Study abroad
What you need to know if you plan to study at a college or university outside of Canada.
Important: Study abroad funding
With the exception of 12 public and not-for-profit institutions in the United States that offer American Sign Language courses that are not available in the province, Ontario does not provide provincial OSAP funding for students studying outside of Canada. The federal government does provide funding for students studying outside of Canada that is administered through OSAP, however this funding is strictly federal with no provincial component.
How to apply
To study internationally, you need to apply directly to the college or university you are interested in.
Visit the school’s website for more information.
Transfer credits
Not all internationally earned credentials (degrees, certificates or diplomas) are recognized in Canada and Ontario.
It’s up to you to fully investigate your options before you apply.
You should first contact the admissions department (undergraduate, college or graduate) at the school you want to go to, for more details, before you make a decision.
More information: Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials
Grants, loans and scholarships
Tuition fees for international students are often higher than fees charged to Canadian citizens at Canadian universities and colleges.
If you plan to study abroad, you could still be eligible for a mix of grants and loans through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).
The school you want to attend needs to be approved for student loan purposes in Ontario.
Check to see if a school is approved
Add a school to the OSAP approved list
If the school is located outside of Ontario — but not approved for OSAP — you can ask the government to consider approving the school.
To make a request, you will need to:
- Download an Institution & Program Approval Application form (PDF).
- Complete the form, together with a representative from the school.
- Sign and date the form.
- Have an authorized school representative sign and date the form.
- Fax the form to
1-807-343-7278 or mail it to:
Attention: Out-of-Province Institution Approvals
Ontario Student Assistance Program
Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
189 Red River Road
4th Floor
PO Box 4500
Thunder Bay ON P7B 6G9
The process takes about 6-8 weeks to complete, once you submit the paperwork.
Financial aid office: Ontario students abroad
If you attend school abroad and have qualified for OSAP, the Student Financial Assistance Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security acts as your financial aid office.
You will deal directly with this branch on your student loan.
You can contact the branch, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) at:
Direct:
Toll-free in North America:
Fax:
Or by mail at:
Student Financial Assistance Branch
Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
189 Red River Road
4th Floor
PO Box 4500
Thunder Bay ON P7B 6G9