How to apply for OSAP: step by step

Before you start: what to have ready

I’m a parent or spouse: show me my part

• An OSAP account. You need your SIN to register, and you sign in with your OSAP Access Number (OAN) and password, so write both down.

  Official page: ontario.ca (https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-apply-osap)

• Your Social Insurance Number (SIN).

  Official page: ontario.ca (https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-apply-osap)

• Check that you meet the residency and citizenship rules and that your school is OSAP-approved.

  Official page: ontario.ca (https://www.ontario.ca/page/learn-about-osap)

• Full-time and micro-credential applicants must complete an interactive OSAP information module before applying.

  Official page: ontario.ca (https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-apply-osap)

• Info about your school and program. Not sure where you're going? Submit an application for each school you applied to.

  Official page: ontario.ca (https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-apply-osap)

• Your tax information (income and other info found in your income tax return).

  Official page: ontario.ca (https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-apply-osap)

• A bank account for your funding. The NSLSC deposits your money there, and you update your banking info in your NSLSC account.

  Official page: ontario.ca (https://www.ontario.ca/page/after-you-apply-osap)

• Your parents' or spouse's SIN and tax info, if that applies to you.

  Official page: ontario.ca (https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-apply-osap)

• For a parent or spouse to see the student's OSAP information, the student has to give consent, either on the application or later under "Consents and agreements".

  Official page: ontario.ca (https://www.ontario.ca/page/after-you-apply-osap)

• After you apply, check your OSAP account. It tells you if you need to sign and upload declaration and signature pages or send other documents. If OSAP says you need one, complete your Full-Time or Part-Time MSFAA online when the NSLSC emails you. It's a one-time loan agreement. Micro-credential students sign a Micro-credential Student Loan Agreement instead.

  Official page: ontario.ca (https://www.ontario.ca/page/after-you-apply-osap)

You enter these on the official OSAP site only. WealthNutz never asks for your SIN.

The steps

1. Register for an OSAP account. Keep the OSAP Access Number and password you get. You need them to log in later.
2. Fill in the application. Ontario says it typically takes less than 15 minutes, and you can save it and come back. If you’re not sure which school you’ll attend, submit an application for each school you applied to.
3. Submit it before the deadline. Full-time students, and part-time students with study periods of 21 weeks or more, must apply no later than 60 days before the end of the study period. Part-time students with study periods of 20 weeks or less have until 40 days before the end.
4. Send any required documents. Your OSAP account lists them. Your school’s financial aid office must receive them no later than 40 days before the end of your study period.
5. Complete your MSFAA. The NSLSC emails you when it’s time to register your online account and sign the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement. It’s a lifetime agreement, so you complete it once for full-time studies (or once for part-time).

Ontario says that from when you submit your application and they receive all your documents, it usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks to hear back.

Starting in January (winter term)

OSAP deadlines count back from the end of your study period, so a winter-term start can still be on time. If you’re full-time, apply no later than 60 days before your study period ends, and make sure your financial aid office has your documents 40 days before the end. Ontario says it usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks to hear back once your application and documents are in, so apply as early as you can. Returning students apply again for each academic year.

After you apply

• Manage the federal part of your aid on the NSLSC.
• Apply for your school’s own awards and bursaries too. They’re separate from OSAP. Find your school on our school pages.
• Search for more awards with the Scholarship Finder.
• After you apply: when you get your OSAP money.
• If OSAP doesn’t cover everything, read OSAP vs private loans before borrowing elsewhere.