Frequently Asked Questions – OSAP

When do I apply for 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.

Where do I submit my signature pages and other supporting documentation?

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.

What is Supporting Documentation?

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

What is the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA)?

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 and Universities. 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.

How do I apply for Summer OSAP?

If you have an OSAP application for fall and/or winter, you will use an OSAP extension form to add the summer session. Forms are available from the Student Financial Services (SFS) office, and on the SFS website in mid-March. Visit the OSAP section on our forms page.

What course load do I need to take to be considered for OSAP?

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.

I have a permanent disability, what course load do I need for OSAP?

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.

What if I am taking less than 60% course load?

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

What do I do if my OSAP is zero or I did not receive funding that I was expecting?

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.

How much OSAP do I have?

You can refer to your online OSAP account on the OSAP website to see how much OSAP you will receive.

How is OSAP issued?

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. For more information, please visit the Paying Tuition with OSAP webpage.

How do I reset my password for OSAP?

Visit the OSAP log in page and click on the link for Forgot OAN or Password. The website will guide you in resetting your password.

What is a Confirmation of Enrolment?

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.

What is a Confirmation of Interest-Free Status (CIFS) Form?

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.

Where do I submit the Confirmation of Interest-Free Status (CIFS) or Schedule 2 Form?

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.

What do I do if I reported my income incorrectly on my OSAP application?

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.

Do I need to report my scholarships and/or bursaries from the University of Guelph on my OSAP application?

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).

I am a graduate student. How do I report my departmental funding including GRAs, GTAs?

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.

What if I change my income after I complete my online Income Update?

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.

What happens if I drop courses?

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. Phone: 519-824-4120, extension 58715, or email finaid@uoguelph.ca.

What happens to my tuition refund if I am on OSAP?

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

What is OSAP academic progress?

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. For further information, please visit the academic progress section of our OSAP Eligibility webpage.

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

How do I apply for OSAP if I withdrew from my first semester and want to return in the second semester?

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.

I have graduated from my degree and am coming back to add a minor. Am I eligible to receive OSAP for the additional minor or additional courses?

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.

Can I apply for OSAP during my co-op work term?

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.

Do I need to do anything with OSAP during my co-op work term?

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.