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OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program - Ontario - Canada
Open
Source verified October 2, 2026

OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program

Government aid for Ontario students
Latest source update
Last Update: October 11, 2026
Latest change: The OSAP document review guidance now prioritizes students enrolled in a later Fall term and refers students starting in Winter 2027.
View change
OSAP document review timing updated
On the Submitting OSAP Documents guide, the Financial Assistance Office now prioritizes document reviews for students enrolled in a later Fall term, and the notice refers students starting in Winter 2027. The stated processing time remains up to 8 weeks.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply

Ontario residents who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons

See full eligibility

Overview

OSAP is the Ontario Student Assistance Program, a government financial aid program for Ontario residents who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons. It helps pay for tuition, books, and compulsory student fees at university.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Obtain certifications or accreditations
  • Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
  • Varies by project
Funds Providers

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Ontario
Legal structures
  • All legal structures
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Persons with Disabilities
  • Canadians
  • Youth (<40)

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Documents Needed

  • Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA), if you are applying for OSAP for the very first time
  • Completed OSAP Disability verification form (DVF), if applicable

Official resources

Official page

OSAP for under-represented learners

Program guide

After you apply for OSAP

How to apply for OSAP

How to maintain eligibility for OSAPand the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant

Application form

Application form

Application portal

New user registration

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Ontario residents who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons

Who is not eligible

  • Students who are not Ontario residents
  • Students who do not meet the citizenship or protected person requirement
  • Students who are not enrolled in an eligible postsecondary program

Eligible expenses

  • Tuition
  • Books, equipment and supplies
  • Compulsory student fees charged by a school
  • Living expenses (full-time students only)
  • Childcare (for students with children)

Eligible geographic areas

  • Ontario

Selection criteria

  • Meeting the academic progress requirements.
  • Maintaining the required course load.
  • Providing complete and verified information.
  • Receiving a positive enrolment confirmation from the school.

How to apply

  • Complete your application online.
  • Upload required documents directly to your OSAP portal.
  • Receive your assessment.

Processing and Agreement

  • Your OSAP message centre provides application status updates.
  • New OSAP message centre updates trigger a notification alert to the email on file.
  • Once a full-time OSAP application is submitted, eligible students typically receive an OSAP assessment 3-5 business days later.

Additional information

  • OSAP stands for Ontario Student Assistance Program

Contacts

Frequently Asked Questions about the OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program Program

What is the OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program?

OSAP is the Ontario Student Assistance Program, a government financial aid program for Ontario residents who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons. It helps pay for tuition, books, and compulsory student fees at university.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program program?

To be eligible for the OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program program, you must: Meet the course-load requirements for the OSAP stream you apply to

Who can I contact for more information about the OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program?

You can contact Government of Ontario or by phone at 1-877-OSAP-411.

Where is the OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program available?

The OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program is a Grant and Funding

Who are the financial supporters of the OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program?

OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program is funded by Government of Ontario