Education & Student Aid
Paying for college or university in Ontario starts with OSAP — but the program is changing significantly for the 2026–2027 school year. This page breaks down how OSAP works, what's changing, and what to do if you're having trouble with funding or a school board issue.
OSAP
OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) combines federal and provincial financial aid into a single application. It includes both non-repayable grants and repayable loans. While you're enrolled full-time, loans are interest-free and payment-free. Eligibility depends on your income, family size, program costs, and course load.
Grant-to-Loan Changes
Starting Fall 2026, the grant-to-loan ratio is being dramatically restructured. Currently, students can receive up to 85% of their aid as grants. Under the new rules, grants will be capped at 25% — meaning 75% of your aid will be loans. Students at private career colleges will receive no grants at all.
Repayment Aid
If you're a graduate having difficulty repaying your student loans, the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) can reduce or eliminate your monthly payments based on your current income. It's available through the National Student Loans Service Centre and can be applied for at any time after your loans enter repayment.
K–12 School Issues
Local school concerns are handled by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) or the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB). When a school board issue requires provincial attention, such as curriculum policy, funding formulas, or systemic accessibility concerns, our office can help escalate it to the Ministry of Education.
Student aid issues shouldn't hold you back from school.
Our office works with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to resolve OSAP problems, and can liaise with school boards when local issues need provincial intervention.
Applied for OSAP and your funding hasn't arrived?
Had your OSAP application denied or your funding amount seems wrong?
Graduated and struggling to manage your student loan payments?
Frustrated with a school board decision that feels like a systemic issue?