A Complete Guide for Students, Newcomers and Permanent Residents in Ontario
OSAP is available to eligible Ontario residents of any age who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons. However, immigration status alone does not determine eligibility. Applicants must also satisfy the applicable Ontario residency requirements and other conditions relating to their education, financial circumstances, course load and academic progress.
The amount of OSAP assistance available to an individual student depends on several factors. These can include tuition and other educational costs, books and equipment, school fees, course load, personal living expenses for eligible full-time students, child-care costs and the student’s financial circumstances. OSAP also considers factors such as income, family income, family size and dependants when determining the amount of assistance.
For the 2026–27 academic year, Ontario has published maximum weekly OSAP amounts for full-time students. A single student with no dependants studying at a public college or university in Ontario can receive up to $530 per week, while a student who is married, in a common-law relationship or is a sole-support parent can receive up to $875 per week. These are maximum amounts rather than guaranteed awards; the actual amount is determined after the student’s application is assessed.
Eligible students may also receive federal Canada Student Grants in addition to provincial assistance. For 2026–27, Ontario’s published OSAP information lists applicable maximums for full-time students, students with disabilities and students with dependants. Eligibility depends on factors including financial need, family income, program and school eligibility.
Students beginning a program on or after August 1, 2026 should pay particular attention to significant changes to the provincial portion of OSAP. Ontario has announced that a greater proportion of provincial OSAP assistance will be provided 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 OSAP funding as loans. Students enrolled in career colleges will receive all of their provincial OSAP funding as loans.
Students considering private institutions should also be aware of changes to federal student assistance that took effect on August 1, 2026. The Government of Canada states that most full-time students attending private, for-profit schools in Canada are no longer eligible for the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students, although certain programs are exempt from this restriction. Students should verify the exact institution and program before making an enrolment decision.
OSAP supports both full-time and part-time students, although the eligibility requirements and funding calculations differ. Full-time students may receive assistance that takes eligible tuition and living expenses into account, while part-time students may qualify for a combination of grants and loans depending on their financial circumstances. OSAP also provides assistance for eligible micro-credential programs.
OSAP is not simply a tuition-reimbursement program. The assessment considers the student’s overall financial need. Educational costs, course load, income, family income, family size, dependants and other relevant financial factors can all influence the final assessment. For newcomers, financial planning should therefore extend beyond tuition and include living expenses, books, transportation, grants, loans and repayment obligations.
OSAP applications are submitted online through the Government of Ontario. Applicants provide information about their school, program, study period and financial circumstances and may be required to provide additional documentation. Depending on the student’s circumstances, OSAP may require information concerning income, parental income, spouse’s income, family circumstances and other financial information. Applicants should ensure that all information is accurate and complete.
Students can monitor the status of their OSAP application through their online account. The account will show whether the application has been processed, whether additional documents are required, how much assistance has been approved and when funding is expected to be available. The school must generally confirm enrolment before funding is released.
Students should be careful when changing their course load, program or other information after receiving an OSAP assessment. If a student drops courses, withdraws from studies or experiences another significant change, the OSAP application may be reassessed. In some circumstances, grants that have already been received may become repayable or may be converted into loans.
Receiving OSAP also comes with academic-progress requirements. Students must successfully complete their required course load and make progress toward completing their program in order to remain eligible for future full-time OSAP funding. Students who are unable to meet academic-progress requirements because of circumstances beyond their control may be able to request a review through their financial-aid office.
For newcomers, one of the most important considerations is understanding the difference between immigration status and OSAP eligibility. Permanent residents are eligible to apply for consideration, but they must still satisfy the applicable Ontario residency and other requirements. International students who do not have an eligible immigration status should not assume that studying in Ontario makes them eligible for OSAP. New permanent residents should also be prepared to provide documentation where required, particularly if their financial history includes income earned outside Canada.
OSAP can be an important source of financial assistance for eligible students pursuing post-secondary education in Ontario. For newcomers and permanent residents, understanding the program can be particularly valuable when planning the transition from settlement to further education or professional development. However, OSAP should not be viewed simply as “free money.” The 2026–27 changes have increased the loan component of provincial assistance for many students, and federal grant eligibility has also changed for many students attending private, for-profit institutions. Before making an education or financial decision, check your eligibility, verify that your chosen institution and program qualify for the assistance you expect, apply through the official OSAP system and review your funding assessment carefully.
This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute financial, educational or legal advice. OSAP eligibility and funding are determined on an individual basis. Students should verify their circumstances and current eligibility directly through the official OSAP application and government sources.
