What is OSAP - Ontario Student Assistance Program

Wondering what OSAP is and how it can help fund your education in Ontario? This comprehensive guide breaks down OSAP eligibility, including for permanent residents, Canadian citizens and protected persons. Learn how to apply, how micro-credential funding works, who’s not eligible, and how OSAP compares with other funding options like Windmill Microlending.

A Newcomer's Journey

July 11, 2025

For many students in Ontario, the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a lifeline to accessing post-secondary education. Whether you're a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person, OSAP offers a combination of grants and loans to help you pay for tuition, books, living expenses and more.

This guide breaks down how OSAP works, who qualifies, and what options are available if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria. If you're new to Canada or returning to school, understanding OSAP can help you plan your education and finances more effectively.

What is OSAP?

OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) is a government-funded financial aid program designed to help eligible students in Ontario afford post-secondary education. OSAP provides:

  • Grants: Non-repayable financial assistance for eligible students
  • Loans: Low-interest repayable loans issued through the National Student Loans Service Centre

The goal is to make education more accessible for people from all economic backgrounds. OSAP is jointly funded by the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada.

Who is eligible for OSAP?

You may qualify for OSAP if you meet the following criteria:

  • You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
  • You are an Ontario resident (as defined by OSAP guidelines)
  • You are enrolled in or planning to attend a designated post-secondary institution
  • You are taking approved full-time or part-time programs (including some micro-credentials)
  • You demonstrate financial need based on income and family circumstances

Additional considerations:

  • Full-time students must take at least 60% of a full course load (or 40% for students with permanent disabilities)
  • Part-time students may still qualify for aid under separate criteria
  • Applicants must pass a credit check if they are 22 years or older and have never received OSAP

You must reapply for OSAP each academic year you need financial support.

Who is not eligible for OSAP?

While OSAP is accessible to many, you are not eligible if:

  • You are an international student (including those on a study permit)
  • You don’t meet Ontario residency requirements
  • You are not enrolled in an approved program or institution
  • You owe money from a past OSAP loan, or you failed to meet previous academic progress requirements
  • You are receiving other forms of government assistance that exceed allowable limits

If you're unsure, you can use the OSAP Aid Estimator to get a quick idea of your eligibility and potential aid amount.

What does OSAP cover?

Depending on your personal and family financial situation, OSAP can cover:

  • Tuition fees
  • Books and school supplies
  • Mandatory student fees
  • Living expenses (including housing and food)
  • Childcare (if applicable)
  • Transportation

The total amount you receive depends on a number of factors, including your course load, income, family size and whether you have dependents.

OSAP for micro-credentials

Since 2021, Ontario has expanded OSAP eligibility to include micro-credential programs. These are short, focused programs that help students gain specific skills or certifications in a short amount of time, often weeks or months.

To be eligible:

This makes OSAP more flexible for individuals looking to upskill or reskill, especially newcomers looking for Canadian credentials or local job market training.

How to apply for OSAP

You can apply for OSAP online through the official portal. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

  • Create an OSAP account on the official website
  • Choose your program and indicate if you’re studying full-time or part-time
  • Upload required documents, including proof of residency, income, and school acceptance
  • Submit your application before your school’s OSAP deadline
  • Review and accept your funding offer
  • Confirm enrolment through your school to release the funds

You should apply as early as possible—OSAP applications open in May for the following academic year.

OSAP repayment: What to expect

Once you graduate, leave school, or drop below part-time status, your OSAP loan enters repayment after a 6-month grace period. You won't have to make payments during that time, but interest will start accumulating on the federal portion of your loan right away (the Ontario portion remains interest-free as of April 2023).

Repayment is managed through the National Student Loans Service Centre. You can make monthly payments or apply for the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) if you’re struggling financially.

What if I’m not eligible for OSAP?

If you don’t qualify for OSAP due to your immigration status or other reasons, there are still options available.

Other funding options for newcomers:

  • Windmill Microlending: We offer low-interest loans of up to $15,000 to help skilled immigrants cover costs such as credential evaluations, tuition, licensing exams and professional development.
  • Scholarships and bursaries: Many colleges and universities offer merit- or need-based scholarships specifically for international or mature students.
  • Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP): Permanent residents can withdraw from RRSPs to fund full-time education.
  • Second Career (now known as Better Jobs Ontario): Helps laid-off or unemployed workers with training and education funding.

How Windmill Microlending can help you succeed

At Windmill Microlending, we understand the financial challenges many immigrants and newcomers face when pursuing education in Canada. While OSAP supports many Canadian citizens and permanent residents, our goal is to fill the gaps for internationally trained professionals and immigrants who don’t qualify.

We provide:

  • Low-interest loans up to $15,000
  • Funding for tuition, exams, books, relocation and living expenses
  • Career coaching, mentorship and financial planning tools

If you’re not eligible for OSAP—or if OSAP only covers part of your needs—we can help you bridge the financial gap and get the education you need to succeed in your career.

Check your eligibility today to begin your journey.

Frequently asked questions

What is OSAP?

OSAP is a financial aid program from the Government of Ontario that provides grants and loans to eligible students to help cover the costs of post-secondary education.

How does OSAP work?

OSAP combines grants (non-repayable) and loans (repayable) based on your financial need. You apply online, and your aid is calculated using details like income, family size and course load.

Who is eligible for OSAP?

Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons who live in Ontario and are attending an approved institution may qualify. OSAP also supports students in approved micro-credentials and part-time programs.

Who is not eligible for OSAP?

International students, people who don't meet Ontario residency rules, and those who’ve defaulted on previous OSAP loans or are in unapproved programs are not eligible.

Can international students apply for OSAP?

No. OSAP is not available to international students.

Does OSAP charge interest?

The federal portion of your OSAP loan starts accruing interest right after graduation. The Ontario portion is interest-free as of April 1, 2023.

How to apply for OSAP?

Visit ontario.ca/osap, create an account, complete your application, and upload supporting documents.

How to pay back an OSAP loan?

After a 6-month grace period, you begin repaying your OSAP loan through the National Student Loans Service Centre. You can choose monthly payments or apply for RAP if needed.

Related Posts

No items found.