FAQ 1 - How do you apply for OSAP?
You can apply by sending your application to the Financial Aid Office of the college you plan to attend. You can also apply online. We highly recommend the online version as your method of applying.
FAQ 2 - What's the deadline date to apply for OSAP?
You should apply for OSAP as soon as you are accepted into your program. The OSAP application process takes anywhere from 4 - 6 weeks, therefore, you should apply no later than the end of June prior to the start of your studies.
FAQ 3 - What happens if my OSAP money does not arrive in time for start of class?
If your OSAP money is not ready for the start of your classes and you have been assessed and notified that you will be receiving OSAP funds, the college will allow you to begin your studies until your money arrives. The college will then deduct the tuition fees from your OSAP loan and you will receive the balance. Unfortunately, the college does not advance any monies while you are waiting for your OSAP.
FAQ 4 - Who can apply for OSAP?
You must be a full-time student enrolled in an approved post secondary program which is at least 12 weeks in length and leads to a diploma in order to qualify. In addition, you need to be a Canadian citizen and a resident of Ontario for at least 12 months prior to starting college.
FAQ 5 - How does OSAP determine if I am a dependant or independent applicant? What's the difference between the two?
If you are dependant on parental support, OSAP considers you to be a dependant. However, if you meet one of the criteria below you are considered for OSAP purposes as independent:
· Out of high school for 4 years
· Not a full-time student at a high school or postsecondary institution
· Both parents are deceased
· Current or former Ward of the Crown who has not been adopted
· Previously identified as married or sole-support parent but no longer meets the criteria
FAQ 6 - How long does it take to process my application?
The OSAP application process can take anywhere between 4 - 6 weeks to process. This is assuming that the application is free of errors/complications.
FAQ 7 - If my parents are divorced and I live with my mother, does my father have to provide any documents?
No. The parent you live with is the only parent that needs to fill out the OSAP application to provide information/documentation. However, if your custodial parent remarries they you will need to include the step parent's information.
FAQ 8 - OSAP considered me as a dependant applicant, but I don't live with my parents for personal reasons and they don't care to help me out at all. Can I somehow be considered as an independent applicant?
You will have to make an appointment with a Financial Aid Officer to further discuss your situation. You might have to provide documentation, letters etc. explaining your situation. The Financial Aid Officer may appeal your OSAP on your behalf. However, these type of situations are not always approved and are treated individually.
FAQ 9 - The OSAP application asks "What percentage of a course load will you be taking at college", What do I enter in this field?
If you're attending as a full-time student, you will be attending 100% of your course load. If you're attending as a part-time student you will need to contact the Registrar's Office to determine your course load amount. Students enrolled in less than a 60% course load(40% with permanent disability) are not eligible for OSAP loan assistance.
FAQ 10 - I've just moved to Ontario and want to attend college, Can I apply for OSAP?
To be eligible for the Canada-Ontario Integrated Student Loan, a student must meet OSAP provincial residency criteria. To be an Ontario resident, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
· As of the first day of the study period, Ontario is the last province that you resided in for 12 consecutive months without being a full-time postsecondary student; If you are considered married for OSAP purposes, Ontario is the last province your spouse resided in for 12 consecutive months without being a full-time postsecondary student; or
· If you are a single dependant student, Ontario is the last province your parent(s), step-parent(s), legal guardian(s) or official sponsor(s) resided in for at least 12 consecutive months.
If you do not meet the Ontario residency criteria, you should apply for assistance through the province that you last resided in for 12 consecutive months.
FAQ 11 - Can I apply for OSAP for any program you offer?
No. You can only apply for OSAP if you plan to enroll in a full-time approved post secondary program. Your program must be a Ministry approved program and be at least 12 weeks in length.
FAQ 12 - Can I apply for OSAP if I'm a part-time student?
As a part-time student, you can apply for part-time student loans through OSAP. This application is also available online.
FAQ 13 - Can I appeal my OSAP assessment? How do I do that?
Yes you can, You will need to make an appointment with a Financial Aid Officer in the Financial Aid office to ask about a reassessment. Students who are at their maximum entitlement cannot receive additional funding beyond the maximum.
FAQ 14 - When will I have to pay back my student loan?
You must start paying your OSAP loan back 6 months after completing or withdrawing from your program of if you return to school on a part-time basis.
The interest on your loan accrues from the time you stop being a full-time postsecondary student. The actual rates and conditions for repayment are set at the time you begin repaying. In addition, it is important to realize that if you have negotiated more than one loan, you may be responsible for making repayment arrangements with more than one agency.
FAQ 15 - Does my student loan accumulate interest while I am in school?
No. As long as you are attending college on a full-time basis or enrolled in at least 60% of your course load (40% for permanent disability), interest is not added to your loan.