Part-time OSAP

Student studying in a lounge with a MAC computer

Quick links: What is OSAP | Full-time OSAP | Part-time OSAP | Micro-credentials OSAP | Co-op work term and spring term OSAP | Continuation of Interest Free Status (CIFS) | OSAP repayment | OSAP deadlines and important dates | OSAP forms | Awards & Financial Aid for Undergraduates - home

Part-time OSAP

Students applying for part-time OSAP need to submit a new application for each term. 

If you are enrolled in less than 1.50 units, you can apply for OSAP for Full-Time Students.  

Undergraduate students course load when applying for OSAP Unit weights  

  • 0.5 units = 20% 

  • 1.0 units = 40%  

Graduate students enrolled part-time in a graduate program, use 50% as your course load on your OSAP application. 

How to apply for part-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 part-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: 

  1. Log in to your OSAP account and go to “My Apps” 
  2. Under “Submitted Applications”, go to “View Documents and Print/Upload” 
  3. Go to each of the document’s names for a description of what you’re required to upload 
  4. Complete and date/sign your document(s) and take a clear scan or photo of the page(s) 
  5. Upload each document as a PDF 

Step 3: Part-time Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (PT MSFAA)

Your online Part-time Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (PT MSFAA) is your loan agreement with the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC). A PT MSFAA is separate from a full-time MSFAA. 

  • 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. If you are receiving the Ontario part-time grant cheque it will be sent by mail. The Ministry will contact you to verify your mailing address. 

  1. 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.  
  2. 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).  
  3. Upload all required OSAP documentation. Please allow time for processing. 

Other information for part-time OSAP

Maximum part-time Canada student loan

Your outstanding Part-time Canada Student Loan (PT CSL) balance cannot exceed $10,000 at any time. This is not a lifetime maximum but is based on the current amount of the outstanding loan balance. Once you have received this maximum amount, no further loan funding will be available. It is important that you indicate the correct balance of current outstanding Part-time Canada Student Loans on your part-time OSAP application each term. Funding release can be delayed if information provided on your application is incorrect. 

Academic progress requirements

To remain eligible for future part-time OSAP funding, you must successfully complete and pass all courses funded through part-time OSAP. If you do not successfully complete and pass your part-time OSAP funded courses in a term, you must self-fund and successfully complete and pass your course(s) for one part-time term before being eligible for further part-time OSAP funding. 

Note: If you have previously received part-time OSAP funding (for a 50% course load or less), an unofficial transcript will be required with any new part-time OSAP applications to show successful completion of all courses from your previous part-time OSAP funded term. If you are applying back-to-back terms, the previous term's unofficial transcript with final grades is required. University of Waterloo will approve the transcript to allow your funding summary to be calculated so that your fees can be arranged. Funding will be withheld until official grades date and an unofficial transcript is submitted.