Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a financial aid program funded by the federal and provincial governments for post-secondary students. OSAP provides Ontario students with financial assistance to help pay for university tuition and related educational costs.
Table of Contents
OSAP Information
Eligibility and Application Instructions
Get a quick overview of how OSAP works and find instructions on how to apply for the current academic year.
After Submitting Your OSAP Application
Find quick references for important deadlines, advice, and instructions to help make sure your application processes smoothly.
Receiving Your Funding and Your Responsibilities
Learn how you will receive your OSAP funding and what responsibilities you must fulfill to remain eligible for OSAP.
Academic Progress Requirements
Learn about your academic responsibilities that you must fulfill to remain eligible for OSAP.
Recommended OSAP Timeline
Mid May
Full-Time OSAP Application is Available
June 30
Submit your Application
This is the recommended date to have your application and all supporting documents submitted to ensure your funding is released for the beginning of the fall term.
July – August
Monitor your Application
- Check your Status and review your OSAP Message Centre.
- Please note that we cannot review your status over the phone.
- Ensure all supporting documents are submitted and approved
- Documents are reviewed in the order that they are received. In order to ensure fairness, we cannot process documents over the phone.
- Processing generally takes 6-8 weeks, however this is dependent on volume.
Late August
Confirmation of Enrollment Begins – Fall Term
Confirmation of Enrollment begins for the fall term. This happens automatically and cannot be completed earlier.
First Day of Fall Term
Fall Term Funding is Disbursed
Once your enrolment is confirmed the National Student Loan Service Centre begins to electronically release the first OSAP installment.
- Typically 60% of your entitlement for the fall and winter term (September to April) applications.
Late December
Confirmation of Enrollment Begins – Winter Term
Confirmation of Enrollment begins for the winter term. This happens automatically and cannot be completed earlier.
First Day of Winter Term
Winter Term Funding is Disbursed
Once your enrolment is confirmed the National Student Loan Service Centre begins to electronically release the second OSAP installment.
- Typically 40% of your entitlement for the fall and winter term (September to April) applications.