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OSAP Information

OSAP is available to eligible students in the form of grants and an integrated student loan funded by the Province of Ontario and Government of Canada. The grant portion does not need to be paid back. The loans are interest-free while you are in full-time studies; repayment begins six months later. OSAP's objective is to help students meet the costs of post-secondary education, including tuition, books, supplies, and basic living expenses. OSAP is not intended to supply all the funding to meet these costs. OSAP's purpose is to supplement, not to replace, the financial resources that you (and your family) are expected to contribute.

The 2025-26 OSAP application is now available for full-time and part-time students.

Important Dates and Deadlines

The OSAP funding year starts each September. You must start a new OSAP application for each new school year. Your OSAP application must match your academic year. For example, if you will be studying full time for fall & winter, then you will start a fall/winter application.

Typically, the new OSAP application is available on the OSAP website by April or May each year for the upcoming fall semester. We recommend that you fully complete your OSAP application at least 8 weeks before the start of your study term. This will help ensure that your funding is processed in time for the payment deadline and for the start of your school year.

Your signature pages and all supporting documents can be submitted online through your OSAP account. Your Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) can also be completed online. Refer to these instructions below for completing the MSFAA.

You should check the status of your application on the OSAP website to confirm that all documents have been submitted and processed.

These dates are important. It is your responsibility to complete your OSAP applications promptly, and submit any required paperwork on time.

Description of date/deadlineSummer 2025Fall/WinterFall OnlyWinter Only
Semester datesMay 8, 2025 - August 13, 2025Sept 4, 2025 - April 21, 2026Sept 4, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025Jan 5, 2026 - April 21, 2026
Start applying for OSAPMarch, 2025May, 2025May, 2025Oct, 2025*
Last day to applyJune 14, 2025 (for Aug 13, 2025 end date)Feb 20, 2026Oct 13, 2025Feb 20, 2026
Deadline for signature pages and supporting documentsJuly 4, 2025March 12, 2026Nov 2, 2025March 12, 2026
Last day to appeal/reviewJuly 4, 2025March 12, 2026Nov 2, 2025March 12, 2026

DVM students, please note: your OSAP dates and deadlines will differ from those in the above table. Please contact the Financial Aid office at finaid@uoguelph.ca for more information.

OSAP Part-time Application Deadlines (less than 50% course load**)

SemesterDeadline Date
Summer 2025July 4, 2025 (for Aug 13, 2025 end date)
Fall 2025November 2, 2025
Winter 2026March 15, 2026

*If you have a full-time OSAP application for the current year and wish to add a term, in which you will be registered in a minimum of 1.5 credits** (or 1.0 credits** or more for students with a permanent disability), please contact the Financial Aid office at finaid@uoguelph.ca or complete the Summer OSAP Extension Form if you'd like to add the summer semester. A term may be added to your existing OSAP application; you should not start a new application.

**When calculating course load for OSAP purposes, Co-op work term credits are not included.

New Students and Parents

Welcome to the University of Guelph. Please see the helpful information and the checklist below that Student Financial Services has prepared to assist new students and their parents/caregiver/guardian.

OSAP applications:

OSAP applications are completed online through a Ministry portal. The application requirements and documents are determined by the Ministry; however, questions regarding OSAP should be directed to the financial aid office at the institution student plan to attend. At the U of G, OSAP questions and support can be obtained by emailing the OSAP office.

For the majority of students, parents/caregivers/guardians are required to provide information from their Notice of Assessments. When this information is required, OSAP applications cannot persist without it. Students should plan to complete the OSAP application and have their parent/caregiver/guardian on hand to provide information and assist with the application. However, please make sure that the student completes their own OSAP application. Serious misunderstandings and errors can occur when students do not fill out their own applications.

The OSAP application is an integrated application, which means applicants are being considered for both provincial and federal aid at the same time. The provincial and federal governments assess OSAP eligibility differently. It is important to note that an assessment of financial need is being conducted and not all applicants are approved for assistance. There are many factors being considered and the only way to determine eligibility for funding is by applying.

OSAP questions from a parent/caregiver/guardian:

Students may grant consent on their OSAP profile to enable U of G staff to communicate with someone other than the OSAP applicant. Consent is required to allow staff to communicate with someone other than the student. In addition, consent must also be given to the U of G. Students should log in to WebAdvisor and locate "Release of Financial Information" under "Financial Information" in the menu on the left-hand side.

May – August:

  • If you don't already have one, find a summer job and save some money for the upcoming year. OSAP expects a student contribution towards their studies.
  • Apply as early as possible on the OSAP website. To guarantee OSAP funding is available for the fall semester, applications and all supporting/required documents must be submitted by June 30th. Students can apply to OSAP after June 30th, but there is no guarantee the OSAP application will be processed in time to meet fall payment deadline.
  • If you do not have one, open a bank account in your name; you will need your bank account number for your Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) for OSAP.
  • Complete your MSFAA.
  • Check your OSAP application and status regularly throughout the summer. Ensure to check your 'message centre' for communication regarding your OSAP application.
  • Fall tuition, fees, residence and meal plans, if applicable, are posted in the "Account View" section of WebAdvisor in late July. Log in to see your student fee statement for the upcoming semester.
  • Check your U of G emails regularly as important information is sent throughout the summer.
  • Your U of G fall registration must match the course load indicated on your OSAP application. For example, if your OSAP application is for 100% course load, your U of G classes/registration must also be full-time.

September - December:

  • Fall tuition payment is due in September. Log in to WebAdvisor and go to "Account View" to see your fee statement. Remember that the University of Guelph charges by the semester. This payment is for fall only.
  • If you have performed all the OSAP steps on time, 60% of your OSAP funding should be released the first week of September; the other 40% is released in the winter semester.
  • In-course bursary and Work Study applications are due October 7. Read more about in-course bursaries and the Work Study Program.

January:

  • Winter tuition is due January. Check your fee statement on WebAdvisor under "Account View."
  • The final 40% of your OSAP will be released in January. Make sure you have registered in your winter classes early. Your OSAP cannot be released if you are not enrolled.

Applying for OSAP

OSAP's Full-Time application is available to students who take at least 60% of a full course load (a minimum of 1.5 academic credits each semester) or, for students with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability, 40% of a full course load (a minimum of 1.0 academic credits each semester) or students registered on a co-op work term. When calculating course load for OSAP purposes, do not include co-op work term credits.

Step 1: Submit an OSAP Application

  • Apply online for OSAP. If you’re a first-time applicant, you will need to create a profile (by clicking “Register”). All students need to start a new application each year.
  • Apply early! We recommend you apply online by June 30 to ensure that you receive your funding in time for the fall semester.

Step 2 (First-Time OSAP Applicants Only): Complete your MSFAA Online and Upload your Declaration and Signature Pages

  1. Complete your Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) online through a two-step process. You will need your 10-digit MSFAA number, which you can find in your OSAP account.
  2. Print and sign your Declaration and Signature pages for yourself, your parents, or your spouse (if applicable). Upload them on the OSAP website.

As long as there is no break in your studies, or changes in your parental or spousal information, your MSFAA and signature pages will remain valid during your entire academic career.

Step 3: Monitor and Follow Through!

  • After you submit all of your paperwork, it is important to check your status through the OSAP account. The status will show if anything is missing. You can also learn how much funding you’ll be receiving!
  • If the status shows 'Confirmation of Enrolment' required, then everything is complete, and OSAP is waiting for the school to process confirmation of your enrolment. This can only occur if you complete Step 4.

Step 4: Pay the Registration Deposit and Register for Courses

  1. Register for at least 1.5 academic credits (or at least 1.0 academic credits for students with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability; a co-op work term credit does not count) and, if you're an undergraduate student entering the Fall semester, pay the Registration Deposit before the deposit deadline.
  2. Student Financial Services will electronically confirm to the Ministry that you are enrolled as a full-time student. The Confirmation of Enrolment process begins in late August.

Step 5: Pay your Tuition Fees

  • Your OSAP funding will be sent directly to the school to pay your tuition, residence, and compulsory fees.
  • It is your responsibility to monitor your student account to ensure that all fees owing are received by the University of Guelph by the payment deadline date. If additional funding remains, after your fees are paid, it will be transferred directly to your bank account.
  • Information regarding fee payment, acceptable payment methods, and deadlines is available on the Student Financial Services website.

Step 6: Confirm your Income

  • It is important to accurately report your income, because it can impact your eligibility for additional aid.
  • All income, including part-time jobs, GRA, and/or GTA earnings must be reported.
  • Please check your award income and make sure that you have not reported any UofG scholarships and bursaries.
    • The University of Guelph will report all UofG scholarships or bursaries to OSAP on your behalf.

If you need to make changes to your income information before the online confirmation is available, please complete an OSAP income change form and submit it to our office. The forms are available by contacting our office:

Student Financial Services, University of Guelph
3rd Floor, University Centre
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1
T: 519-824-4120 ext.58715
Email: finaid@uoguelph.ca

Changes to your OSAP assessment can be viewed through your OSAP account online as soon as we have processed your request.

Students who have received OSAP for the Fall and/or Winter semesters (of the current year) should complete an OSAP Summer Extension Form to extend their OSAP through the summer. The OSAP Summer Extension Form is available online. We must receive this form by the end of March to have your OSAP funding available for the start of summer classes.

If you did not complete the OSAP Full-Time application during the fall or winter semesters, you must start a new OSAP application on the OSAP website for the summer semester. If you are taking a part-time course load during the summer (less than 60% load), then you may visit the OSAP website and apply using the OSAP Part-Time application for summer funding. When calculating course load for OSAP purposes, co-op work term credits are not included.

OSAP is available to students who take less than 60% of a full course load (less than 1.5 academic credits) or students on a co-op work term who are also registered for less than 1.5 academic credits. Under the Part-Time OSAP application, students receive funding for tuition, books, and local travel, but not for living costs. Students with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability, who are taking 40% of a full course load (1.0 academic credits), have the choice to apply for OSAP using either their full or part-time application. When calculating course load for OSAP purposes, co-op work term credits are not included.

Step 1: Apply Online

Step 2: Print, Sign, and Submit Supporting Documents

  • After submitting your application online, you must print and sign your, and your spouse's (if required), Declaration and Signature pages.
  • Submit the Declaration and Signature pages along with any required supporting documents to Student Financial Services, 3rd floor UC, or upload them directly through your OSAP account.

Step 3: Check Status

  • Check your loan status by logging into your account on the OSAP website.

Step 4: Pay your Tuition Fees

  • When your application is confirmed, your fees will be assigned directly to the school to pay your tuition and fees.
  • If your funding does not arrive in our office in time to meet the payment deadline, you should make an arrangement to pay your fees.
  • Information regarding fee payment, acceptable payment methods, and deadlines is available in our Finances & Fees section.

OSAP Eligibility

Degree Eligibility

To be eligible for OSAP funding, students must be registered in a program that leads directly to a degree or diploma. Students registered in a non-degree program are not eligible to apply for OSAP funding. Under limited circumstances, some qualifying studies may be eligible for funding. Please contact the Financial Aid office and ask to book an appointment with a counsellor.

The following graduate programs are not OSAP eligible:

  • Graduate Diploma, Accounting (GDIP.ACCT)
  • Graduate Diploma, Project Management (GDIP.PRJM)
  • Master of Project Management (MPM)
  • Master of Real Estate (MRE)
  • Master of Cybersecurity Leadership and Cyberpreneurship (MCLC)

Please note that co-op work term credits are not included when calculating course load for OSAP purposes.

Full-Time OSAP

You are eligible to apply for full-time OSAP assistance if you are enrolled in at least 60% of a full course load (per term), or 40% of a full course load, if you are a student with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability.

Part-Time Students

Part-time OSAP is available to students who take less than 60% of a full course load. Students with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability, who are taking 40% of a full course load, have the choice of receiving full- or part-time OSAP funding.

Course Credits per TermCourse LoadOSAP Funding Available
2.0 or more academic credits100%Full time
1.5 academic credits60%Full time
1.0 academic credits40%Part time, or full time for students with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability*
.5 academic credit20%Part time

*Note: Students who have a verified persistent or prolonged disability are only eligible for federal assistance if they are taking at least 40% and less than 60% of a full-time course load.

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. Contact our office or book an appointment with a Financial Aid Counsellor before you make any changes to your course load.

If you withdraw from your studies, your OSAP funding will be affected, and you will be assessed with an OSAP academic penalty. If you withdrew because of illness, or family emergency, an appeal may be available. Contact our office or book an appointment with a Financial Aid Counsellor before you make any changes.

If you are an OSAP recipient, Student Financial Services will review your eligibility for a refund. OSAP funding may be adjusted as part of this review, and student refunds may be fully or partially sent to the National Student Loans Service Centre as per Ministry requirements. Refund regulations are outlined in the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) and the Signature/Consent pages.

Full-Time OSAP

  • Students must successfully complete at least 60% of a full course load (1.5 academic credits each term) to maintain OSAP eligibility (co-op work term credits do not count)
  • Students with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability must successfully complete 40% of a full course load (1.0 academic credits each term) to maintain OSAP eligibility (co-op work term credits do not count)
  • Failure to complete the required course load will result in OSAP academic probation or restriction

Part-Time OSAP

  • Students who receive part-time OSAP funding must successfully complete all funded courses

Please note: courses that are dropped without academic penalty at University of Guelph are not considered to be successfully completed. Students must complete, and pass, the required course load to avoid OSAP academic penalties. Frequent program switches, and course drops or withdrawals may be considered lack of academic progress, and are subject to OSAP academic penalties. Contact Student Financial Services to set up an appointment with a Financial Aid Counsellor to discuss your situation.

You must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident of Canada, or a Protected Person. You also must meet Ontario residency requirements to apply for OSAP. For complete information on OSAP residency requirements, please visit the OSAP website, or contact Student Financial Services.

Not an Ontario Resident?

  • Apply to the government student financial aid program in your home province. Every province and territory in Canada offers a student financial aid program.

Questions About Citizenship:

Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for their online help centre and for information about IRCC offices.

A student is eligible to receive student financial assistance provided they have not exceeded the lifetime limits as outlined below:

Level of GovernmentStudents with DisabilitiesStudents in Doctoral ProgramsAll Other Students
Canada520 weeks400 weeks340 weeks
Ontario520 weeks400 weeks340 weeks

Notes:

  • If a student withdraws before the end of their period of studies, the actual number of weeks of study completed counts toward the lifetime limit.
  • For more information about your OSAP lifetime limit please contact finaid@uoguelph.ca.

For complete information on OSAP Loan Eligibility Requirements, please visit the OSAP website, or contact:

Student Financial Services:  519-824-4120 extension 58715, or email finaid@uoguelph.ca

ID Requirements

You require government-issued photo ID and proof of your Social Insurance Number (SIN) to:

  • Have your OSAP password reset in our office
  • Retrieve your OAN (OSAP Access Number) if you have forgotten it

If you come to our office to make an inquiry about your OSAP account, you only need government-issued photo ID.

These requirements are pursuant to Ministry policy, and no exceptions can be made.

  • Social Insurance Card
  • Confirmation of Social Insurance Number from Service Canada

  • Driver's license
  • Passport
  • Permanent residency or citizenship card
  • Any other photo ID issued in Canada by federal, provincial or territorial governments
  • You are also required to bring your government photo ID for service at Student Financial Services

Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement

The Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) is a legal document that outlines your responsibilities and the terms and conditions of accepting and repaying your student loans. The MSFAA is a multi-year agreement. Students belonging to the following groups must complete the MSFAA to receive government funding (grants and loans) for the academic year:

  • First-time recipient of government funding
  • Previous recipient who has had a break in their studies of more than two years

The MSFAA can be completed online through a two-step process. You will require the following information:

  • Your 10-digit MSFAA number – available through your OSAP account, on the “Required documents” page
  • Your date of birth
  • Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • Your bank account information – bank’s transit number, institution number, and your account number

Once you have been assessed by OSAP and approved for funding, NSLSC will send you a welcome email within two to three business days (to the email address that you provided on your OSAP account). Follow the link in the email to start the registration process. If you receive the email and would like to verify its authenticity, please contact NSLSC.

You will be presented with two options for confirming your identity and registering your account with NSLSC. You can use either a SecureKey Sign-in Partner or GCKey. You will be taken to an external website to complete this identity verification process.

SecureKey Sign-In Partners are groups like banks and credit unions that have partnered with SecureKey Technologies to enable their customers to use their online credentials (e.g. card numbers or usernames and passwords) to access Government of Canada services. Your banking information will not be shared with the government through this service. See a list of participating banks.

If your financial institution is not a SecureKey Sign-in Partner or you prefer not to use this service, you can obtain credentials (username and password) through GCKey, a Government of Canada service.

After registering, you will be re-directed to NSLSC's website where you can complete the MSFAA by:

  • Confirming your personal and contact information
  • Completing your communication preferences
  • Entering your banking information
  • Accepting the terms and conditions of the loan agreement

Paying Your Tuition with OSAP Grants and Loans

Your OSAP funding will automatically be remitted to your student account. Please verify on WebAdvisor that your funds have been applied to your student account.

a) If you have more OSAP funding than is required to pay your student account, the remainder will automatically go to your bank account. If your funds have not been applied to your student account yet but your confirmation of enrolment (see Account View on WebAdvisor) has been completed and you have enough OSAP to pay your term balance, you do not need to make a payment to your student account.

Example

OSAP funding for the semester = $4000.00

Tuition and fees for the semester = $3700.00

Money deposited to student's bank account = $300.00

Student to pay before deadline = $0.00

b) If you are not receiving enough OSAP to pay your student account, please pay the outstanding balance by the payment deadline. Your student account must be paid in full by the payment deadline to avoid late fees. If you are living in residence, your OSAP funding may not cover all of your fees, so please remember to check your student account on WebAdvisor.

Example

OSAP funding for the semester = $2000.00

Tuition and fees for the semester = $3700.00

Money deposited to student's bank account = $0.00

Student to pay before deadline = $1700.00

Confirmation of Enrolment Process

The Confirmation of Enrolment is a process the school runs to inform the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security that you are enrolled in the University. This process is run for all students who have applied for OSAP funding. A similar process is run for government student aid programs for all Canadian provinces and territories.

If you log onto your account on the OSAP website and see that your Confirmation of Enrolment is outstanding, it means that your account is complete, and OSAP is waiting for the University to confirm your enrolment. Please make sure that you are enrolled in the same course load that you indicated on your OSAP application. If you wish to change your course load on your OSAP application, please send an email to finaid@uoguelph.ca, from your University of Guelph email account.

Student Financial Services (SFS) will start confirming enrolment about 10 days before the start of your study period. If your OSAP is complete, and your course load matches your application, then your enrolment should be confirmed and your funding released by the start of your study term. SFS will continue the confirmation process throughout the semester.

OSAP is released in two installments, and enrolment is confirmed every semester.

  • 60% of your funding will be released in the fall term, and the remaining 40% will be released in the winter term
  • Your fall student account must be paid in full before your winter confirmation of enrolment can process
  • Check WebAdvisor to ensure that your student account for the fall has been paid in full

  • 100% of your funding will be released at the beginning of your study term
  • Your student account for any previous terms must be paid in full before your confirmation of enrolment can process
  • Check WebAdvisor to ensure that your student account payments are up to date

  • To see if your confirmation has been completed, log in to WebAdvisor. You will receive a notification in the top, right-hand corner of the screen when confirmation of enrolment is complete.

It takes approximately 5-10 business days (1-2 weeks) from the time enrolment has been confirmed for funding to be received.

OSAP Overpayments

An OSAP overpayment occurs when you are in receipt of more OSAP funding (loans and/or grants) than you’re entitled to receive. This could be because of a change in your course load or because you did not accurately report all of your income during the study period (e.g. part-time jobs, GRAs, GTAs, etc.). You will be sent a notice from the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security advising you of your overpayment. The notice may be sent by email or by letter to your mailing address.

The amount of tuition or fee refunds that the University returns to the National Student Loans Service Centre can reduce your overpayment. 

You will be restricted from further full-time OSAP funding in the following cases:

  • you have received $2,000 or more each year in overpayments in three academic years; and/or
  • you have received overpayments totaling $10,000 or more, regardless of the number of instances.

Overpayments only restrict full-time OSAP applications; students are still eligible for part-time OSAP funding.

If there have been three instances of receiving $2,000 or more in overpayments but the total amount is less than $10,000, you must pay back $2,000 to remove the funding restriction.

If your overpayments total $10,000 or more, you must pay that total down to $8,000 to remove the funding restriction.

If your OSAP is restricted due to an overpayment, you must repay the overpayment in order to receive future OSAP. You can make one payment or a series of payments up to the overpayment amount.

  1. Contact the National Student Loans Service Centre at 1-888-815-4514 for repayment instructions
  2. Ask the NSLSC to fax the receipt to Student Financial Services at 519-823-9421
    • Or, print off your statement online, showing your repayment, and bring it to Student Financial Services.

As stated above, overpayments can result from a misreporting of income. If the Ministry feels that a student has seriously misreported their income, then income variance restrictions of 3 to 5 years will be issued. Sometimes a variance restriction can be appealed. Students should make an appointment with a Financial Aid Counsellor to review their situation. It is very important that students report their income, and any changes, accurately during the study term.

Continuation of Interest Free Status

OSAP loans are payment and interest-free while a student attends post-secondary school full-time.

  • Students must be enrolled in at least 60%** of a full course load (1.5** academic credits) each semester.
  • Students with a permanent disability must be enrolled in at least 40%** of a full course load (1.0** academic credit) each semester.
  • Graduate students must be registered in a graduate program as a full-time student.

**When calculating course load for OSAP purposes, co-op work term credits are not included.

If you are on a co-op work term, or in school but not taking OSAP for a semester, you must apply for Interest-Free status on your loans.

  • To submit an Interest-Free status form online, log on to your OSAP account. Alternatively, you can download the paper form from the OSAP website and submit it to your host institution.
  • Out-of-province students should consult their home province's government aid website for specific information, and may visit the Financial Aid office on the 3rd floor of the University Centre for a Schedule 2, interest-free form. Please bring your government-issued photo identification.

  • Submit requests up to 15 days before the start of your study semester and no later than 21 days before the end of your study period.
  • Late requests cannot be processed.
Semester(s)U of G DeadlinesGuelph-Humber Deadlines
Fall OnlyNov. 21, 2025Nov. 23, 2025
Fall/Winter or Winter OnlyMarch 31, 2026March 29, 2026
DVM StudentsApril 3, 2026N/A

  • All payments are made to the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC), phone 1-888-815-4514.
  • There is a six month grace period after your last full-time study session. You will begin your repayments after the six month period expires.
  • Interest accumulates on your loan during the six month grace period.
  • You may start your repayments early, and save interest charges.
  • If you cannot afford to start making payments, please contact the NSLSC or follow the Repayment Assistant Program links on the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada or OSAP websites.

  • You are not required to make loan payments while you are in school.
  • Please note that interest will accumulate on your part-time loan while you are in school.

How to maintain interest-only status & avoid repayment while in school:

  • If you are taking more part-time loan funding, then the Government is signalled that you are in school when your loan is processed and no further action is required by you.
  • If you are not taking any loans, or are taking full-time loans, and have previous part-time loans, it is important to keep your part-time loans in payment-free status.
  • To keep your part-time loans payment free, please visit the Financial Aid office and ask for a Canada Student Financial Assistance Program Confirmation of Enrolment (Schedule 2).
  • The Schedule 2 can be completed online; please visit the Student Aid section of the Government of Canada website.

The National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) is the 'banker' for your OSAP loans. Once OSAP authorizes your funding, the NSLSC disburses the funds. You will make payments to the NSLSC once you cease to be a full-time student. Sign in on the NSLSC website and track your loans.

To learn more about the NSLSC, watch these helpful videos

Repayment webinars

Want to know how to save money when you start repaying your loans? What if you cannot afford to repay your loans after you leave full-time studies? Watch a short presentation from the NSLSC about student loan repayment. The webinar is approximately 25 minutes long and will explain repayment of your student loans and the interest charges.

Students With a Disability Applying for OSAP

Students with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability are eligible for full-time OSAP funding when taking a minimum 40%** course load (1.0** academic credit per semester). Students taking a 60%** load, or more, must apply for full-time OSAP funding. However, students taking a 40%** course load have a choice of taking full-time or part-time OSAP funding. Under the full-time program, students are allowed full living costs, and funding for tuition, fees, and books. The part-time OSAP program also provides funding for tuition, fees, and books, but provides no living allowance.

**When calculating course load for OSAP purposes, co-op work term credits are not included.

Students with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability should register with the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Office. New students may contact the SAS office before beginning their studies. Students who indicate 'permanent disability or persistent or prolonged disability' on their OSAP profile will need to submit an OSAP Disability Verification form to the Student Financial Services office or upload it through their OSAP account.

Read about bursaries and scholarships for students with a disability.

If you have any questions, please see our contact information for details on contacting Student Financial Services. For more in-depth information, you may also or arrange an appointment with a Financial Aid Counsellor.

Ontario Students Studying Outside of Ontario

OSAP funded students may attend post-secondary institutions in another Canadian province, or in another country. Students attending a public institution in another Canadian province are eligible for full OSAP funding. However, students attending an institution outside of Canada are eligible for only the federal portion of OSAP (60% of funding). It is important to ensure that adequate funding is available before making the decision to study outside of Canada.

If you are going outside of Canada on an official exchange program, and paying fees to University of Guelph, then you will apply for OSAP in the normal way, and will be eligible for full OSAP funding. You will continue to send all your information and paperwork to the Student Financial Services office, 3rd floor, UC.

You will complete a paper OSAP application and a Program Information Form, found on the Forms section of the OSAP website, and send the forms directly to the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, Student Support Branch, in Thunder Bay. You must first send the Program Information Form to the school you plan to attend. The school must complete their section of the form before you send it to the Ministry.

Ontario Student Assistance Program
Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
189 Red River Rd
4th Floor
PO Box 4500
Thunder Bay ON  P7B 6G9

Visit the OSAP website for further information on studies outside of Ontario, and to see if your school is approved for OSAP funding. You may also contact the Ministry by telephone.

You can contact the branch, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm (Eastern Standard Time) at:

Direct:  1-807-343-7260
Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD): 1-800-465-3958
Toll-free in North America: 1-877-OSAP-411 (1-877-672-7411)
Fax: 1-807-343-7278

Note: If you are planning to attend McGill University or Concordia University in Quebec you must submit your completed OSAP application form directly to their financial aid office. A Program Information Form is not required for these two institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions – OSAP

The OSAP funding year starts each year with the fall semester in September. Students must start a new OSAP application for each funding year. The online OSAP application for the new funding year is usually ready by early May on the OSAP website. To ensure your funding is ready before you start your studies, we encourage you to apply for OSAP at least 6-8 weeks before the start of your study term. For a complete list of OSAP deadline dates, please visit the OSAP website.

Signature pages (and most supporting documents) only need to be submitted with your first OSAP application. They will remain valid for your entire academic career, unless there is a break of two years or more in your studies. You can upload your signature pages on the OSAP website. If you cannot upload your documents, you may mail them to Student Financial Services, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, 3rd Level, University Centre, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1.

Sometimes additional information is required to verify the information on your application. For example: copies of marriage certificates, divorce papers, permanent resident cards, academic probation letters, etc. If you have any questions on what is required, please contact Student Financial Services at 519-824-4120 x58715 or email finaid@uoguelph.ca

The Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement is a multi-year loan agreement. Your loan provider is the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC). The NSLSC processes all OSAP funding on behalf of the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. Like signature pages, the MSFAA only needs to be completed the first year you receive OSAP. The MSFAA can be completed online. Refer to these instructions for completing the MSFAA.

You must be enrolled in at least 60% course load (1.5 academic credits each semester) to apply for full-time OSAP. (Co-op work term credits do not count.) Read more about OSAP eligibility.

Students with disabilities are eligible for full-time OSAP if they are enrolled in a course load of at least 40% (1.0 academic credit each semester). (Co-op work term credits do not count.) Students taking a 40% course load are also eligible to apply for part-time OSAP. Therefore, you will have a choice of full or part-time OSAP funding if you are taking a 40% load. You can apply online for full or part-time OSAP.

If you are a part-time student taking less than 60% course load you can apply for the Part-time Canada Student Loan.

You may visit the Student Financial Services office on the 3rd floor, UC, and ask one of the staff members to review your OSAP account with you. You may also call our office at 519-824-4120, extension 58715, or email finaid@uoguelph.ca to set up an appointment with a Financial Aid Counsellor.

OSAP is issued in two installments with approximately 60% in the fall semester and the remaining 40% in the winter semester. Once the school confirms your enrolment, funds will be released by NSLSC. Your OSAP account online will show the estimated release date of your funding. You will also see how much of your funding is being directed to the school and how much will be sent to your bank account. You will only receive funds in your bank account if your OSAP disbursement is greater than the amount you owe the university. If you have applied for OSAP for one term only, your full funding is released in one installment. 

The University of Guelph starts confirming student enrolments electronically the week before the start of each semester. If the status on your OSAP account shows 'Confirmation of Enrolment', that means that OSAP is waiting for the University to confirm your enrolment for the next installment of your OSAP funding. You must be registered in your courses before the University can confirm your enrolment.

Full-Time Students:

If you are not receiving OSAP, but are a full-time student for the current study period and have previous OSAP loans, you must submit a request to maintain interest-free status. You must request interest-free status for each semester you are in school full-time but not receiving OSAP, including co-op terms.

Part-Time Students:

While you are in school, you are not required to make part-time loan payments but interest will accumulate on your loan. If the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) is not advised that you are continuing your studies, you will be asked to start repayment of your loans. To ensure that you remain payment-free while you continue your studies, please submit a Schedule 2 form. The form is available online, or may be picked up at the Student Financial Services office. Note: If you are taking full-time OSAP, but have previous part-time loans, it is important to submit your Schedule 2 to keep your part-time loans payment-free.

For OSAP loans, students may log into their account on the OSAP website and submit the form electronically. Alternatively, you can bring the completed form to Student Financial Services, 3rd Floor, University Centre, or fax it to 519-823-9421. Out-of-province students should consult their home province's government aid website for specific information, and may visit Student Financial Services for a Schedule 2, interest-free form (please bring your government-issued photo identification).

It is best to bring the form at the start of your study period. Please note that forms cannot be processed if they are submitted later than 21 days before the end of your study period.

You can contact Student Financial Services to request an Income Change form. You may also be asked to confirm your income on the OSAP website during your study period. You must report all external income, including part-time and Work Study jobs. It is important that you report your income promptly. Delay in reporting income may result in reduced eligibility for further aid. Please note that you may not make further changes to your income after the study period has ended.

No, Student Financial Services will report University of Guelph scholarships and/or bursaries that have been placed on your student account on your behalf (this excludes GTAs, GRAs, stipend, RAs, honorarium, etc.). However, you must report any scholarship and/or bursary funding that you receive from an external source (other than the University of Guelph).

You must report all your GRA, GTA and work study earnings to OSAP. You may complete the on-line income update, or visit Student Financial Services and ask for an OSAP income change form. It is very important to update your earnings before the end of your study period. Failure to update earnings can result in OSAP overpayments or restrictions.

If you have completed the online Income Update and you have further changes, you may visit Student Financial Services, 3rd Level, University Centre, or email finaid@uoguelph.ca and ask for an OSAP income change form.

If you drop a course(s) your OSAP funding could be reduced, or you might lose eligibility for further funding. You might also be placed on OSAP probation or restriction. Contact Student Financial Services before you make any course load changes. Email us at finaid@uoguelph.ca.

Pursuant to Ministry regulations, any tuition or fee refund will be returned to the National Student Loans Service Centre.

Students must maintain a minimum academic standard to remain eligible for OSAP. Students with full-time OSAP funding must successfully complete at least 60%** of a full course load (1.5** academic credits per semester), while students with a permanent disability must successfully complete 40%** of a full course load (1.0** academic credit per semester) to avoid OSAP academic penalties. Dropping or withdrawing from a course does not count as successful completion of the course. 

**When calculating course load for OSAP purposes, co-op work term credits are not included.

If you withdrew, or dropped to part-time status during your first semester, you must complete a form and submit it to Student Financial Services to reinstate your OSAP application. Please email finaid@uoguelph.ca to obtain the appropriate form. You may have incurred an OSAP academic penalty because of your withdrawal, and may be asked to write a letter of explanation and provide supporting documentation. If you have any questions about your status, please contact Student Financial Services.

In order for your courses to be OSAP eligible they must be in pursuit of a post-secondary degree or diploma. Students registered in a non-degree program are not eligible to apply for OSAP funding. Taking courses in order to upgrade your marks or adding a minor to an already completed degree program are not eligible. Under limited circumstances, some qualifying studies may be eligible for funding. Please contact finaid@uoguelph.ca for more information.

Yes, you can. Contact Student Financial Services if you have questions. If you apply for Full-Time OSAP during your work term, search for "Work Term" as your program and 100% as your course load.

Yes, if you are not applying for OSAP, you can apply for interest-free status on the OSAP website to maintain the interest-free status on your OSAP loans. If you have difficulty applying through the website, you can complete a Continuation of Interest-Free Status form.

You are eligible to apply for full-time OSAP assistance if you are enrolled in at least 60% of a full course load (i.e., 1.5 credits), or 40% of a full course load (i.e., 1.0 credits) if you are a student with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability, as indicated on your OSAP profile.

Part-time OSAP is available to undergraduate students who take less than 60% (i.e., 1.5 credits) of a full course load or graduate students who register as part-time students. Students with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability who are taking 40 – 59% of a full course load (i.e., 1.0 – 1.25 credits) have the choice of receiving full- or part-time OSAP. Please note students who are on part-time OSAP are not eligible to apply for bursaries or need-based scholarships though the University of Guelph.

Do not count the co-op work term credit in your course load calculations.

If you have a completed OSAP application for fall and/or winter, you can apply for Summer OSAP using the OSAP Summer Extension form available on the Financial Forms & Documents page. The form is available in mid-March.

If you do not have a completed OSAP application for fall and/or winter, you can apply for OSAP online by logging into your OSAP account. When the application asks for your program, type in the word “summer” and select your program or degree from the generated list.

For part-time OSAP, you can apply online by logging into your OSAP account and submitting a part-time OSAP application.

Yes, if you are only enrolling in the work term (and not taking any additional courses), you can apply for full-time OSAP. If you already have a completed OSAP application for fall and/or winter, you can apply for Summer OSAP using the OSAP Summer Extension form (available on the Financial Forms & Documents page in mid-March). You will need to indicate “Co-op Work Term only” where it asks for your summer courses.

If you do not have a completed OSAP application for fall and/or winter, you can apply for OSAP online by logging into your OSAP account. When the application asks for your program, type in the word “work term” and select the option that includes summer.

You can apply to keep your previous loans in interest-free status by submitting a Continuation of Interest-Free Status application. This application can be found on your OSAP account after you log in.

We encourage submitting your OSAP documentation directly through your OSAP account online. You can upload documents from the “Print/upload” page. If you have other documents such as reviews or appeals, look for the link that says “Click here if you have other (optional) documents to upload”. This will take you to the “optional uploads” page where you can submit application updates or review documents.

You can also email documents to finaid@uoguelph.ca. Please use your U of G email and include your student ID in the email. We appreciate you sending documents as .pdf format when possible.