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Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

OSAP is a government funded program that assists eligible students to pay for their postsecondary education through grants and loans.

As you go through the guide, make sure you select the information that reflects your student status as defined by OSAP. 

On this page: 

2026-27 OSAP Application Changes

On February 12, 2026 the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security announced changes to Ontario's postsecondary education system, including changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) for the 2026-27 academic year and forward. 

Changes for 2026-27 academic year (Fall 2026 and later):

  • Students will continue to be assessed based on financial need although the mix of provincial grants and loans is changing
  • Students at publicly assisted colleges, universities and other public and private institutions in Ontario will receive more of their assessed amount of provincial student aid in the form of loans
At this time, the Financial Aid office does not have information on how these changes may reflect on OSAP assessments.  Students are encouraged to monitor the OSAP website (ontario.ca/OSAP) for the release of the 2026–27 OSAP aid estimator and full-time application (anticipated availability late May/early June 2026). Once available, students will be able to view an estimate of their individual 2026–27 loan and grant funding.

 

OSAP Funding Process

OSAP's definitions for full-time or part-time funding is different from your Laurier registration status. To determine which funding you should apply for, review the OSAP student status definition first.

Full-Time Funding Process

  1. Determine your eligibility for OSAP. Maintain your course load and academic requirements and ensure you report any changes. 
  2. Apply for OSAP funding. You can update and monitor your application as needed. 
  3. Receive your funding and pay your Laurier fees.
  4. Maintain your interest-free status and plan for your loan repayment once your studies are complete.

Part-Time Funding Process

  1. Determine your eligibility for OSAP. Maintain your course load and academic requirements and ensure you report any changes. 
  2. Apply for OSAP funding. You can update and monitor your application as needed. 
  3. Receive your funding and pay your Laurier fees.
  4. Maintain your interest-free status and plan for your loan repayment once your studies are complete.

Important Dates and Deadlines

It is your responsibility to complete applications promptly and submit any required documentation on time.

We recommend that you submit your application and required documents at least two months prior to the start of your study period. Funding cannot be released until your application and documents are submitted and approved which can take up to 6-8 weeks during peak times. 

Deadlines for OSAP Application Processes

Application Process

Deadline

Full-time OSAP application deadline.

60 days prior to the end of study period.

Full-time OSAP supplementary documentation deadline.

40 days prior to the end of study period.

Full-time OSAP review and extension form deadline.

40 days prior to the end of study period.

Full-time OSAP interest free status form submissions.

Submission begins 15 days prior to start of full-time study period. 

Submission deadline is 21 days before end of full-time study period.

Part-time OSAP application deadline (application and documentation must be submitted term-by-term).

40 days prior to end of term.
Study Periods Based on Two Recent Academic Years
Term 2025/26 2024/25
Fall Sept. 2 to Dec. 20, 2025 Sept. 3 to Dec. 20, 2024
Winter Jan. 5 to April 24, 2026 Jan. 6 to April 27, 2025
Fall/Winter (full year) Sept. 2, 2025 to April 24, 2026 Sept. 3 2024 to April 27, 2025
Spring

May 4 to Aug. 14, 2026

  • Intersession (six-week): May 4 to June 22, 2026
  • Summer (six-week): July 6 to Aug. 22, 2026

May 5 to Aug. 15, 2025

  • Intersession (six-week): May 5 to June 23, 2025
  • Summer (six-week): July 7 to Aug. 23, 2025

Quick Links

LORIS OSAP NSLSC

Extend Your Full-Time Funding

In certain situations, you may need to extend your funding to make sure that your application covers all terms. 

Winter and Spring Term Funding

You can apply to extend your full-time OSAP application during the winter and spring term (12-week, six-week intersession or six-week summer session):

Co-op Students

You are eligible to apply for OSAP during study terms, and for full-time funding when taking courses during a co-op work term.

Funding for Students with Disabilities

The Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) and Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment (CSG-DSE) is a program funded by both the federal and provincial government to help eligible students meet the disability-related costs of postsecondary education.

The bursary is non-repayable and taxable. In order to be eligible for this bursary, you must:

  • Apply for OSAP and identify your disability status on your application.
  • Have a calculated financial need in either full-time or part-time OSAP. 

If you have identified yourself as having a disability in your OSAP profile, connect with Accessible Learning to ensure you are considered for all appropriate available funding options.

Contact Us

Connect with Service Laurier for inquiries about: 

  • eligibility and how to apply
  • funding release
  • confirmation of enrolment and document requirements

For inquiries about OSAP academic progress, reviews, restrictions, income verification/grant-to-loan conversion/overpayments and out-of-province/U.S. government financial aid, complete the Financial Aid webform.

The following resources outline how you can connect with us in relation to financial aid for: 

Frequently Used Forms

Find some financial aid forms that you may use frequently. 

Course load updates:

Extension form: 

Update forms: