OSAP for under-represented learners
If you’re a student with specific needs, you may be eligible for additional funds – from OSAP or other sources - to help pay for your postsecondary education.
Indigenous students
Funding may be available to you through various sources including your band and OSAP.
Other funding programs
Indigenous Student Bursary
This bursary is available to self-identified Indigenous students with financial need who are attending postsecondary programs and/or training programs at either Ontario publicly assisted colleges and universities, or recognized Indigenous Institutes in Ontario.
Learn more: Indigenous Student Bursary
Ontario Indigenous Travel Grant
This grant assists with the cost of travelling between your remote First Nations community and the postsecondary school that you attend.
Learn more: Ontario Indigenous Travel Grant
Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool
A searchable list of bursaries, scholarships and incentives for Indigenous students.
Post-Secondary Student Support Program
Federal government funding for First Nations students enrolled in eligible postsecondary programs. Contact your local band office for information.
Métis Student Bursary Program
Funding from the Métis Nation of Ontario for Métis students who are enrolled in postsecondary education at eligible participating institutions. Apply for this funding through the Financial Aid Office, Indigenous student liaison centre or student support services at your college or university.
Individuals in or formerly in society care (previously known as Crown wards)
Individuals 23 to 26 years old who left the care of an Ontario Children’s Aid Society and received Ready Set Go program financial support may be eligible for a Living and Learning Grant. This grant provides additional funds above the regular full-time OSAP funding limits.
You’re automatically considered for this grant when you submit an OSAP Application for Full-Time Students. Supporting documents may be required to confirm your eligibility. The required documents are outlined when you submit your application.
Individuals 18 to 26 years old as of the start of their study period who are in or were formerly in the care of an Ontario Children’s Aid Society and are not receiving Ready Set Go program financial support may also be eligible for the Living and Learning Grant. Eligible individuals include those currently or formerly:
- in extended society care in Ontario
- subject to a customary care agreement in Ontario
- subject to a protection custody order
- receiving support under a Voluntary Youth Services Agreement
Individuals who were formerly in care and were adopted on or after August 1, 2013, may also be eligible.
Contact the financial aid office at your postsecondary institution for details on the review process to be considered for this grant.
Refund application fees
If you are currently or were formerly in extended society care in Ontario — regardless of age, income or adoption status — you can get a refund for the fees you pay when you apply to:
- an approved program at a college, university or Indigenous Institute
- a first postsecondary degree, diploma or certificate
You can apply for a refund for your current academic year as well as for application fees you paid for the 2 previous academic years.
How to apply
You need to apply for a refund. To apply:
- print an Ontario Postsecondary Application Fee Reimbursement Program form
- complete and sign the form (it includes information about your status and education)
- mail the form to the address in the application
The refund amount depends on the school(s) you applied to.
Learn more: Ontario Postsecondary Application Fee Reimbursement Program
First-generation students
If your parents didn’t attend postsecondary studies, you could be eligible for the Ontario First Generation Bursary
Students with disabilities
If you have a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability, you could be eligible for full-time OSAP funding if you’re taking 40% or more of a full course load.
You must self-identify as having a disability when applying for OSAP to be considered for this benefit.
Log in or register for applications
Additional aid
You can get additional aid to help pay for disability-related educational services and equipment. Through one application, you can be considered for the:
- Bursary for Students with Disabilities
- 2023–2024 academic year: Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment – Students with Disabilities. (Download PDF 1MB)
- 2024–2025 academic year: Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment – Students with Disabilities
You can also get specialized help if you are having trouble repaying a student loan.
Learn more: Severe Permanent Disability Benefit
Students who are Deaf or hard of hearing
If you’re Deaf or hard of hearing and want to study at a school where American Sign Language or Quebec Sign Language is the primary language of instruction, you could be eligible for a special bursary that can help you cover the extra cost of studying outside of Canada.
Learn more: Ontario Out-of-Country Bursary for Students who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Ontario Disability Support Program
If you get income support through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), you can also apply for OSAP.
OSAP is meant to help cover your educational costs:
- tuition fees
- compulsory fees
- books
- supplies and equipment
- local transportation
- child care (if applicable)
You can continue to get ODSP income support to help with living costs while receiving OSAP.
ODSP provides a 100% exemption on any income earned while you are enrolled in full-time postsecondary studies.
Contact your caseworker for more information.
Ontario Works
If you receive financial assistance through the Ontario Works (OW) program, you need to apply for OSAP to help cover both your education and living costs.
Single, full-time student getting OSAP: you are not eligible for OW support.
Married or a sole-support parent: you could be eligible for an OW top-up if the amount of money you get from OSAP (for living costs) is less than you would get through the OWprogram.
OW provides a 100% exemption on any income earned while you’re enrolled in full-time postsecondary studies.
Contact your caseworker for more information.