Ontario Student Assistance Program
OSAP
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) provides loans and grants to help pay for college or university. Students with a permanent, persistent, or prolonged disability can qualify for grants that do not need to be repaid, additional educational supports, and the ability to receive full-time funding while studying at 40% of a full course load instead of the usual 60%.
Useful Tips for Applying
Complete disability verification early so your grants and the reduced course-load option are ready when classes start. Ask your school's accessibility office about assistive technology, note-takers, and exam accommodations to combine with OSAP. If your disability changes your study load, the 40% rule can help you keep full funding.
Who May Qualify
You may qualify if you are an Ontario resident, a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person, are enrolled or planning to enroll in an approved post-secondary program, and demonstrate financial need. Students with a permanent, persistent, or prolonged disability receive additional grants and a lower minimum course-load requirement.
Required Documents
A completed disability verification form signed by a qualified medical professional, proof of enrollment in a designated post-secondary program, and your OSAP application with income information.
How to Apply
Apply online through the OSAP application. Complete the disability verification process (with a medical professional) so you are approved as a student with a disability and can access the extra grants and supports.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is not completing disability verification, which means the disability grants and the reduced course-load rule are not applied. Another is assuming you must study full-time — students with disabilities can receive full-time funding at 40% of a full course load. Students also miss that some OSAP money is a grant that does not need to be repaid.
Preparing an application?
The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.
Application denied?
If your application is turned down, the Appeals Guide explains filing deadlines, escalation levels, and where to find free legal and advocate help.
Accessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.
