Explore Our Resources
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.
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.
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:
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.
You may qualify for OSAP if you meet the following criteria:
You must reapply for OSAP each academic year you need financial support.
While OSAP is accessible to many, you are not eligible if:
If you're unsure, you can use the OSAP Aid Estimator to get a quick idea of your eligibility and potential aid amount.
Depending on your personal and family financial situation, OSAP can cover:
The total amount you receive depends on a number of factors, including your course load, income, family size and whether you have dependents.
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.
You can apply for OSAP online through the official portal. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
You should apply as early as possible—OSAP applications open in May for the following academic year.
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.
If you don’t qualify for OSAP due to your immigration status or other reasons, there are still options available.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No. OSAP is not available to international students.
The federal portion of your OSAP loan starts accruing interest right after graduation. The Ontario portion is interest-free as of April 1, 2023.
Visit ontario.ca/osap, create an account, complete your application, and upload supporting documents.
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.