Student loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries
Where to find money that can help you pay for a college, university or apprenticeship program after high school.
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
OSAP is Ontario’s flagship student support program, offering a mix of grants and loans to thousands of students each year.
Ontario Learn and Stay Grant
Learn about postsecondary student funding to cover the costs of tuition, books and other direct educational expenses.
Financial aid from schools
You can check with a college or university directly to see what financial aid programs they offer.
You could be eligible for:
- bursaries
- scholarships
- work-study programs
- summer employment opportunities
These are all sources of money you don’t have to pay back.
Emergency loans
Most schools also offer emergency loans. For example, you could be eligible for a short-term loan (90 days) to cover tuition, if you’re waiting for OSAP to arrive.
Start with your financial aid office to learn what is available.
Scholarships and bursaries
Find out about other scholarships and bursaries through:
Graduate students: apply for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship or the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology at your school’s graduate office. You can get $5,000 per term, to a maximum of $15,000 for an academic year.
Bank loans
Banks, trust companies and credit unions offer student loans and lines of credit. Talk to your financial institution for information.
Self-funded
It’s a good idea to save money from a summer job or job you hold throughout the year to help pay for your education.
Your parents or other relatives might also be able to contribute to education costs.
Another option is to consider investing savings through a bank/financial institution – so that money can earn interest – if you plan to attend college or university in the future.