TORONTO, July 7, 2026 – Online applications for Ontario’s 2026–2027 Ontario Student Assistance Program, or OSAP, are now open. The program helps eligible full-time and part-time students pay for tuition, books, living costs, transportation, child care and other education-related expenses through loans and grants. For students planning to enter university or college this fall, or return to continue their studies, OSAP applications have now entered the document preparation stage.
Provincial information shows that the 2026–2027 OSAP academic year applies to programs with study periods starting between August 1, 2026, and July 31, 2027. Students should select the correct academic year based on the start date of their study period, rather than relying only on the year shown on their admission letter. Programs that cross semesters, involve transfers, deferred admission or staggered start dates may affect the correct application year and study period.
OSAP may consider education costs such as tuition, compulsory fees, books and supplies, equipment, computers, personal living expenses, child care and transportation. The final amount of assistance is not fixed. It is calculated based on information provided by the student, information confirmed by the school, and factors such as family income, spousal income and student assets. For some students, the approved amount may include grants that do not need to be repaid, as well as loans that must be repaid after graduation.
Course load is another key point to confirm before applying. OSAP generally considers a course load of 60 per cent or more to be full-time study. Students with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability may be treated as full-time students with a course load of at least 40 per cent. Part-time students usually take between 20 and 59 per cent of a full course load. Course load is calculated by the school based on program requirements, so students who are unsure should first contact their school’s financial aid office.
For newcomer families, one of the most confusing parts of OSAP is the relationship between student status and family information. Whether a student is dependent on parents, an independent student, married or in a common-law relationship, or a sole-support parent will affect which income and family details must be provided. If parents or a spouse live outside Canada, or if there are special family circumstances, the student may also need to provide additional explanations or documents.
Returning students should also pay attention to academic progress requirements. The province says students who have received OSAP funding must maintain the required course completion rate to remain eligible. Repeated course withdrawals, program changes, failed courses or failure to complete courses that were funded may affect future applications. Students should not only focus on when funds will arrive, but should also monitor whether course changes need to be updated in their application.
OSAP is not an admission offer and does not automatically reduce tuition. After a student submits an application, the school must still confirm enrolment and course information before funds can be released through the required process. Delays involving application information, banking details, signed documents or school confirmation may affect tuition payments and living-cost planning. Students planning to begin in the fall should create or sign in to their OSAP account as early as possible, check their school, program, study period, income and banking information, and keep notices from their school’s financial aid office.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
