Ontario is home to more than 470,000 post-secondary students who rely on government financial aid every year. It is also, as of 2026, in the middle of the largest shift to student funding policy in a generation. OSAP grants have been slashed. Tuition is rising for the first time in seven years. Federal supports face their own uncertain future.
If you are a student in Ontario -- or the parent of one -- you cannot afford to rely on a single source of funding and hope it covers everything. The students who come out ahead are the ones who understand every option available and stack them strategically.
This guide covers every major student funding source in Ontario for 2026: government aid, institutional awards, community scholarships, savings programs, and tax benefits. Bookmark it. Share it. Come back to it every time you need to plan your next move.
OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program
OSAP remains the single largest source of student funding in Ontario. It is a joint federal-provincial program that combines grants (free money) and loans (money you repay after graduation) into a single application. You apply once, and both levels of government assess your eligibility simultaneously.
How OSAP Works
When you submit an OSAP application, the system evaluates your financial need based on several factors: your tuition and fees, your living costs (at home or away), your family income, your personal income and assets, your course load, and the length of your program. Based on that assessment, OSAP calculates a total funding amount and splits it between grants and loans.
The total can include:
- Ontario grants (provincial, non-repayable)
- Canada Student Grants (federal, non-repayable)
- Ontario loans (provincial, repayable)
- Canada Student Loans (federal, repayable)
You do not choose the split. OSAP determines it based on your assessed need and the current policy rules.
The 2026 OSAP Changes: Grants vs. Loans
This is the change that has defined the 2026 funding landscape in Ontario. Starting with programs beginning on or after August 1, 2026, the Ontario government has reduced the maximum grant portion of provincial OSAP from 85% to 25%.
Here is what that means in practice:
| OSAP Package | Old Grants (up to 85%) | Old Loans (min 15%) | New Grants (max 25%) | New Loans (min 75%) | Extra Debt Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,000 | $6,800 | $1,200 | $2,000 | $6,000 | +$4,800 |
| $10,000 | $8,500 | $1,500 | $2,500 | $7,500 | +$6,000 |
| $12,000 | $10,200 | $1,800 | $3,000 | $9,000 | +$7,200 |
| $14,000 | $11,900 | $2,100 | $3,500 | $10,500 | +$8,400 |
Over a four-year degree, a student receiving $12,000/year in OSAP will now carry approximately $28,800 more in loans than they would have under the old system. For a detailed breakdown, see our OSAP 2026 Changes article.
Private Career College Students
Starting 2026-2027, students at private career colleges will receive zero provincial OSAP grants. All provincial aid will be delivered entirely as repayable loans. This is the most severe change in the new OSAP structure and makes alternative funding sources absolutely critical for this group.
Federal Canada Student Grants
On the federal side, the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students provides up to $4,200 per year (approximately $525/month of study). This amount reflects a temporary 40% increase over the pre-pandemic level of $3,000. The federal government has extended this increase through the 2026-2027 academic year, but it remains temporary. If it reverts, students lose an additional $1,200/year in grant funding.
Students with dependants can receive an additional $280/month per dependant (up to $2,240/year per dependant).
OSAP Loan Features Worth Knowing
Even though the loan portion is growing, OSAP loans carry important protections:
- No interest while studying: You do not accumulate interest on OSAP loans while enrolled full-time
- Six-month grace period: After you finish studying, you have six months before repayment begins (though federal loan interest may accrue during this period)
- Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP): If your income is low after graduation, RAP can reduce or eliminate your monthly payments
- Loan forgiveness: After 15 years of RAP eligibility, remaining federal loan balances may be forgiven
How to Apply for OSAP
- Create an account at ontario.ca/osap
- Gather your documents: SIN, tax information, school details, program information
- Complete the online application (allow 30-45 minutes)
- Submit well before your program starts -- applications for Fall 2026 open in Spring 2026
- Check your OSAP account regularly for status updates and document requests
Apply early. Students who apply late risk having funding delayed past the start of classes.
Ontario Learn and Stay Grant
The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant is one of the most generous -- and most overlooked -- provincial funding programs available. It covers tuition, books, and direct educational expenses in full for eligible students, and unlike OSAP, it is entirely a grant. You never repay a cent.
How It Works
The program targets students studying in priority health care programs at institutions located in underserved communities across Northern, Southwestern, and Eastern Ontario. In exchange for full funding, you commit to working in the region where you studied for a minimum of six months for every year of study funded by the grant.
Eligible Programs
Programs include nursing (Practical Nursing, BScN), paramedic studies, and other priority health care programs. Eligible institutions span colleges and universities across the priority regions. The full list of eligible programs and institutions is updated annually and published on the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant page.
Eligibility Requirements
- Ontario resident who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
- Enrolled in an eligible program at an eligible institution in a priority community
- Committed to working in the region after graduation
- Must reapply each year to continue receiving funding
Critical Detail
If you receive the grant in Year 1 but do not apply or confirm enrolment in subsequent years, your grant can be converted to a repayable loan. Stay on top of annual applications.
Applications for 2026-2027 open in Spring 2026.
Better Jobs Ontario
Better Jobs Ontario is not a traditional student aid program -- it is a retraining grant for unemployed or low-income Ontarians who need skills training to enter high-demand occupations. If you qualify, it is one of the most substantial funding sources available in the province.
Funding Available
Participants can receive up to $28,000 to cover:
- Tuition and instructional fees
- Books and supplies
- Transportation costs
- Basic living allowance
- Additional funding for dependent care, disability supports, and living-away-from-home costs
Eligible Training
The program funds training programs up to two years in duration at recognized institutions, including colleges, career colleges, universities, Indigenous Institutes, and school boards. Both short-term programs (52 weeks or less, including micro-credentials) and longer programs (up to two years) are eligible.
Who Qualifies
- Unemployed individuals who have been laid off
- Low-income individuals experiencing barriers to employment
- Must be training for a high-skill, in-demand occupation
The program operates through local Employment Ontario service providers. To apply, contact your nearest Employment Ontario office for an assessment.
Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD)
The Ontario Bursary for Students with Disabilities and the companion Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment (CSG-DSE) provide funding specifically for disability-related educational costs.
What It Covers
- Note-taking services
- Tutoring
- Assistive technology (hardware and software)
- Psycho-educational assessments (for students with learning disabilities)
- Other disability-related services and equipment needed for your studies
Eligibility
- Must have a permanent, persistent, or prolonged disability
- Must be an OSAP recipient (full-time or part-time) with at least $1 in calculated provincial need, OR receiving an Ontario Part-Time Grant, OR receiving an institution-funded special bursary at a public Ontario college or university
- Must apply through your school's financial aid office
Important Deadlines
Your application must be received by your financial aid office no later than 60 days before the end of your study period. All supporting documents must be received no later than 40 days before the end of your study period. Do not wait until the last minute -- processing takes time.
Ontario First Generation Bursary
If neither of your parents attended any post-secondary institution (college, university, or equivalent), you may qualify for the Ontario First Generation Bursary.
Award Amount
$1,000 to $3,500, depending on your institution and assessed financial need. The exact amount is determined by your school.
Eligibility
- Neither parent has attended post-secondary studies
- Enrolled in a first-entry undergraduate program at a publicly-assisted Ontario college or university
- Do not already hold a post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate
- Meet OSAP citizenship and Ontario residency requirements
- Meet financial need criteria as defined by your school
How to Apply
Application processes vary by institution. Some schools assess you automatically when you apply for OSAP; others require a separate application through their financial aid office. Contact your school's awards office directly to confirm the process and deadline.
University Entrance Scholarships
Ontario's universities offer significant entrance scholarships, and many are awarded automatically based on your admission average. No separate application required.
Automatic Admission Scholarships
Most Ontario universities have tiered entrance scholarship programs based on your Grade 12 admission average:
| Average Range | Typical Award | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 80-84.9% | $500 - $1,500 | Often one-time awards |
| 85-89.9% | $1,500 - $3,000 | May be renewable with GPA maintenance |
| 90-94.9% | $3,000 - $5,000 | Usually renewable |
| 95%+ | $4,000 - $10,000+ | Renewable; some institutions go higher |
These ranges vary by institution. Check each university's specific scholarship tables during the admissions process.
Major Named Scholarships
Ontario universities also offer competitive named scholarships with larger values:
- University of Toronto: President's Scholars of Excellence Program and other admission awards, many assessed automatically through your application
- Western University: National Scholarship program (separate application, deadline February 14); automatic admission scholarships based on your calculated admission average
- Queen's University: Chancellor's Scholarship and other named entrance awards
- University of Waterloo: President's Scholarships of Distinction ($2,000 for 95%+ averages, automatic)
- McMaster University: Provost Honour Awards and department-specific scholarships
The Key Strategy
Apply broadly and early. Submit applications to the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) by early deadlines. Many universities assess scholarship eligibility at the point of admission, so a late application can cost you thousands.
Use our Scholarship Search to find entrance awards and external scholarships you may be eligible for beyond what your university offers automatically.
Community Foundations and Local Awards
Community foundations across Ontario collectively distribute millions of dollars in student scholarships every year. These awards typically receive far fewer applicants than provincial or national programs, which means your odds of winning are significantly better.
How Community Foundations Work
Community foundations are local charitable organizations that manage donor funds and distribute grants and scholarships within a specific geographic area. Almost every region of Ontario has one or more active foundations.
Examples of Active Programs
- Oakville Community Foundation: Over $400,000 in scholarships and education awards for 2026 through their Community Education Awards Hub, with individual awards ranging from $750 to $20,000
- Community Foundation of Ottawa: Multiple scholarship programs for local graduating students
- Hamilton Community Foundation: Bursaries and awards for Hamilton-area students
- Community Foundations of Canada: A national network that can help you find your local foundation
How to Find Local Awards
- Search for "[your city/region] community foundation scholarships" -- most have online applications
- Ask your high school guidance office -- they typically maintain a list of local awards
- Check with local service clubs: Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Legion branches, and cultural organizations often offer awards with very few applicants
- Visit your municipality's community services department
These awards are free money. Many require only a short application and a reference letter. The time investment is minimal compared to the return.
RESP and Canada Education Savings Programs
If your family started contributing to a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) when you were younger, you may have access to a meaningful pool of education funding that has been growing tax-free.
Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)
The CESG provides a 20% match on annual RESP contributions:
- Basic CESG: 20% on the first $2,500 contributed per year per child, to a maximum of $500/year
- Additional CESG: Low- and middle-income families may receive an extra $50-$100/year
- Lifetime maximum: $7,200 per beneficiary in CESG grants
The most common strategy is to contribute $2,500/year per child to capture the full $500 annual match. Unused grant room can be carried forward, allowing catch-up contributions of up to $1,000 in CESG per year.
Canada Learning Bond (CLB)
For low-income families, the Canada Learning Bond provides up to $2,000 per child in RESP contributions with no personal contribution required:
- $500 in the first year of eligibility
- $100 for each subsequent year of eligibility (up to age 15)
- The child must have been born in 2004 or later
- Family must be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit
Using RESP Funds
RESP withdrawals for post-secondary education are called Educational Assistance Payments (EAPs). The grant and investment growth portions are taxable in the student's hands -- but since most students have low income, the tax owing is typically minimal or zero.
If your family has not opened an RESP, it is not too late. Even without the full CESG history, contributions can still grow tax-sheltered, and the CLB may still be available.
Tax Credits for Ontario Students
Tax credits will not pay your tuition upfront, but they reduce your tax burden and can put real money back in your pocket after filing.
Federal Tuition Tax Credit
Ontario eliminated its provincial tuition tax credit in 2017. However, the federal tuition tax credit remains available:
- Claim tuition paid to eligible post-secondary institutions (must exceed $100/institution/year)
- The credit is calculated at the lowest federal tax rate (15% of tuition paid)
- Unused credits can be carried forward indefinitely to future tax years
- Up to $5,000/year can be transferred to a spouse, parent, or grandparent
For a student paying $7,000 in tuition, the federal credit is worth approximately $1,050 in tax reduction (either in the current year or carried forward).
Ontario Trillium Benefit
Low-income students may qualify for the Ontario Trillium Benefit, which combines three credits:
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (for Northern Ontario residents)
These are delivered as monthly payments and can provide several hundred dollars per year for eligible students.
Canada Training Credit
The Canada Training Credit accumulates $250/year for eligible individuals (ages 26-65 with income between approximately $10,000 and $150,000). The accumulated balance can be applied against eligible training costs. While this is less relevant for traditional-age students, it is valuable for mature learners and career changers.
Work-Study and On-Campus Employment
Most Ontario colleges and universities operate formal work-study programs that provide part-time employment on campus. These programs are specifically designed to accommodate your class schedule.
Benefits of Work-Study
- Typically 10-15 hours per week during the academic year
- Wages are earned income (not financial aid), so they do not reduce your OSAP eligibility
- Many positions are related to your field of study, adding to your resume
- You avoid commuting costs since the work is on campus
How to Access Work-Study
Contact your school's financial aid or career services office. Some work-study positions are reserved for students demonstrating financial need; others are open to all students. Apply early -- popular positions fill fast.
Employer Tuition Assistance
An often-overlooked funding source. Many employers, particularly large retailers, banks, technology companies, and public sector employers, offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs for employees pursuing education.
What to Look For
- Tuition reimbursement: Employer reimburses part or all of tuition after you complete a course
- Tuition assistance: Employer pays upfront for approved courses
- Education leave: Employer provides paid or unpaid leave for study periods
If you are currently employed, ask your HR department about education benefits before you assume they do not exist. If you are job-hunting, consider employers who offer these programs as a strategic choice.
Building Your Ontario Funding Stack
The students who graduate with the least debt in 2026 will not be the ones who relied on a single source. They will be the ones who stacked multiple funding sources together.
Here is a realistic funding stack for an Ontario student:
| Source | Potential Annual Value |
|---|---|
| OSAP grants (25% of package) | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Canada Student Grant | Up to $4,200 |
| Entrance scholarship | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| External scholarships (2-3 awards) | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| Community foundation award | $500 - $2,000 |
| Ontario First Generation Bursary | $1,000 - $3,500 |
| RESP withdrawals | Varies |
| Work-study income | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Total non-loan funding | $8,700 - $29,700 |
The key insight: every dollar you secure from grants, scholarships, bursaries, and employment is a dollar you do not borrow. In a post-OSAP-cut world, that math matters more than ever.
Use our Funding Gap Calculator to map out your personal funding picture and see exactly where you stand.
Action Plan: What to Do Right Now
Apply for OSAP early -- When the 2026-2027 application opens in Spring 2026, submit immediately. Do not wait until August.
Search for scholarships aggressively -- Use our Scholarship Search to find every award you qualify for. Apply to at least 10-15 scholarships. Smaller awards add up.
Contact your school's financial aid office -- Ask about the Student Access Guarantee, institutional bursaries, emergency aid, and work-study programs. Do this before September, when offices get overwhelmed.
Check community foundations -- Search for your local community foundation and apply to every scholarship you are eligible for. These have fewer applicants and better odds.
Confirm your RESP status -- If your family has an RESP, verify the balance and plan your withdrawals strategically across your years of study.
File your taxes -- Claim the federal tuition tax credit and check eligibility for the Ontario Trillium Benefit.
Build a realistic budget -- Use our Funding Gap Calculator to see your total cost of attendance versus your total confirmed funding. If there is a gap, you now know exactly how much to close through additional scholarships, employment, or strategic decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do OSAP grants count as taxable income?
No. OSAP grants and Canada Student Grants are not taxable. You do not need to report them as income on your tax return.
Can I receive OSAP and external scholarships at the same time?
Yes. External scholarships generally do not reduce your OSAP eligibility. However, if your total resources exceed your assessed need, OSAP may adjust your package. Report all scholarships to your financial aid office to ensure proper coordination.
What if my family income changes after I apply for OSAP?
You can submit a Request for Review through your OSAP account if your financial circumstances change significantly (job loss, family breakdown, medical emergency). OSAP can reassess your application based on updated information.
Is the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant available for all programs?
No. It is restricted to specific health care programs at institutions in priority communities in Northern, Southwestern, and Eastern Ontario. The eligible program list is updated annually.
How do I know if my institution participates in the First Generation Bursary?
Contact your school's financial aid office directly. Most publicly-assisted Ontario colleges and universities participate, but each school sets its own application process and eligibility details.
This guide was last updated on March 27, 2026. Funding programs and eligibility criteria are subject to change. For the most current OSAP information, visit ontario.ca/osap. For current information on federal student grants, visit Canada.ca Student Aid.
Sources: Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities; Canada Student Financial Assistance Program; Employment Ontario; StudentAid BC; CBC News; CTV News; Canada Revenue Agency.