Applying for OSAP
OSAP Options Available
For OSAP purposes, you are in full-time studies:
- If you are taking 60% or more of a full course load.
- For undergraduate students, this is 1.5 credits per term or more.
- For graduate students, this means full-time registration status, or confirmation from your coordinator that you are taking at least a 60% course load.
- If you have a permanent or a persistent or prolonged disability, you may choose to be considered as a full-time student for OSAP if you are taking at least 40% of a full course load.
- For undergraduate students, this is 1.0 credits per term or more.
- For graduate students, this means full-time registration status, or confirmation from your coordinator that you are taking at least a 60% course load.
For OSAP purposes, you are in part-time studies:
- If you are taking between 20% and 59% of a full course load.
In addition to Part-Time OSAP, you may be eligible for additional funding through the Noah Meltz Program of Financial Assistance.
Micro-credentials are rapid training programs offered by colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes across Ontario that can help students acquire the skills that employers need.
Students studying in the summer semesters are able to apply for OSAP. They can also apply for a Summer OSAP Extension if they received full-time OSAP in the Fall and/or Winter term(s) and they are applying for additional funding for full-time summer studies.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, you will need to meet the following conditions:
- Be an Ontario resident who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or a protected person (international students are not eligible for OSAP)
- Be registered in an OSAP approved program
- Be enrolled in an eligible course load
- Have previous OSAP loans in good standing, with no defaults or restrictions
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout your studies
- Demonstrate financial need
- Have not exceed the lifetime limit of student loan funding
You are considered an Ontario resident for OSAP purposes if any of the following apply:
- You have always lived in Ontario
- Ontario is the most recent province where you lived for 12 consecutive months, not including anytime as a full-time post-secondary student
- You currently live in Ontario and lived in Canada for less than 12 consecutive months before starting post-secondary studies
Special Circumstances (For students applying to Full-Time OSAP only)
Students with a spouse or in a common-law relationship may be considered an Ontario resident if any of the following apply:
- Your spouse or partner has always lived in Ontario
- Your spouse or partner has lived in Ontario for the last 12 consecutive months, not including any time as a full-time post-secondary student
- You currently reside in Ontario, and both you and your spouse or partner lived in Canada for less than 12 consecutive months
Dependent students (students less than 6 years out of high school) may be considered an Ontario resident if any of the following apply:
- Ontario is the most recent province where your parent(s) lived for at least 12 consecutive months
- You currently reside in Ontario, and both you and your parent(s) lived in Canada for less than 12 consecutive months
- You currently reside in Ontario, and both you and your parent(s) lived in Canada for less than 12 consecutive months
You must be enrolled in an OSAP approved program of study that leads to a certificate, diploma, or degree.
Full-Time & Part-Time | Not Approved Programs
While most programs offered at the University of Toronto are OSAP approved, some are not eligible for OSAP funding. These include:
- International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP) for Foreign-Trained Dentists
- Dental Specialty Assessment and Training Program (DSATP)
- Non-conjoint Toronto School of Theology Programs (TST students in conjoint programs are eligible)
- All executive programs at the Rotman School of Management
- Executive MBA programs at the Rotman School of Management
- Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting – Rotman School of Management
- International Pharmacy Graduate Program (Canadian Pharmacy Skills) for individuals with foreign pharmacy degrees
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education – additional qualification courses
- School of Continuing Studies courses
- Residency programs
- Certificate in Environmental Management
- Certificate in Renewable Energy
- Certificate in GIS for Environmental Management
- Certificate in Environmental Health
- Certificate in Leadership in Higher Education
- Internationally Trained Lawyers Program
- National Committee on Accreditation at the Faculty of Law
- Master of Mathematical Finance
- Doctor of Public Health
- Master of Forensic Accounting
- International Foundation Programs
- Any non-degree studies
To qualify for OSAP during the Fall-Winter academic term, your course load must meet specific thresholds. Your course load is the number of credits you’re taking per term. For OSAP, your course load is expressed as a percentage of a full course load per term.
Keep in Mind
- Course loads for Fall-Winter and Summer are assessed differently, see below.
- OSAP does not permit averaging of course loads between terms.
- Waitlisted and audited courses do not count toward your course load for OSAP purposes.
- Changes in your course load can lead to changes in your OSAP funding. If you drop below the minimum requirements you will lose eligibility for your funding plus incur an OSAP academic penalty
Fall-Winter Session | Full-Time & Part-Time OSAP
Undergraduate Students
|
Course Credits Per Term |
Course Load |
Application To Use |
|---|---|---|
|
1.5 – 2.5 credits |
60% – 100% |
|
|
1.0 credit |
40% |
|
|
Less than 1.5 credits |
20% – 59% |
|
For example, a student taking 2.0 credits in each term would be considered to be taking an 80% course load.
Graduate Students
- You are considered to be a full-time student if you are registered on a full-time basis.
- If you are registered as a part-time graduate student, you would apply to Full-Time OSAP if your course load is 60% or more (40% or more for students with disabilities.) If your course load is lower, apply to Part-Time OSAP.
- For both Full- and Part-Time OSAP, students registered on a part time basis should complete this Confirmation of Course Load
Students taking a co-op work term
- If you are completing a co-op work term, this is considered full-time for OSAP purposes.
- Students on a work term have the option to apply for Full Time OSAP, or to apply for interest-free status
- If you opt to apply for Full Time OSAP, be sure to declare your work term income as part of your application
Applying for OSAP
Once you have determined that you are eligible for OSAP, you can begin your application. Make sure you understand whether to apply for full-time or part-time OSAP, by looking at the course load requirements.
If it’s your first time applying for OSAP, you will need to complete and submit a loan agreement, called the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA). This only needs to be submitted for your first time applying for OSAP. If you’re enrolled in a micro-credential program, you don’t have to complete the MSFAA. Instead, you’ll complete a Micro-credential Student Loan Agreement.
Apply for Full-Time OSAP early (we recommend in May or June) to ensure there is enough time to process your application before the start of classes.
The deadline to submit your Full-Time OSAP Application is 60 days before the end of the academic year.
The deadline to submit your supporting documents is 40 days before the end of the academic year.
Example: If your study period ends on April 30, your application deadline would be March 1. Your deadline to submit all documents would be March 21.
If your study period is up to 20 weeks long: you must submit your Part-Time OSAP Application and supporting documents no later than 40 days before the end of your study period.
If your study period is 21 weeks or longer: you must submit your Part-Time OSAP Application no later than 60 days before the end of your study period and supporting documents no later than 40 days prior to the end of your study period.
Submit your OSAP application, sign the student consents and declaration pages. If your parent and/or spouse signatures are also required, you must print and have them sign the appropriate consents and declarations pages. Upload the pages in the required documents section of the OSAP website.
Upload any other required documents as early as you can.
If you are a returning applicant, you may not need to submit any documentation.
You should search for the name of the degree you intend to complete, as opposed to your major. Example: “Bachelor of Arts” instead of “English”. Your application will be processed more quickly if you choose the correct program from the list.
For undergraduate students:
- Search for the name of the College or Faculty you’ll be attending.
- Examples: New College, Trinity, University, Woodsworth, Mississauga, Scarborough, Engineering.
- Click on Search for program. You’ll see a list of possible programs. Choose the appropriate program and year of study.
Example: Bachelor of Arts and Science will cover most undergraduate programs in Life Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
For graduate students:
- Search the name of your degree program (e.g., Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Teaching, PhD, etc.). Choose the best match for your program.
- Masters students: In many cases, OSAP funding is provided for the September-April period only. To extend your funding for the May-August term, you must request a Summer OSAP extension. The extension application is available in early March of each year.
If you cannot find your program when you get to the end of the list, type in the name of your program in the box under “Can’t find your program?” The next screen will allow you to manually enter your start and end dates. The University will verify your program details after you submit your application and required supporting documentation.
Students are expected to report their expected income to OSAP, unless they have been told in writing not to do so.
At U of T, you must report as scholarship, bursary, and/or award funding, all the following types of income:
- Merit-based scholarships from U of T
- Tuition waivers
- External awards
If you are receiving a graduate funding package, you are required to report this to OSAP. All graduate fellowships must be reported to OSAP as Scholarship or Award funding, including your tuition award. The only exceptions to this are the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and the Queen Elizabeth Graduate Scholarship in Science & Technology (QEII-GSST). These two Ontario government awards are reported to OSAP by the University of Toronto, so you do not have to report them yourself.
The funding available for graduate students varies depending on your department and your program. Check with your graduate department to find out whether your funding is paid out as a stipend or as employment income. Typically, funding received through stipends and fellowships is reported on a T4A. This funding should be reported as scholarship income on your OSAP application. Any employment income (reported on a T4) must be reported in the “Other Income” section, if it is over $5,600 per term ($11,200 for two terms, $16,800 for three terms).
After Applying for OSAP
About two to three days after you submit your OSAP application, you will receive a welcome email from the National Student Loans Service Centre with instructions to complete the online identity verification process and provide your banking information.
After applying and uploading required documents, please check your status on the OSAP website on an ongoing basis. If more information is required, you will receive a notice in the Message Centre within your OSAP account. The processing time for uploaded documents is around 4-8 weeks.
After all documentation has been processed and you have registered and enrolled in classes, U of T will confirm your enrolment in full-time studies with OSAP. At this point, your funds will be released. OSAP funding takes approximately 5-10 business days to process after your enrolment has been confirmed. If you applied by June 30th, and have submitted any necessary documentation, your funds will normally be issued within the first two weeks of classes.
Paying Your Fees with OSAP
Your OSAP funding will be sent directly to U of T to pay your tuition, incidental fees, and residence fees for the term. In other words, your fall term fees will be paid in fall term, and your winter term fees will be paid in winter term. For most students, your OSAP funding will be redirected in the first few weeks of classes. If you are eligible for more OSAP than you owe to U of T for the term, the remainder will be deposited electronically in your bank account.
OSAP payments to the University will be displayed on your payment report in ACORN as ‘OSAP Payment-Federal’ and ‘OSAP Payment-Provincial’ transactions.
Your funding from OSAP will be sent directly to your bank account. It is your responsibility to ensure you pay the University by the payment deadlines.
You can register without payment while you are waiting for your OSAP funding to arrive. When your invoice is available, you will have the option to defer your tuition on ACORN. You should familiarize yourself with the payment deadlines.
Important: If you have deferred your tuition payment, please wait until all OSAP payments are processed before paying your tuition in each term to avoid double payments.
It is important to wait until your OSAP payment has been processed before paying the outstanding balance in ACORN.
If you make a payment towards your fees while OSAP payment is still being processed, both amounts will be applied towards your outstanding fees – which may result in an over-payment.
Over-payments may result in a credit balance in ACORN that could be eligible for a refund.
If you do have a credit balance, submit an OSAP Refund Request form.
If you have additional financial arrangements beyond OSAP, the process may differ. See below for several options. Remember, if you apply for financial aid through OSAP, you must report all income sources on your OSAP application, unless you’ve been advised otherwise.
OSAP and Graduate Scholarship Funding
- If your registration is deferred because of a graduate funding package, major award, or TA/RA position, your OSAP funds will not automatically be applied to your fees. Instead,
- ACORN will display “Deferred payment for scholarship,” and you will need to use your graduate funding package, graduate scholarship, or TA/RA earnings to pay tuition. Once your enrolment is confirmed with OSAP, the funds will be sent directly to your bank account from OSAP.
- The School of Graduate Studies has more information about graduate funding deferrals.
OSAP and Tuition Waivers
- If you have deferred your registration because you are receiving a tuition waiver, OSAP funds will not be directed to the University to pay your outstanding fees.
- Once your enrolment is confirmed with OSAP, they will send the funds directly to your bank account.
- You will still need to pay any fees not covered by your waiver and ensure payment by the tuition waiver deferral deadline.
- For more information on deferrals due to a tuition waiver, visit Fee Deferrals.
OSAP and Sponsorship Payments
- If you have an arrangement where a sponsor is billed directly for your tuition and fees, your OSAP funds will not be directed to the University to pay your outstanding fees.
- Once your enrolment is confirmed, your OSAP funds will be sent directly to your bank account by OSAP.
- You are responsible for paying any fees not covered by your sponsor, by the sponsorship deferral deadline.
- For more information on deferrals due to sponsorships, visit Fee Deferrals.
Academic Progress
The minimum Full-Time OSAP academic progress standards are:
- Undergraduate Students: you must remain in at least 1.5 credits per funded term. If funded for one term you must pass 1.5 credits. If funded for two terms you must pass 3.0 credits.
- Undergraduate Students with a Permanent Disability (PD), or Persistent or Prolonged Disability (PPD): you must remain in at least 1.0 credits per funded term. If funded for one term you must pass 1.0 credit. If funded for two terms you must pass 2.0 credits.
- Graduate Students: you must remain in full-time registration status or get confirmation from your coordinator (PDF) that you will be in a 60% course load (or 40% if you have a documented disability). You must successfully complete a 60% course load (or 40% if you have a documented disability) per funded term(s).
- For more information, see: how to maintain eligibility for OSAP and the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant
OSAP Academic probation is applied to your file if:
- You did not remain in the minimum course-load required by OSAP and/or you did not pass the minimum course-load for the OSAP funded term(s).
- While on OSAP Academic Probation, you can continue to receive OSAP funding. However, you must be sure to pass the OSAP minimum course load for all funded terms.
OSAP Academic restriction is applied to your file if:
- You did not remain in the minimum course-load required by OSAP, or you did not pass the minimum course-load for the OSAP funded term(s) for two consecutive years.
OSAP Academic Restriction means you are not eligible to receive any OSAP funding during the restriction period. The minimum restriction period is 12 months.
You may also be placed on academic probation or restriction if:
- You have a “Standing Deferred” (SDF) status for any courses due to deferred exam or course work. Once your grades are updated, upload a letter to your OSAP account under “Additional Documents” requesting a review. If these credits allow you to meet the OSAP minimum course load, your Academic Probation or Restriction may be removed.
- You frequently change programs, repeat courses, or fail to advance in your degree.
- You take longer to complete your degree than the length of your program (plus one year). For example, if you are in an undergraduate program that typically takes 4 years (8 terms) to complete, you can receive funding for up to 5 years (10 terms). Students with documented disabilities are exempt from this policy.
To maintain eligibility for Part-Time OSAP, a student must successfully complete all courses for which Part-Time OSAP was issued. Students who do not successfully complete all of their courses must self-fund and successfully complete one semester. Students must pass all of their courses to be considered to have successfully completed their self-funded semester and to be eligible for future Part-Time OSAP funding consideration.
Required documents:
- Transcripts showing successful completion of previous Part-Time studies.
- The student must provide transcripts for the most recent period that they received Part-Time OSAP funding. Official transcripts are not required for this documentation requirement.
Keeping your loans interest-free
If you return to school in at least 60% of a full-time course load (or 40% if you have a documented disability) for at least six weeks, you can reactivate the interest-free status on your existing Canada/Ontario Student Loans – even if you’re not taking out new loan funding.
How to Apply
- Submit a Continuation of Interest-Free Status (CIFS) application online through the OSAP website.
- You can apply as early as 15 days before your study period starts.
- The latest you can apply is 21 days before your study period ends.
- To avoid any interest charges, submit your CIFS application within 6 months of your last confirmed full-time study date.
Once your application is processed, your lender will be notified that you’ve returned to full-time studies.
Students with previous part-time OSAP funding who return to school must ensure their Part-Time Student Loans are placed into interest free status by completing a Schedule 2 Application.
If you received part-time OSAP funding in the past and are continuing your studies part-time but not applying for further part-time OSAP, you should complete a Schedule 2 application to ensure your loans are placed into interest-free status.
Part Time students can submit a Schedule 2 application online through the NSLSC portal.
Steps to submit a Schedule 2 request on your NSLSC portal:
- Log into the NSLSC portal.
- From your ‘My Dashboard’, choose the ‘Confirm My Enrolment’ option from the ‘My Account’ drop-down menu. Unless noted below, submitting a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) on the NSLSC portal will serve as a request to put both federal/Government of Canada and provincial loans into interest-free and payment-free status.
- Ensure that the school you are attending field = University of Toronto, and Student ID field = your U of T student number.
Repayment of OSAP
Students are responsible for repaying their OSAP loans starting on the first day of the seventh (7th) month after the end of their full-time studies. There are a variety of repayment plans available to help students repay their student loans. For more information, please visit the National Student Loans Service Centre website.
For more information on repaying OSAP loans, watch this video from the National Student Loans Service Centre.
OSAP repayment starts six months from the end of your full-time studies – assuming your lender has the most up-to-date information about your most recent study period. Should you complete your program earlier, your repayment begins six months from that date. Your lender will mail you repayment information just prior to the end of the six months.
The OSAP website has more information about repaying your OSAP.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties in meeting your repayment obligations, there are programs to help. For more information about your repayment options, visit the National Student Loans Service Centre website or phone 1-888-815-4514.
Sources of Additional Funding
OSAP is an assistance program. You and your family are expected to supplement OSAP funding with your own resources.
Some students may be able to appeal for more Full-Time OSAP. Contact our office for more information about OSAP appeals.
If you still do not have enough money to cover your financial needs after your OSAP and other resources have been applied to your fees, the University has programs to assist you.
For example, the University of Toronto Advanced Planning for Students (UTAPS) program is the University’s largest need-based support program and covers the financial gap between a student’s actual education costs and the costs recognized by their provincial/territorial government student financial aid program. In other words, UTAPS covers unmet financial need. Through UTAPS, U of T provides non-repayable grants to students to help cover this financial need gap, or unmet need.
By completing a financial need application through the Need Navigator tool, you will be considered for UTAPS grants (or for grants available through your division/college/faculty).
In addition, after you complete the application on the Need Navigator, reach out to your college, faculty, or academic divisional for Financial Counselling. They can help you determine your budget and apply for a bursary to help cover costs not met by OSAP or UTAPS. Completing the application on the Need Navigator is an important first step for any bursary, grant and/or need-based award application.
If you are experiencing a financial emergency, please contact your faculty, college, or academic division to apply for assistance. Undergraduate students can apply for assistance using the Undergraduate Grant application.Graduate students may seek out emergency funding from the School of Graduate Studies.
Resources
Quick Links
Frequently Asked Questions
The Unviersity of Toronto and OSAP may have different definitions of full-time.
Refer to the websites below or connect with your registrar’s office if you need more support.
- If your Full-time OSAP funding has not already been issued, close your Full-time OSAP application and complete a Part-time OSAP application.
- If your funding has already been issued, contact our office to discuss your options.