FAQs About the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) for Youth
FAQs
About the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) for Youth-serving Sector
Students can estimate how much OSAP they may be eligible to receive by using the OSAP calculator available at www.ontario.ca/osap. Q. Are there restrictions to where and what a student can study? A. Students must be enrolled in an institution and program that is approved for OSAP purposes. The program must be offered at the postsecondary level; be at least 12 weeks in duration; and lead to a degree, diploma or certificate upon successful completion. For a list of institutions that are approved for OSAP, go to www.ontario.ca/osap and click on “Approved Schools”. Q. Can students take only the grant portion of OSAP?
Q. What is OSAP? A. OSAP, or the Ontario Student Assistance Program, is a financial aid program funded by both the provincial and federal governments that helps students pay for postsecondary education. OSAP includes: ✔✔ Grants: money that a student doesn’t have to repay, and ✔✔ Loans: money that a student will eventually have to repay back to the government. Loans are interest-free and payment-free while students are in full-time studies.
Q. How are students assessed for OSAP? A. When determining how much OSAP a student can receive, the government considers many different factors. These include: ✔✔ the student’s costs (e.g., tuition, fees, books, whether they are living away from home, travel costs, etc.) and ✔✔ the financial resources that students have available to contribute towards their own education (e.g., family income, savings, scholarships, etc.).
A. Yes. Students have the option to accept all of their OSAP funding (grants and loan) or only the grant. They can do this through their online OSAP account after their application is assessed. If the student changes their mind, they can request the loan online. Their request must be submitted no later than 40 days before their study period end date. Q. When and how do students apply for OSAP? A. The 2017-18 OSAP application form is now available online at www.ontario.ca/osap. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as they have been accepted to their school of choice. Visit www.ontario.ca/osap to get started. Q. When is the deadline to apply for OSAP? A. The deadline to apply for OSAP is 60 days before the end of a student’s study period. Students who apply for OSAP and submit all of their required
documents at least 60 days before the start of school should receive their OSAP funding around the start of their classes. Q. Is there a fee to apply for OSAP? A. There is no fee to apply for OSAP. Students are automatically considered for all OSAP loan and grant programs when they submit their online OSAP application, with the exception of the Bursary for Students with Disabilities, Canada Study Grant for Services and Equipment for Persons with Permanent Disabilities, Indigenous Student Bursary and First Generation Bursary which require separate applications.
Q. What does “free tuition” mean? A. “Free tuition” means OSAP grants would equal or exceed: ✔✔ actual tuition for a regular college diploma program across the province; or ✔✔ actual tuition for an undergraduate arts and science program at an Ontario university; or ✔✔ average tuition for a high-cost college or university program, such as dental hygiene or engineering. Additional support for OSAP students in high-cost programs is available for eligible students through the Student Access Guarantee from the university or college they are attending.
Q. When does OSAP money get deposited into students’ accounts?
Q. Will tuition be free for all students with family incomes under $50,000?
A. Students who apply for OSAP and submit all of their required documents at least 60 days before the start of school should receive their OSAP funding around the start of their classes.
A. While average tuition will be free for students from families with incomes of $50,000 or less, this will not be true for every student at this income level. Some students will not have enough financial need (e.g., they may have large scholarships) to qualify for grants that equal or exceed the value of average tuition, as their financial need will be fully met before their grants reach that value.
The new OSAP Q. How is OSAP changing? A. Starting in September 2017, Ontario is moving forward with the single largest modernization of OSAP in the province’s history. We are redesigning OSAP to help the people who need it the most, to access the education they need to succeed in the workplace. As a result of the changes, eligible students from families with incomes of $50,000 or less will receive free average tuition. This includes dependent students (those less than four years out of high school), married students and singleparent students. Single independent students (those who have been out of high school for four or more years and who are not married or have children) will be eligible for free average tuition if they earn $30,000 per year or less.
For free resources, please visit ontario.ca/OSAPpartners
Q. Why is this threshold set at $50,000 for families and at $30,000 for a single independent student? A. The thresholds for financial aid vary by family size because the same amount of income goes further when there are fewer people in the family to support. A single independent student only has costs for one person, while a family of three or four has significantly more costs. Q. Will the changes to student assistance impact all students equally or will the amount of assistance vary depending on family income level? A. The amount of assistance will vary depending on each student’s costs and expected financial resources, with the goal being to ensure they have enough resources to meet their educational costs.
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The amount of assistance will vary depending on a student’s tuition costs, family income, family size and financial need. Q. Will the 30% Off Ontario Tuition Grant still be available? A. The government will repurpose funding from a number of provincial grants currently provided through OSAP, including the 30% Off Ontario Tuition Grant. Under the new OSAP, students will receive the same or more than the funding that they were eligible for under the 30% Off Ontario Tuition Grant. The new OSAP will be more responsive to family size than the 30% Off Ontario Tuition Grant. Grant funding will be available to families with incomes above $160,000, as the income threshold will increase with additional family members. For example, for a family of four, the new OSAP will provide non-repayable aid to students from families with annual incomes up to $175,000. The new OSAP will also be available to all types of students, including dependent students, mature single students, married students and students with children. Q. Exactly which grants are being replaced under the new OSAP? A. The 30% Off Ontario Tuition Grant, the Ontario Access Grant, the Ontario Access Grant for Crown Wards, the Ontario Child Care Bursary, the Ontario Student Opportunity Grant and the Ontario Distance Grants will be consolidated under the new OSAP. Q. Is the government eliminating all provincial grants provided through OSAP? A. No. The government is consolidating a number of OSAP grants. Some special purpose grants, such as Ontario Distance Grants for students who live in remote and rural areas of the province will be included in this consolidation, but distance-related costs will continue to be recognized.
For free resources, please visit ontario.ca/OSAPpartners
There will also be a few grants/bursaries that continue to be provided separately: ✔✔ Bursary for Students with Disabilities and Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Disabilities ✔✔ Ontario First Generation Bursary ✔✔ Indigenous Student Bursary ✔✔ Ontario Part-Time Grant ✔✔ Living and Learning Grant (funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and delivered through OSAP) ✔✔ Graduate scholarships
In addition, federal Canada Student Grants will still be available. Q. Will the Bursary for Students with Disabilities and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities (BSWD/CSG-PDSE) still be avai lable under the new OSAP? Is it a separate application? A. Yes, the Bursary for Students with Disabilities and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Persons with Permanent Disabilities (BSWD/CSG-PDSE) will continue to be available under the new OSAP for eligible youth enrolled in full-time postsecondary studies. The BSWD/ CSG-PDSE provides aid to students self-identifying as having either permanent or temporary disabilities. This bursary assists with the costs of disability-related services or equipment, such as tutors, note-takers, interpreters, braillers or technical aids that are required to participate in postsecondary studies. Yes, the BSWD/CSG-PDSE requires a separate application. Use the 2017-18 Ontario Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) and Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Persons with Permanent Disabilities (CSG-PDSE) to apply. With one application, students will be considered for both supports. For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/osap, click on “Special circumstances”, then click on “More aid from OSAP” to see a list of available financial aid options.
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Q. Will the Ontario First Generation Bursary still be available under the new OSAP? Is it a separate application? A. Yes, the Ontario First Generation Bursary will still be available under the new OSAP. The Ontario First Generation Bursary provides aid to postsecondary students with financial need who are attending publicly assisted colleges and universities in Ontario. This bursary is specifically for students whose parents have never attended postsecondary studies. The amount of bursary available varies and can range from $1,000 to $3,500. The actual amount awarded is determined by a student’s school. Yes, the Ontario First Generation Bursary requires a separate application. Students should use their school’s Ontario First Generation Bursary application to apply for this bursary. Students should contact the financial aid office of the school they are attending for complete details. For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/osap, click on “Special circumstances”, then click on “More aid from OSAP” to see a list of available financial aid options. Q. Will the Indigenous Student Bursary still be available under the new OSAP? Is it a separate application? A. Yes, the Indigenous Student Bursary will still be available under the new OSAP. The Indigenous Student Bursary provides aid to Indigenous students with financial need who are attending publicly assisted colleges and universities in Ontario or Indigenous education and training institutions in Ontario. This bursary is available to self-identified Métis, First Nations and Inuit students who are in postsecondary programs including academic programs (e.g. degree and diploma programs) as well as training programs (e.g. apprenticeships). The amount of bursary available varies and can range from $1,000 to $3,500. The actual amount awarded is determined by a student’s school. Yes, the Indigenous Student Bursary requires a separate application. Students should contact the
For free resources, please visit ontario.ca/OSAPpartners
financial aid office of the school they are attending for complete details. For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/osap, click on “Special circumstances”, then click on “More aid from OSAP” to see a list of available financial aid options. Q. Will the Ontario Part-Time Grant still be available under the new OSAP? Is it a separate application? A. Yes, the Ontario Part-Time Grant will still be available under the new OSAP. The Ontario Part-Time Grant provides aid to eligible part-time postsecondary students to help them pay for their education-related costs such as tuition, mandatory fees and books. Students may also receive this grant to assist with their transportation costs as well as child-care costs (if applicable). This grant does not require a separate application. Eligible students will be considered for this grant when they submit their OSAP Application for PartTime Students. The maximum amount of aid available from this grant is $500 per academic year. For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/osap, click on “Special circumstances”, then click on “More aid from OSAP” to see a list of available financial aid options. Q. Will the Living and Learning Grant continue to be available under the new OSAP? A. Yes, the Living and Learning Grant will continue to be available under the new OSAP for eligible youth enrolled in full-time postsecondary studies. The grant provides $500 per month of full-time postsecondary studies for a maximum of four years. To be eligible for the Living and Learning Grant, students must be aged 18 to 24 (inclusive) at the start of their study period and one of the following: 1. A previous recipient of the Continued Care and Support for Youth allowance (or would have been eligible to receive such allowance); or
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2. A former Ontario Crown ward who was adopted on or after August 1, 2013. Youth who are aged 18 to 21 and receiving a Continued Care and Support for Youth allowance cannot receive the Living and Learning Grant at the same time. To be eligible for the Living and Learning Grant, students must also meet standard OSAP eligibility requirements: ✔✔ Enrolled in a postsecondary program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate at a school in Canada approved for Ontario student loan purposes; or a school outside Canada approved for student loan purposes where the primary language of instruction is American Sign Language; ✔✔ Taking at least 60% of a full course load as determined by the school (or 40% of a full course load for students with a permanent disability); ✔✔ A resident of Ontario as required for OSAP funding for full-time students; ✔✔ A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a protected person; and ✔✔ Not restricted from eligibility for Ontario student loans or grants.
In addition, adopted youth must have at least $1.00 of need for Ontario OSAP grant or loan needbased funding. For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/osap, click on “Special circumstances”, then click on “More aid from OSAP” to see a list of available financial aid options. Q. Is there a separate application for the Living and Learning Grant? A. No. Students who wish to be considered for the Living and Learning Grant must submit an OSAP Application for Full-time Students.
For free resources, please visit ontario.ca/OSAPpartners
Q. What do the OSAP changes mean for graduate students completing Master’s or PhD programs or students in professional programs? A. The new OSAP will be available to full-time students in all types of OSAP-approved programs. This includes students in graduate and professional programs (including dentistry, medicine and education) that are not currently eligible for the 30% Off Ontario Tuition Grant. In addition, graduate students continue to be eligible for other Ontario government scholarships that are administered separately from OSAP such as the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarships in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST). Q. Is the government doing anything to increase financial assistance for students in postsecondary studies on a part-time basis? A. The main focus of OSAP is to provide financial support for students studying in full-time programs. However, support is available for parttime students through the: ✔✔ Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants (up to $1,920 per academic year); ✔✔ Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Studies (up to $1,800 per academic year); ✔✔ Part-Time Canada Student Loan (up to a maximum of $10,000); and the ✔✔ Ontario Part-Time Grant (up to $500 per academic year).
Q. How will Ontario design the program to verify income for students who have parents earning income abroad and would not be claiming income in Canada? A. Currently, applicants with foreign income are required to provide documentation before the release of OSAP grants. For example, documentation from the tax agency of the country where the parent earned income or from the parent’s employer would be needed.
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OSAP and children leaving care Q. What does family income mean? Will eligibility for free average tuition be based on family income for former Crown wards and other youth leaving care? A. Crown wards and other youth with an eligible children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Wellbeing society status who are single and less than four years out of high school are assessed for free average tuition based on $0 family income. In all other circumstances, for youth who have aged out of care, the standard definition of family income would apply. A youth who is a sole support parent or single and more than four years out of high school would be assessed for free average tuition based on his or her own income. If the individual is married, eligibility for free tuition would be based on the income of the student and their spouse. Former Crown wards who have been adopted and are less than four years out of high school are assessed for free average tuition based on the income of their adoptive parent(s). Q. What does eligible children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Well-being society status mean? A. For OSAP purposes, a student has eligible status with an Ontario children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Well-being society if any of the following apply: ✔✔ The student is in the care of a children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Well-being society as a Crown ward or through a customary care agreement or protection order; ✔✔ The student is currently receiving an allowance or other transitional support through Continued Care and Support for Youth; ✔✔ The student previously received or was eligible to receive an allowance or other transitional support through Continued Care and Support for Youth (previously Extended Care and Maintenance).
For free resources, please visit ontario.ca/OSAPpartners
For the purposes of the Living and Learning Grant, eligible status with an Ontario children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Well-being society includes former Ontario Crown wards who were adopted on or after August 1, 2013. (See more information about the Living and Learning Grant below.) Q. Does OSAP expect a parental contribution for former Crown wards or other youth who are less than four years out of high school? A. No. There is no expected parental contribution for former Crown wards and other youth who have eligible children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Well-being society status. However, if a former Crown ward has been adopted, an expected parental contribution is calculated based on the adoptive parent(s) income and family size. Q. How will the changes to OSAP affect the Ontario Access Grant for Crown Wards? A. Students who previously would have been eligible to receive the Ontario Access Grant for Crown Wards will receive an equal or greater amount of grant funding through the new OSAP. As a result, beginning in 2017-18, there will be no targeted Ontario Access Grant for Crown Wards. The Ontario Access Grant for Crown Wards currently covers 50 per cent of tuition to a maximum of $3,000 for Crown wards and other youth leaving the care of children’s aid societies for a maximum of four years. Q. Will the 100% Tuition Aid for Youth Leaving Care Program still be available under the new OSAP program? A. Since 2012-13, participating colleges and universities have been matching the Ontario Access Grant for Crown Wards to ensure that eligible students have 100% of their tuition, to a maximum of $6,000, covered through nonrepayable grants. Through the new OSAP, most former Crown wards and other youth leaving care will be eligible to receive OSAP grants to cover average tuition,
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which means that the 100% Tuition Aid for Youth Leaving Care Program is no longer needed in its current form. The Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development will consult with institutions to consider potential options to redesign the program beginning in 2017-18. For example, one of the potential options would be the possibility of coverage for other needs for youth enrolled in fulltime postsecondary studies. The intention of any program changes would be to ensure that youth are not receiving less grant funding under the new OSAP than they were under the old programs. Q. What proof do students provide to show their eligible status with a children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Well-being society? A. Youth are required to submit a Verification of Status with Ontario Children’s Aid Society (CAS) form. The form is completed by the individual’s Ontario Children’s Aid Society or Indigenous Child Well-being society. When students submit the OSAP application form, they can download a personalized copy of the Verification of Status form. Q. Does the OSAP assessment for Crown wards and other youth include a student fixed contribution? A. No, students who are Crown wards or have eligible status with a children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Well-being society are exempt from the student fixed contribution. However, former Crown wards who have been adopted are expected to make a fixed student contribution. Q. Why does OSAP expect a fixed contribution from some students towards their education? A. The government of Ontario considers postsecondary education to be a shared investment and responsi bility between students, their families, the govern ment and postsecondary institutions. That’s why most students are expected to help contribute to the costs of their own postsecondary education.
For free resources, please visit ontario.ca/OSAPpartners
This contribution is automatically waived for students with children, Indigenous students, Crown wards and other students with eligible status with a children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Well-being society, and in situations where a student or their spouse is on the Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works. Crown wards who have been adopted are expected to make a student contribution towards the costs of their postsecondary education. A review is available for students who demonstrate that they are unable to make this contribution, either fully or partially, and have made reasonable efforts to do so. Reviews are administered by the financial aid offices at postsecondary institutions. Q. Are youth required to report the amount of their Continued Care and Support for Youth allowance on the OSAP Application for Full-time Students? A. No. Former Crown wards and other youth aged 18 to 20 who are receiving an allowance from their children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Wellbeing society do not report the amount on their OSAP Application. In addition, any savings that they received through the Ontario Child Benefit Equivalent (OCBE) initia tive and Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) established using Canada Child Benefit (CCB) funding are not required to be reported as income or assets. Q. If a student receives a bursary from their children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Wellbeing society or a scholarship (e.g., from the Clarke Foundation); does this money affect OSAP funding? A. Yes. Students must report the following income on their OSAP application: ✔✔ Bursaries provided by a Children’s Aid Society or Indigenous Child Well-being society; ✔✔ Any funding provided by a Children’s Aid Society or Indigenous Child Well-being society after the youth reaches age 21;
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✔✔ Other awards and scholarships that are not from their school or OSAP (e.g., Clarke Bursary Awards, Children’s Aid Foundation, etc.).
Students who receive these bursaries and scholar ships are eligible for an exemption of $50 per week of study for the purposes of Ontario grants and loan and an exemption of $1,800 per academic year for the purposes of Canada grants and loan. The remainder of the bursary or scholarship is considered a resource and may reduce the amount of OSAP funding the student is eligible to receive.
Q. Who should students contact if they have questions about OSAP? A. Many answers to questions about OSAP can be found on the OSAP website at ontario.ca/osap or on a student’s OSAP web account.
Q. Does Ontario cover postsecondary application fees for Crown wards? A. Yes, the Ontario Crown Ward Postsecondary Application Fee Reimbursement Program, covers the costs of college and university application fees for Crown wards and former Crown wards (including those who were adopted) applying for their first college or university program. Certain maximums apply.
If a student still requires assistance after visiting the website and their web account, students studying in Ontario should contact their school’s financial aid office. Students can also contact the OSAP office at: Toll-free: 1-888-449-4478 TTY toll-free: 1-800-465-3958 Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., excluding holidays. Students studying outside of Ontario can contact the OSAP office at 1-877-672-7411 for help.
For more information and an application form, see https://www.ontario.ca/page/osap-ontariostudent-assistance-program?_ga=1.97339295.18 20855230.1468870455
Printed on recycled paper • ISBN 978-1-4868-0174-9 (Print) • ISBN 978-1-4868-0175-6 (PDF) • © Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2017
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About the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) for Youth-serving Sector
Students can estimate how much OSAP they may be eligible to receive by using the OSAP calculator available at www.ontario.ca/osap. Q. Are there restrictions to where and what a student can study? A. Students must be enrolled in an institution and program that is approved for OSAP purposes. The program must be offered at the postsecondary level; be at least 12 weeks in duration; and lead to a degree, diploma or certificate upon successful completion. For a list of institutions that are approved for OSAP, go to www.ontario.ca/osap and click on “Approved Schools”. Q. Can students take only the grant portion of OSAP?
Q. What is OSAP? A. OSAP, or the Ontario Student Assistance Program, is a financial aid program funded by both the provincial and federal governments that helps students pay for postsecondary education. OSAP includes: ✔✔ Grants: money that a student doesn’t have to repay, and ✔✔ Loans: money that a student will eventually have to repay back to the government. Loans are interest-free and payment-free while students are in full-time studies.
Q. How are students assessed for OSAP? A. When determining how much OSAP a student can receive, the government considers many different factors. These include: ✔✔ the student’s costs (e.g., tuition, fees, books, whether they are living away from home, travel costs, etc.) and ✔✔ the financial resources that students have available to contribute towards their own education (e.g., family income, savings, scholarships, etc.).
A. Yes. Students have the option to accept all of their OSAP funding (grants and loan) or only the grant. They can do this through their online OSAP account after their application is assessed. If the student changes their mind, they can request the loan online. Their request must be submitted no later than 40 days before their study period end date. Q. When and how do students apply for OSAP? A. The 2017-18 OSAP application form is now available online at www.ontario.ca/osap. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as they have been accepted to their school of choice. Visit www.ontario.ca/osap to get started. Q. When is the deadline to apply for OSAP? A. The deadline to apply for OSAP is 60 days before the end of a student’s study period. Students who apply for OSAP and submit all of their required
documents at least 60 days before the start of school should receive their OSAP funding around the start of their classes. Q. Is there a fee to apply for OSAP? A. There is no fee to apply for OSAP. Students are automatically considered for all OSAP loan and grant programs when they submit their online OSAP application, with the exception of the Bursary for Students with Disabilities, Canada Study Grant for Services and Equipment for Persons with Permanent Disabilities, Indigenous Student Bursary and First Generation Bursary which require separate applications.
Q. What does “free tuition” mean? A. “Free tuition” means OSAP grants would equal or exceed: ✔✔ actual tuition for a regular college diploma program across the province; or ✔✔ actual tuition for an undergraduate arts and science program at an Ontario university; or ✔✔ average tuition for a high-cost college or university program, such as dental hygiene or engineering. Additional support for OSAP students in high-cost programs is available for eligible students through the Student Access Guarantee from the university or college they are attending.
Q. When does OSAP money get deposited into students’ accounts?
Q. Will tuition be free for all students with family incomes under $50,000?
A. Students who apply for OSAP and submit all of their required documents at least 60 days before the start of school should receive their OSAP funding around the start of their classes.
A. While average tuition will be free for students from families with incomes of $50,000 or less, this will not be true for every student at this income level. Some students will not have enough financial need (e.g., they may have large scholarships) to qualify for grants that equal or exceed the value of average tuition, as their financial need will be fully met before their grants reach that value.
The new OSAP Q. How is OSAP changing? A. Starting in September 2017, Ontario is moving forward with the single largest modernization of OSAP in the province’s history. We are redesigning OSAP to help the people who need it the most, to access the education they need to succeed in the workplace. As a result of the changes, eligible students from families with incomes of $50,000 or less will receive free average tuition. This includes dependent students (those less than four years out of high school), married students and singleparent students. Single independent students (those who have been out of high school for four or more years and who are not married or have children) will be eligible for free average tuition if they earn $30,000 per year or less.
For free resources, please visit ontario.ca/OSAPpartners
Q. Why is this threshold set at $50,000 for families and at $30,000 for a single independent student? A. The thresholds for financial aid vary by family size because the same amount of income goes further when there are fewer people in the family to support. A single independent student only has costs for one person, while a family of three or four has significantly more costs. Q. Will the changes to student assistance impact all students equally or will the amount of assistance vary depending on family income level? A. The amount of assistance will vary depending on each student’s costs and expected financial resources, with the goal being to ensure they have enough resources to meet their educational costs.
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The amount of assistance will vary depending on a student’s tuition costs, family income, family size and financial need. Q. Will the 30% Off Ontario Tuition Grant still be available? A. The government will repurpose funding from a number of provincial grants currently provided through OSAP, including the 30% Off Ontario Tuition Grant. Under the new OSAP, students will receive the same or more than the funding that they were eligible for under the 30% Off Ontario Tuition Grant. The new OSAP will be more responsive to family size than the 30% Off Ontario Tuition Grant. Grant funding will be available to families with incomes above $160,000, as the income threshold will increase with additional family members. For example, for a family of four, the new OSAP will provide non-repayable aid to students from families with annual incomes up to $175,000. The new OSAP will also be available to all types of students, including dependent students, mature single students, married students and students with children. Q. Exactly which grants are being replaced under the new OSAP? A. The 30% Off Ontario Tuition Grant, the Ontario Access Grant, the Ontario Access Grant for Crown Wards, the Ontario Child Care Bursary, the Ontario Student Opportunity Grant and the Ontario Distance Grants will be consolidated under the new OSAP. Q. Is the government eliminating all provincial grants provided through OSAP? A. No. The government is consolidating a number of OSAP grants. Some special purpose grants, such as Ontario Distance Grants for students who live in remote and rural areas of the province will be included in this consolidation, but distance-related costs will continue to be recognized.
For free resources, please visit ontario.ca/OSAPpartners
There will also be a few grants/bursaries that continue to be provided separately: ✔✔ Bursary for Students with Disabilities and Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Disabilities ✔✔ Ontario First Generation Bursary ✔✔ Indigenous Student Bursary ✔✔ Ontario Part-Time Grant ✔✔ Living and Learning Grant (funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and delivered through OSAP) ✔✔ Graduate scholarships
In addition, federal Canada Student Grants will still be available. Q. Will the Bursary for Students with Disabilities and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities (BSWD/CSG-PDSE) still be avai lable under the new OSAP? Is it a separate application? A. Yes, the Bursary for Students with Disabilities and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Persons with Permanent Disabilities (BSWD/CSG-PDSE) will continue to be available under the new OSAP for eligible youth enrolled in full-time postsecondary studies. The BSWD/ CSG-PDSE provides aid to students self-identifying as having either permanent or temporary disabilities. This bursary assists with the costs of disability-related services or equipment, such as tutors, note-takers, interpreters, braillers or technical aids that are required to participate in postsecondary studies. Yes, the BSWD/CSG-PDSE requires a separate application. Use the 2017-18 Ontario Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) and Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Persons with Permanent Disabilities (CSG-PDSE) to apply. With one application, students will be considered for both supports. For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/osap, click on “Special circumstances”, then click on “More aid from OSAP” to see a list of available financial aid options.
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Q. Will the Ontario First Generation Bursary still be available under the new OSAP? Is it a separate application? A. Yes, the Ontario First Generation Bursary will still be available under the new OSAP. The Ontario First Generation Bursary provides aid to postsecondary students with financial need who are attending publicly assisted colleges and universities in Ontario. This bursary is specifically for students whose parents have never attended postsecondary studies. The amount of bursary available varies and can range from $1,000 to $3,500. The actual amount awarded is determined by a student’s school. Yes, the Ontario First Generation Bursary requires a separate application. Students should use their school’s Ontario First Generation Bursary application to apply for this bursary. Students should contact the financial aid office of the school they are attending for complete details. For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/osap, click on “Special circumstances”, then click on “More aid from OSAP” to see a list of available financial aid options. Q. Will the Indigenous Student Bursary still be available under the new OSAP? Is it a separate application? A. Yes, the Indigenous Student Bursary will still be available under the new OSAP. The Indigenous Student Bursary provides aid to Indigenous students with financial need who are attending publicly assisted colleges and universities in Ontario or Indigenous education and training institutions in Ontario. This bursary is available to self-identified Métis, First Nations and Inuit students who are in postsecondary programs including academic programs (e.g. degree and diploma programs) as well as training programs (e.g. apprenticeships). The amount of bursary available varies and can range from $1,000 to $3,500. The actual amount awarded is determined by a student’s school. Yes, the Indigenous Student Bursary requires a separate application. Students should contact the
For free resources, please visit ontario.ca/OSAPpartners
financial aid office of the school they are attending for complete details. For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/osap, click on “Special circumstances”, then click on “More aid from OSAP” to see a list of available financial aid options. Q. Will the Ontario Part-Time Grant still be available under the new OSAP? Is it a separate application? A. Yes, the Ontario Part-Time Grant will still be available under the new OSAP. The Ontario Part-Time Grant provides aid to eligible part-time postsecondary students to help them pay for their education-related costs such as tuition, mandatory fees and books. Students may also receive this grant to assist with their transportation costs as well as child-care costs (if applicable). This grant does not require a separate application. Eligible students will be considered for this grant when they submit their OSAP Application for PartTime Students. The maximum amount of aid available from this grant is $500 per academic year. For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/osap, click on “Special circumstances”, then click on “More aid from OSAP” to see a list of available financial aid options. Q. Will the Living and Learning Grant continue to be available under the new OSAP? A. Yes, the Living and Learning Grant will continue to be available under the new OSAP for eligible youth enrolled in full-time postsecondary studies. The grant provides $500 per month of full-time postsecondary studies for a maximum of four years. To be eligible for the Living and Learning Grant, students must be aged 18 to 24 (inclusive) at the start of their study period and one of the following: 1. A previous recipient of the Continued Care and Support for Youth allowance (or would have been eligible to receive such allowance); or
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2. A former Ontario Crown ward who was adopted on or after August 1, 2013. Youth who are aged 18 to 21 and receiving a Continued Care and Support for Youth allowance cannot receive the Living and Learning Grant at the same time. To be eligible for the Living and Learning Grant, students must also meet standard OSAP eligibility requirements: ✔✔ Enrolled in a postsecondary program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate at a school in Canada approved for Ontario student loan purposes; or a school outside Canada approved for student loan purposes where the primary language of instruction is American Sign Language; ✔✔ Taking at least 60% of a full course load as determined by the school (or 40% of a full course load for students with a permanent disability); ✔✔ A resident of Ontario as required for OSAP funding for full-time students; ✔✔ A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a protected person; and ✔✔ Not restricted from eligibility for Ontario student loans or grants.
In addition, adopted youth must have at least $1.00 of need for Ontario OSAP grant or loan needbased funding. For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/osap, click on “Special circumstances”, then click on “More aid from OSAP” to see a list of available financial aid options. Q. Is there a separate application for the Living and Learning Grant? A. No. Students who wish to be considered for the Living and Learning Grant must submit an OSAP Application for Full-time Students.
For free resources, please visit ontario.ca/OSAPpartners
Q. What do the OSAP changes mean for graduate students completing Master’s or PhD programs or students in professional programs? A. The new OSAP will be available to full-time students in all types of OSAP-approved programs. This includes students in graduate and professional programs (including dentistry, medicine and education) that are not currently eligible for the 30% Off Ontario Tuition Grant. In addition, graduate students continue to be eligible for other Ontario government scholarships that are administered separately from OSAP such as the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarships in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST). Q. Is the government doing anything to increase financial assistance for students in postsecondary studies on a part-time basis? A. The main focus of OSAP is to provide financial support for students studying in full-time programs. However, support is available for parttime students through the: ✔✔ Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants (up to $1,920 per academic year); ✔✔ Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Studies (up to $1,800 per academic year); ✔✔ Part-Time Canada Student Loan (up to a maximum of $10,000); and the ✔✔ Ontario Part-Time Grant (up to $500 per academic year).
Q. How will Ontario design the program to verify income for students who have parents earning income abroad and would not be claiming income in Canada? A. Currently, applicants with foreign income are required to provide documentation before the release of OSAP grants. For example, documentation from the tax agency of the country where the parent earned income or from the parent’s employer would be needed.
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OSAP and children leaving care Q. What does family income mean? Will eligibility for free average tuition be based on family income for former Crown wards and other youth leaving care? A. Crown wards and other youth with an eligible children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Wellbeing society status who are single and less than four years out of high school are assessed for free average tuition based on $0 family income. In all other circumstances, for youth who have aged out of care, the standard definition of family income would apply. A youth who is a sole support parent or single and more than four years out of high school would be assessed for free average tuition based on his or her own income. If the individual is married, eligibility for free tuition would be based on the income of the student and their spouse. Former Crown wards who have been adopted and are less than four years out of high school are assessed for free average tuition based on the income of their adoptive parent(s). Q. What does eligible children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Well-being society status mean? A. For OSAP purposes, a student has eligible status with an Ontario children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Well-being society if any of the following apply: ✔✔ The student is in the care of a children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Well-being society as a Crown ward or through a customary care agreement or protection order; ✔✔ The student is currently receiving an allowance or other transitional support through Continued Care and Support for Youth; ✔✔ The student previously received or was eligible to receive an allowance or other transitional support through Continued Care and Support for Youth (previously Extended Care and Maintenance).
For free resources, please visit ontario.ca/OSAPpartners
For the purposes of the Living and Learning Grant, eligible status with an Ontario children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Well-being society includes former Ontario Crown wards who were adopted on or after August 1, 2013. (See more information about the Living and Learning Grant below.) Q. Does OSAP expect a parental contribution for former Crown wards or other youth who are less than four years out of high school? A. No. There is no expected parental contribution for former Crown wards and other youth who have eligible children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Well-being society status. However, if a former Crown ward has been adopted, an expected parental contribution is calculated based on the adoptive parent(s) income and family size. Q. How will the changes to OSAP affect the Ontario Access Grant for Crown Wards? A. Students who previously would have been eligible to receive the Ontario Access Grant for Crown Wards will receive an equal or greater amount of grant funding through the new OSAP. As a result, beginning in 2017-18, there will be no targeted Ontario Access Grant for Crown Wards. The Ontario Access Grant for Crown Wards currently covers 50 per cent of tuition to a maximum of $3,000 for Crown wards and other youth leaving the care of children’s aid societies for a maximum of four years. Q. Will the 100% Tuition Aid for Youth Leaving Care Program still be available under the new OSAP program? A. Since 2012-13, participating colleges and universities have been matching the Ontario Access Grant for Crown Wards to ensure that eligible students have 100% of their tuition, to a maximum of $6,000, covered through nonrepayable grants. Through the new OSAP, most former Crown wards and other youth leaving care will be eligible to receive OSAP grants to cover average tuition,
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which means that the 100% Tuition Aid for Youth Leaving Care Program is no longer needed in its current form. The Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development will consult with institutions to consider potential options to redesign the program beginning in 2017-18. For example, one of the potential options would be the possibility of coverage for other needs for youth enrolled in fulltime postsecondary studies. The intention of any program changes would be to ensure that youth are not receiving less grant funding under the new OSAP than they were under the old programs. Q. What proof do students provide to show their eligible status with a children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Well-being society? A. Youth are required to submit a Verification of Status with Ontario Children’s Aid Society (CAS) form. The form is completed by the individual’s Ontario Children’s Aid Society or Indigenous Child Well-being society. When students submit the OSAP application form, they can download a personalized copy of the Verification of Status form. Q. Does the OSAP assessment for Crown wards and other youth include a student fixed contribution? A. No, students who are Crown wards or have eligible status with a children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Well-being society are exempt from the student fixed contribution. However, former Crown wards who have been adopted are expected to make a fixed student contribution. Q. Why does OSAP expect a fixed contribution from some students towards their education? A. The government of Ontario considers postsecondary education to be a shared investment and responsi bility between students, their families, the govern ment and postsecondary institutions. That’s why most students are expected to help contribute to the costs of their own postsecondary education.
For free resources, please visit ontario.ca/OSAPpartners
This contribution is automatically waived for students with children, Indigenous students, Crown wards and other students with eligible status with a children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Well-being society, and in situations where a student or their spouse is on the Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works. Crown wards who have been adopted are expected to make a student contribution towards the costs of their postsecondary education. A review is available for students who demonstrate that they are unable to make this contribution, either fully or partially, and have made reasonable efforts to do so. Reviews are administered by the financial aid offices at postsecondary institutions. Q. Are youth required to report the amount of their Continued Care and Support for Youth allowance on the OSAP Application for Full-time Students? A. No. Former Crown wards and other youth aged 18 to 20 who are receiving an allowance from their children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Wellbeing society do not report the amount on their OSAP Application. In addition, any savings that they received through the Ontario Child Benefit Equivalent (OCBE) initia tive and Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) established using Canada Child Benefit (CCB) funding are not required to be reported as income or assets. Q. If a student receives a bursary from their children’s aid society or Indigenous Child Wellbeing society or a scholarship (e.g., from the Clarke Foundation); does this money affect OSAP funding? A. Yes. Students must report the following income on their OSAP application: ✔✔ Bursaries provided by a Children’s Aid Society or Indigenous Child Well-being society; ✔✔ Any funding provided by a Children’s Aid Society or Indigenous Child Well-being society after the youth reaches age 21;
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✔✔ Other awards and scholarships that are not from their school or OSAP (e.g., Clarke Bursary Awards, Children’s Aid Foundation, etc.).
Students who receive these bursaries and scholar ships are eligible for an exemption of $50 per week of study for the purposes of Ontario grants and loan and an exemption of $1,800 per academic year for the purposes of Canada grants and loan. The remainder of the bursary or scholarship is considered a resource and may reduce the amount of OSAP funding the student is eligible to receive.
Q. Who should students contact if they have questions about OSAP? A. Many answers to questions about OSAP can be found on the OSAP website at ontario.ca/osap or on a student’s OSAP web account.
Q. Does Ontario cover postsecondary application fees for Crown wards? A. Yes, the Ontario Crown Ward Postsecondary Application Fee Reimbursement Program, covers the costs of college and university application fees for Crown wards and former Crown wards (including those who were adopted) applying for their first college or university program. Certain maximums apply.
If a student still requires assistance after visiting the website and their web account, students studying in Ontario should contact their school’s financial aid office. Students can also contact the OSAP office at: Toll-free: 1-888-449-4478 TTY toll-free: 1-800-465-3958 Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., excluding holidays. Students studying outside of Ontario can contact the OSAP office at 1-877-672-7411 for help.
For more information and an application form, see https://www.ontario.ca/page/osap-ontariostudent-assistance-program?_ga=1.97339295.18 20855230.1468870455
Printed on recycled paper • ISBN 978-1-4868-0174-9 (Print) • ISBN 978-1-4868-0175-6 (PDF) • © Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2017
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