what you expected from OSAP. Something as simple as a digit out of place when reporting your income can cause your OSAP entitlement to drop. This is why you should be careful when filling out your application. If you would like to review how you were assessed for OSAP you can make an appointment with one of our Financial Aid Officers.
Can I appeal the amount of loan I receive?
Yes, under exceptional circumstances. These circumstances may include:
- a breakdown in family relationships
- unexpected major expenses
- a change in parental income (e.g., because of loss of job, illness, layoff)
- loss of income because you were unable to work during the summer or work period due to illness
- loss of income because you worked part time during the summer or work period because no full-time work was available
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I received my OSAP but I have dropped/added a course, will this affect my entitlement?
Yes, a change in course load could affect your OSAP entitlement. It is your responsibility to promptly inform the Financial Aid Office of any changes to your course load - failure to do so may put you in overpayment status.
What happens if I drop below 60% of a full course load, withdraw or I am suspended from my program?
In order to be eligible for OSAP funding you must maintain a minimum course load of 60% in each term (40% for students with a permanent disability).
Interest will start to accumulate on your loan from the date that you cease to be a full-time student. You will also be required to start making principle and interest payments on your loan if you are one of following :
- Dropped below 60% of a course load
- Withdrawn or forced to withdraw from your program
- Suspended from your program
What is ''Satisfactory Academic Progress'' and how does it affect my OSAP?
Your academic progress is monitored to ensure continued funding through the OSAP program. In order to remain eligible for OSAP, students must successfully complete 60% of a full course load. Students with a permanent disability enrolled in the minimum (40%) course load are required to successfully complete all of their courses.
I received a letter from the Financial Aid Office that states I am on academic probation for the purposes of OSAP. What does that mean?
Your academic progress is monitored to ensure continued funding through the OSAP program. In order to remain eligible for OSAP, students must successfully complete 60% of a full course load per term. Students with a permanent disability enrolled in the minimum (40%) course load per term are required to successfully complete all of their courses.
If you received this letter it is likely because you did not successfully complete the appropriate percentage of courses.
In order to apply for OSAP again; you must write a letter to the Financial Aid Office explaining why you did not complete the required course load. The letter should also include information on why you now feel you will be able to proceed successfully in your program.
Once a student receives a warning letter they must successfully complete the required course load (as listed above). If they fail to do this they may be restricted from receiving any future government assistance.
What is an ''over-award'' or ''overpayment''?
This term is used if you are issued a government student loan and/or grant in excess of what you were entitled to receive. An over-award may occur for a number of reasons, including:
- an increase in your resources (possibly due to income verification of student, parents, and/or spouse)
- an early withdrawal from your studies, a change in your course load, or completion of your studies earlier than anticipated.
Receiving an over-award in one year could cause you financial hardship in the next year, as you may be precluded from receiving OSAP. It’s better to repay the over-award as soon as you are informed of it. You should contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss your specific circumstances.
What is Income Verification?
All income reported on an OSAP application is verified with the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. If there is a discrepancy between the income reported to OSAP and the income information received from the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, your application will be reassessed using the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency information. As a result, your eligibility and the amount of assistance you are eligible to receive may change. If the ministry determines that there is a significant variance between the income information reported to OSAP and the income information received from Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, you will not be eligible for any further assistance from OSAP. In addition, your name will be placed on the Ontario Restricted List. The ministry will send you a letter requesting an explanation of the amount and source of your income. It will use this information to conduct a review to determine if you are eligible for further assistance. It is important to note that if there is a significant variance between the income reported to OSAP and the amount reported to Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, you may be subject to further investigation and possible legal action.
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What is an OSAP reassessment? Why was my loan reassessed?
An OSAP reassessment is simply a re-evaluation of your file. A reassessment can be made at any time. Be aware that even if you have received all or a portion of your funding, the amount that you are eligible to receive may change. Some reasons for reassessments on your OSAP file may be because of financial, academic, family and/or study period changes. For example:
- Income changes reported on your “Confirmation of Enrolment”, where you confirmed your income for this academic year (form was attached to your first OSAP disbursement).
- Income changes and/or adjustments that you reported to our office for this academic year.
- Course load changes during the fall term and/or the winter term (60% minimum course load per term is required for OSAP eligibility purposes)
- Income reported on your OSAP application (either your income and/or parent’s income and/or spouse’s income, as applicable to your status) and the amount reported to Revenue Canada was different.
A reassessment could affect any remaining funding that you are expected to receive. If your OSAP file is reassessed, you will be sent a Notice of Reassessment (via mail or e-mail) indicating your new entitlement. Reassessments of your OSAP file may result in an OSAP over-award.
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What information do I need to pick up my OSAP?
To pick up the first installment of your OSAP funds, you will need your Social Insurance Card, Government issued photo ID, banking information and you will also be required to confirm your actual gross summer earnings.
OSAP will not be issued without the above identification.
Where do I get a new Social Insurance Card?
If your SIN card is lost or stolen, you can order a new one through our local Service Canada Center. Click on the link below for more information on the steps you need to take in order to replace your SIN card or click here for a list of local HRDC offices.
For more information: Information on replacing a SIN card
When and where do I get my OSAP loan certificate?
You must pick up your OSAP loan certificate in the Financial Aid Office.
Loan amounts are not automatically deposited into your account at the beginning of the term.
Pick up the first half of your OSAP at the beginning of your study period (beginning in September). Halfway through your study period (beginning in January), pick up your remaining loan documents. In order to complete the payment of your fees, you must negotiate your loans as soon as possible. If you have any questions about this process, please ask a Financial Aid Office staff member when you pick up your loan certificate.
Once I have the loan certificate where do I take it?
During peak periods National Student Loan Service Centre representatives will be available on campus. You will be able to negotiate your loan with them directly.
The OSAP loan certificate may also be taken to a designated Canada Post Outlet. Banks no longer process OSAP loans.
Canada Post will have you fill out a Loan Agreement Form and will send your loan to the National Student Loan Service Centre (NSLSC). The NSLSC is responsible for negotiating your loan. Any questions about the processing of your funds, keeping your loan in interest–free status, or re-payment should be addressed to the NSLSC by calling 1-888- 815-4514.
Note: A loan certificate cannot be negotiated after the study period end date, indicated on the loan certificate.
Do I have to notify OSAP of changes to my income, academic status or study period change?
You must notify the Financial Aid Office in writing of any changes that may affect the amount of assistance you are eligible to receive. It is your responsibility to check the OSAP web site to see if there has been any change to the total amount of your OSAP once your application has been re-assessed.
What happens to my tuition refund if I am on OSAP?
Your tuition refund will be returned to OSAP to pay down your loan per Ministry regulations.
Do I have to pay my OSAP back?
OSAP is a loan that you do need to pay back. However, many students are eligible for a variety of grants, bursaries and scholarships available through the OSAP program that may reduce the amount of repayable loan. Under the Check Status section of your OSAP account, you can review your funding details, which will outline your loan and/or grant amounts.
How can I keep my loans in Interest Free Status? What is a Schedule 2 form? How do I let my lending institution or the National Student Loan Service Centre know I am still a full time student?
If you will not be receiving OSAP funding during this academic year but have OSAP loans from previous years and will be attending Canadore full time (at least 60% of a full course load), you must provide your previous lender (bank and/or National Student Loan Service Centre) with a Schedule 2 Form.
The Schedule 2 form will inform your previous lender that you are still a full time student and maintain your interest free status. This form can only be completed once classes have begun and cannot be issued on the last day of your academic year or be “backdated”.
It is your responsibility to obtain this form if necessary and send it promptly to your previous lending institution within the required time frame.
What if I am having trouble paying back my loans?
If you are temporarily unable to repay your loans because of low income or unemployment, you should contact the National Student Loan Service Centre to discuss your eligibility for programs to assist you. You can call the NSLSC toll free at 1-888-815-4514
What is loan forgiveness?
Provincial loan forgiveness programs are similar in that the intent is to reduce the amount of student loan debt you have. The programs vary by province. The OSAP program refers to loan forgiveness as the “Ontario Student Opportunity Grant”. Students who have accessed loans from other provinces/territories are advised to contact their respective provincial authorities to determine if loan forgiveness is available from their province and to determine if other assistance programs are available.
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When will I have to pay back my student loan?
You must start paying your OSAP loan six months after completing or withdrawing from your program.
The interest on your loan accrues from the time you stop being a full-time postsecondary student. The actual rates and conditions for repayment are set at the time you begin repaying. In addition, it is important to realize that if you have negotiated more than one loan, you may be responsible for making repayment arrangements with more than one agency.
Loan Repayment
Does my student loan accumulate interest while I am in school?
No. As long as you are attending college on a full-time basis or enrolled in at least 60% of your course load, interest is not added to your loan, if you are in receipt of OSAP funding during the study period or if you have completed a Schedule 2 form with the Financial Aid Office.
Once I have graduated from school when do I start paying back my loans?
You have a six-month grace period from the date you finish full time studies to when you must consolidate your loan (i.e. if your last date of full time studies is the end of April then you must make your first loan payment by the following November 1st). During the 6-month grace period you do not have to make any interest or principal payments however, interest begins accruing immediately after you cease to be a full time student.
For more information: Loan Repayment
