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 along with a $10 cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance. You can also apply online, free of charge. 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 document 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?
In order to be considered as an "independent" you must be out of high school for 5 consecutive years prior to commencing your studies. If you do not meet this criteria, you will be required to provide parental information.
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 - My parents are divorced and I live with my mother, does my father have to provide any documents?
No. The parent that 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 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?
No. You must be an Ontario resident at least for 12 months prior to starting college and you will be directed to apply for provincial funding from the province you last lived in.
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 that leads to a diploma. 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?
No. Unfortunately, OSAP only sponsors full-time students. As a part-time student you may qualify for the Ontario Special Bursary Program. Contact the Financial Aid office for details.
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.
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, interest is not added to your loan.
FAQ 16 - Do you have any entrance scholarships? How does it work? When do I apply?
Yes. We have a total of 60 entrance scholarships valued at $1,000.00 each. June 15 of every year is the deadline to apply for September start up and November 15 of every year is the deadline to apply for January start up.
Criteria: Only first time applicants to Cambrian College who are entering any full-time program is eligible. Selection will be based primarily on academic excellence. Student applicants must have achieved an overall average of 75% or higher in their ten best senior credit courses. (Grade 12 and OAC courses will receive first consideration). Students must meet all entrance requirements of the program which they are applying. Demonstrated leadership, community involvement and participation in extra-curricular activities will also be taken into consideration in the selection of these scholarships. Contact us for your Entrance Scholarship application.
FAQ 17 - Do you have any other bursaries or scholarships?
Yes. Cambrian College offers more than $300,000.00 in private and corporate scholarships and bursaries which are awarded annually to Cambrian College students through the Cambrian Foundation. The application process commences in October and awards are made available to students in the month of March.
FAQ 18 - My program starts in January, can I still apply for OSAP, Entrance scholarships or bursaries?
Yes. You must apply for the Entrance Scholarship no later than November 15, if your program will be starting in January.