FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS ABOUT OSAP
Do I have to wait until I’m accepted into my program to apply for OSAP?
Apply as soon as possible. Applying online produces the fastest response. If you do not have
Internet access from home, you may use the Open Access Computer Labs at any campus to
apply online.
How do I apply?
Applications can be done on the web at http://osap.gov.on.ca. You can also apply on a
booklet application that becomes available in late spring of each year. The
recommended method to applying for OSAP is through online.
Submit your Consents, Declarations, and Signature Forms with photocopies of the applicable
supporting documents to the Financial Assistance Office at your campus. You must take
your signed Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) along with your
government-issued photo ID, Social Insurance Card or Proof of SIN, and Direct Deposit
information to a designated postal office (
http://www.canlearn.ca/eng/onlinetools/canadapost/cp_clf/on.shtml). You can also make
arrangements through representatives from the National Student Loan Service Centre
(NSLSC) when they are on campus in September and January. All loans are processed by
the NSLSC.
How long does it take to process?
Your online application will take approximately 3-4 weeks. You can check the status of
your OSAP assessment online on the OSAP website. Alternatively, you can check through
the automated voice response system at 1-866-330-3331.
Is my OSAP assessment final?
Changes can be made to your OSAP assessment. Consult with Financial Assistance if
you wish to discuss a review of your situation.
How would I get the money?
Once all the necessary documents have been submitted, MSFAA is processed, Financial
Assistance Office confirms your enrolment, your OSAP funding will be released. Please
note, the paper Loan Certificate will no longer exist starting from September 2012. If you
elect to have the funds electronically transferred directly to your bank account, you will be
responsible for paying your tuition and fees.
The Ministry will release your funds in two installments once the college confirms your
enrolment. If you are a full time student, you will receive 60% of your funding in
September and the remaining 40% in January. To find out more information on how it
is granted and when, please log in and check your status on the OSAP website.
If you choose the option to have OSAP pay fees, then some of your OSAP funding will
be sent directly to the college for fee payment. You must sign the MSFAA and supply the
documents necessary at a participating post office before the electronic funds can be
transferred.
1
What should I do to receive my second OSAP installment?
Prior to start of your second semester, you will be required to complete and submit the
Confirmation of Student Income forms in order for your second installment to be disbursed.
The Ministry will send instructions on how and when you can confirm a month before your
second installment is scheduled to be released. You can confirm your income online when
the webpage becomes available. The Ministry will mail out the personalized Confirmation of
Student Income form if you applied for OSAP on paper. Your institution will also be required
to confirm your enrolment for the second semester. Therefore, it is imperative that you
register for the Winter courses on time.
Do I have to be a full time student to get OSAP?
You must be registered in at least 60% of a full-time OSAP approved program. If you have
a permanent disability full-time is 40% and above.
Do I have to apply for OSAP each year?
Yes, the online application, which is shorter for continuing students, should be
available about the end of March on the OSAP website.
Is there a deadline for applying?
The last day to apply for a 2 semester assessment is 90 days before the end of the school
year. If your yearend is the middle of April, you must apply by the middle of January. If
you apply after 45 days into the school year there is a penalty for applying late.
If I forget my PIN number for OSAP, how can I get a new one?
Bring your government issued photo ID and SIN card into the Financial Assistance Office
in person, and we will reset your PIN number.
When do I have to start repaying my loans?
You start repaying your student loans 6 months after the end of your full-time studies.
How is interest charged?
While you are enrolled as a full-time student, the loans are interest free. When full-time
studies end, interest starts, although you do not have to begin payments for six months.
**Important Notes:



Funding will only be released after the start of your study period. 
The 2012 application for OSAP is only for your study period from 2012-2013. You will
be required to resubmit an application for 2013-2014. 
As MSFAA is a multi-year agreement, you will not be required to resubmit it for
your next study period (unless, for example, you take a two year break). 
For more information, please visit the OSAP website: http://osap.gov.on.ca
2