Full-time OSAP
If you are enrolled in 1.50 units or more (1.0 units or more for students with disabilities), you can apply for OSAP for Full-Time Students.
Course load when applying for OSAP Unit weights
- 1.0 units = 40%
- 1.5 units = 60%
- 2.0 units = 80%
- 2.5 units (or more) = 100%
- Official co-op work term = 100% courseload
PD (professional development) and Professional Pilot courses are not counted towards course load. They are not eligible for OSAP funding. For example, if you are enrolled in 1.5 units plus PD then your course load is 60%.
Graduate students enrolled full-time in a graduate program, use 100% as your course load on your OSAP application.
How to apply for full-time OSAP
Step 1: complete and submit an online OSAP application
- Log in to your OSAP account using your Ontario Access Number (OAN) and password.
- First-time applicants will need to create an account, a personal profile, and be assigned an Ontario Access Number (OAN).
- Select start a new full-time application
- Following prompts to locate your program and all other required information before submitting the application.
Step 2: Upload required documentation
- Once the application has been submitted, review the list of required documentation.
- Complete all required documentation and upload directly to your application by logging into your OSAP account.
To upload documents to OSAP:
- Log in to your OSAP account and go to “My Apps”
- Under “Submitted Applications”, go to “View Documents and Print/Upload”
- Go to each of the document’s names for a description of what you’re required to upload
- Complete and date/sign your document(s) in blue or black ink and take a clear scan or photo of the page(s)
- Upload each document as a PDF
Step 3: Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement
Your online Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) is your loan agreement with the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC).
- Submit your OSAP application to receive your MSFAA number.
- Your 10-digit MSFAA will display under your OSAP required documents page.
- To begin the registration process, you will receive a welcome email from the NSLSC inviting you to register for an online account and complete the online MSFAA. This is sent 2-3 days after your OSAP application submission.
- Register and create an online account with the NSLSC to complete the process.
Step 4: Confirmation of Enrolment
- You can check your application status by logging into your account on the OSAP website and going to “My Apps”
- If you need to submit more documents to complete your application, you will see a notice in your OSAP application.
- Remember to check your OSAP Message Centre for any important communication related to your application.
Student Awards & Financial Aid will automatically confirm your enrolment electronically with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. We start this process at the beginning of each term and continue it throughout the term. Your OSAP funding will be applied to your student account to pay down your fees owing and/or sent directly to you starting in May.
- Confirm that you are Fees Arranged, this process involves completing a Promissory Note (if you haven't paid your fees in full) to let Student Financial Services know you'll be using your OSAP to pay your fees
- Make sure your course load matches Quest. If it's different on your OSAP application, we won't confirm your enrolment until it matches, or until the beginning of May (whichever occurs first). Submit the online OSAP Application Update Form to make a change to your OSAP application.
- Upload all required OSAP documentation. Please allow time for processing.
Delays may occur due to extenuating circumstances, such as academic probation or previous income variances. If you are in this situation, contact the SAFA team for more information.
Other information for full-time OSAP
Make changes to your application
Complete the Application Update form when you need to update your:
- course load,
- program information, and/or
- income, scholarships, or other funding received during the study period.
- Some other changes, such as marital status or name changes, can be made by uploading written notice, along with official documentation, within your OSAP application.
Add a term to your application
If you already have a confirmed OSAP application on file for the current academic year (Sept - Aug), complete the Extension form to add a term if:
- you are returning for an additional academic term during the same school year,
- you are on an official co-op work term and wish to apply for additional funding for living costs
- you have completed an undergraduate degree and are returning as a graduate student during the same school year.
OSAP lifetime limits
A student is eligible to receive student financial assistance provided they have not exceeded the lifetime limits as outlined below:
Location |
Students with disabilities |
Students in doctoral programs |
All other students |
---|---|---|---|
Canada |
520 weeks |
400 weeks |
340 weeks |
Ontario |
520 weeks |
400 weeks |
340 weeks |
Notes:
|
Academic progress requirements
Students are required to successfully maintain and complete a full-time course load. OSAP does not look at your grade point average (GPA); OSAP Academic Progress is assessed on a pass/fail basis. OSAP Academic Progress is assessed across all terms a student receives full-time funding within one academic year:
- If receiving OSAP for one term: Students must complete and pass 1.50 units, or 1.0 units if you have a disability on your OSAP account
- If receiving OSAP for two terms: Students must complete and pass 3.0 units, or 2.0 units if you have a disability on your OSAP account.
- If receiving OSAP for three terms: Students must complete and pass 4.50 units, or 3.0 units if you have a disability on your OSAP account.
Please note that OSAP Academic Progress is a separate issue than Academic Probation at the University of Waterloo. You can be in good standing at University of Waterloo with your program department and still not meet OSAP Academic Progress.
- Co-op work terms are not included in the academic progress calculation, even if you are enrolled in courses.
- Part-time terms are not included in the academic progress calculation, even if you have applied for part-time OSAP.
- Frequent withdrawals or program changes may be considered a lack of progress.
Failure to maintain OSAP academic progress chart
Failure to meet academic progress |
Consequences |
Conditions to reinstate OSAP eligibility (after restriction period) |
---|---|---|
OSAP Academic probation |
Placed on academic probation for current and subsequent academic year Remains eligible for OSAP funding OSAP will closely monitor your academic progress for the next academic year. |
Submit the Acknowledgement of Academic Probation Form. |
OSAP Academic restriction |
Restricted from receiving OSAP for one (1) calendar year |
Wait the required one (1) year Submit the academic restriction form to request reinstatement to program. |
Academic progress appeals
Appeals may be considered if a medical issue, disability, family crisis, or parental leave resulted in the lack of academic progress. Submit either the OSAP Academic Probation Appeal Form or the OSAP Academic Restriction Appeal Form along with the required supporting documentation.