OSAP Overview
The Ontario Student Assistance Program, or OSAP, is a financial aid program designed to help eligible students pursue post-secondary education by providing grants or loans. The funds can be used to cover tuition, books, equipment, school fees, living expenses, and child care.
Ontario Student Grant
Does not need to be repaid.
Ontario Student Loan
Must be repaid after you finish your studies.
You automatically register for both upon application and if you get accepted, you can decline the loan and only choose the financial assistance aligning best with your needs.
Must hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or protected person status in Canada.
Must be an Ontario resident for at least one year before your study period without being a full-time postsecondary student during that time.
Must be registered full-time in an OSAP-eligible program at Skilled Trades College of Canada.
Must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Full-time studies require a course load of at least 60%
- Students with a verified permanent disability require a course load of 40%
- Private postsecondary students must pass 100% of their full-time course load
OSAP student loans from the past must be in good standing.
Step by Step
Start Your OSAP Application Online.
Submit Supporting Documentation.
Receive Your Funding.
Manage Your Funding.
The first step in completing your OSAP online application is registering for an OSAP account. You need your Social Insurance Number (SIN) for this. Once you’re done creating your account, make note of your OSAP Access Number (OAN) and password, you’ll need them to log in later. Do not lose this information.It’s best practice to apply online as early as possible to allow enough time for processing supporting documents. Your OSAP application will take around 15 minutes to complete, but you can pause and come back at any time.
Ensure you have the following information ready for your application:
Details about your chosen program at Skilled Trades College of Canada
Tax information, including income and other details from your tax return
If applicable, your parents’ or spouse’s SIN and tax information
If you’re uncertain about your program, you can still start your OSAP application and update it later when you have more information.
Full-time students must submit their OSAP application six weeks before the start date of the program.
You can find out through your OSAP account if you still need to provide supporting documentation like the following for your application:
Declaration and signature pages
Specific supporting documents related to your application
Submit the documents in person to our Financial Aid Office or through the document upload link provided in your online OSAP application. Full-time students must submit these documents no later than six weeks before the start date of their program.
Once you've submitted these documents, keep an eye on your OSAP account for updates on your application. Check it regularly and opt-in for email notifications to get immediate updates. Typically, it takes at least three to six weeks to hear back. You can also check your application status online through your OSAP profile.
The Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) is a legally binding contract between you, the federal, and Ontario governments. By signing the MSFAA, you agree to the terms and conditions for receiving and repaying student loans. Completing the MSFAA is a crucial step in accessing your student aid, and it only needs to be done once, unless specified otherwise.
Step 1
Register online at the National Student Loan Service Centre (NSLSC) using your unique 10-digit MSFAA number, provided on your OSAP “Required Documents” page or via mailed notice.
Step 2
Follow the NSLSC’s emailed link to complete your MSFAA online. During this process, you’ll confirm personal details, enter banking information for fund deposit, and accept the agreement’s terms. Ensure all information is accurate to prevent delays in funding distribution.
Upon completion, resources and funding support are available at the NSLSC website to help you manage and understand your student loans effectively.
Once it’s been determined that you qualify for an Ontario student loan and/or grant, OSAP will coordinate with our Financial Aid Office to verify your enrollment and initiate the funding process. Upon confirmation, OSAP will disburse your funding from the NSLSC, typically in the first few weeks after the start of your semester.
STC students will receive 100% of their funding in one installment. If you haven’t received an expected installment within 10 business days after your enrollment confirmation, contact the NSLSC at 1-888-815-4514.
When your money becomes available, you can use it for approved educational costs like tuition, textbooks, school supplies, and living expenses. Your spending should be monitored and aligned with your educational goals.
Remember to report any changes in your status, whether academic, personal, or financial. Changes such as altering your course load or withdrawing from courses can trigger a reassessment of your OSAP loans and grants. Accuracy and completeness of information are crucial to avoid grants being converted into loans.
The Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) is a legally binding contract between you, the federal, and Ontario governments. By signing the MSFAA, you agree to the terms and conditions for receiving and repaying student loans. Completing the MSFAA is a crucial step in accessing your student aid, and it only needs to be done once, unless specified otherwise.
Must hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or protected person status in Canada
Must be an Ontario resident for at least one year before your study period without being a full-time postsecondary student during that time.
Must be registered full-time in an OSAP-eligible program at Skilled Trades College of Canada.
Must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
OSAP student loans from the past must be in good standing.
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Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Kickstart your electrician career with our 12-week course, covering electrical theory, residential and commercial installation methods, and more. This program prepares graduates with the skills and hands-on training to make them successful electrician apprentices and contractors with a yearly earning potential of over $100,000! Courses start in the fall, winter, spring, and summer.
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Intro to Home Renovation Program
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OSAP REPAYMENT
Students are required to pay back their Ontario student loan if they took an OSAP loan, received a grant or bursary overpayment, or if their grant was converted into a loan. After you graduate school or cease being a full-time student, you enter a six-month grace period. During this time, you are not required to make any loan payments. However, interest will accrue on the Ontario portion of your student loan. As of April 1, 2023, the federal government will not charge interest on their portion of an OSAP loan.
OSAP Repayment CalculatorOther Repayment Options
Students struggling to pay back their Ontario student loans may qualify for reduced or no monthly payments through the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) or Repayment Assistance Plan for Borrowers with Disabilities (RAP-D).
Other options include extending your grace period by another six months if you own or co-own a business in Ontario or work for or volunteer with a non-profit organization.
Students enrolled in the Pre-apprenticeship Plumbing, Electrical, or Intro to Home Renovation programs may be eligible, if qualified, for loans, grants, or awards granted under the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). Once approved, this financial aid can be used to cover the cost of tuition, books, equipment, school fees, living expenses, and child care.
To apply for summer OSAP, visit the OSAP website and select the appropriate application period for the summer term. Complete the required forms and provide the necessary documentation.
Those who do not meet the residency requirements (international students and non-Ontarian Canadians), have defaulted on previous loans, or are in breach of OSAP regulations are not eligible for OSAP. Skilled Trades College of Canada does not offer part-time funding for students enrolling in any of our part-time programs.
Visit our website to learn more about other government grants and deduction opportunities.
Yes, you have to repay OSAP loans. You don’t have to repay OSAP grants unless your eligibility changes, you withdraw from your program within the first 30 days of starting school, or the income reported on your application can’t be verified within one year from the start of your studies.
OSAP begins accruing six months after you finish your studies or leave your program.
No, OSAP is only available for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons. International students have other financial aid options.
At Skilled Trades College of Canada, we understand that funding your post-secondary education is a crucial step towards achieving your career goals, which is why we’re excited to now offer OSAP as a financial aid option.
Our dedication to supporting students extends to helping you navigate these options, from the Ontario student loans and grants application process to other government grants and deductions.
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. Get in touch with our Financial Aid Office to learn more.
