How does OSAP work?
OSAP can fund your education through:
- Grants: money you don't have to pay back
- Loans: money you have to pay back, with interest, after you graduate
You’re automatically considered for both grants and loans when you apply for OSAP, but you have the option of declining the loan.
If you do accept OSAP’s loan, you’ll be expected to pay that money back once you finish your studies. The loan begins accruing interest six months after you graduate.
What can I do with OSAP?
You can use the money you get from OSAP to help pay for:
- Tuition
- Books
- Mandatory fees
- Living costs
- Transportation
Am I eligible?
Residents of Ontario can apply for OSAP if they are:
- Canadian citizens,
- Permanent residents, or
- Protected persons
How much money can I get?
OSAP is calculated according to need, so the less money you have, the more funding you’ll get. How much money you get depends on your:
- Education expenses (tuition, fees, books, etc.)
- Course load (full-time or part-time)
- Personal financial situation (family income, family size, dependents, etc.)
OSAP’s online calculator and financial aid estimator help applicants figure out how much funding to expect.
Students under special circumstances may be eligible for additional funding. For example, if neither of your parents attended a university or college, you may be eligible for the Ontario First Generation Bursary.