How to apply for Full-time OSAP

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a financial aid program that can help you pay for college or university.

OSAP offers funding through:

  • grants: money you don’t have to pay back
  • a student loan: money you need to repay once you’re done school

When you apply for OSAP, you will automatically be considered for both grants and a loan. If you don’t want to take a loan, you can decline it after your application is approved. Eligible students must apply for full-time OSAP every year.

Step 1: How to submit your OSAP application

The deadline to submit a new OSAP application is 60 days before the end of your study period.

You are encouraged to apply for OSAP early to avoid processing and funding delays during start-up.

 

Use this video guide to assist you with submitting your OSAP application

  1. Register for OSAP:
  • If this is your first time applying to OSAP you will be required to create an account/profile before submitting your OSAP application.
  • You can create your OSAP account by clicking the ‘Register’ button .

 

  1. Complete and Submit your OSAP application:

Both the full-time and part-time 2022-2023 (September 2022 to August 2023) OSAP applications are available. Your application can be submitted on your OSAP account.

Please ensure the correct OSAP application is submitted based on your semesters' course load. 

  • To be eligible for full-time OSAP students must be enrolled in at least a 60% course load
  • To be eligible for part-time OSAP students must be enrolled in between 20-59% course load
  • Students who have indicated a confirmed permanent disability are eligible for full-time OSAP at a 40% course load

OSAP Funding Assessments

  • Once a full-time OSAP application is submitted, eligible OSAP students will receive an OSAP assessment 3-5 business days from submitting their application
  • OSAP assessment will breakdown the loan and grant funding a student is eligible to receive
  • The financial assistance office does not determine or alter a student’s OSAP assessment; assessment is based on the information that the student has provided on their application to determine loan and grant eligibility
     

Please Note:

  • You must re-apply for part-time OSAP each semester (i.e. fall, winter, and spring/summer as each semester requires a new application).
  • OSAP applications cannot overlap as only one active application can open at a time. If you have submitted a new OSAP application (school change/transfer, program change, status change etc.) that overlaps with your current/most recent application it will be closed automatically by the system. For assistance please contact the Financial Financial Assistance office using our contact form found.

 

Helpful tips:

 

 

icon of pen and paper

Because Money Matters Tip - Apply for OSAP even if you think you won’t qualify!
Lots of students don’t apply because they think their parents make too much or that they won't qualify for some other reason. Don't count yourself out so quickly! You can get an estimate of your OSAP funding in just a few clicks, or jump right into the OSAP application (it only takes about 15 minutes).  Check out this video for a step-by-step guide on applying.

Step 2: How to Submit your required OSAP documents

The deadline to submit OSAP documentation is 40 days before the end of your study period.

OSAP funding cannot be processed until all required OSAP documents are received and approved.

Please review the 2022-23 OSAP Application for Full-Time Students List of Documents Reference Guide for a complete list of acceptable and required documents to submit as part of your OSAP application.


Use this video guide to assist you with submitting your required OSAP documents:

Where to locate your OSAP documents:

  • OSAP documentation can be submitted via your OSAP application online under the required documents section. (Log into OSAP application > Select Check Status/Documentation)
  • This page will provide you with a list of documents and instructions that are required as well as the opportunity to upload and submit your OSAP document(s).

 

Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA)

After your application is submitted, your online OSAP account will provide important information including:

  • The status of your application
  • What supporting documents you are required to submit
  • If you or your school must provide additional information


Before you receive your loan you must sign your loan agreement, known as the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA). The MSFAA is a lifetime loan agreement, containing the terms and conditions you must agree to in order to receive and repay your OSAP loan. You will only be required to sign the MSFAA once, unless you leave school for two years or more. Our partner, the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC), which administers student loans funded by the federal and/or Ontario governments, will send you an email when it’s time for you to register for your online account and complete your MSFAA.

While you’re in studies, you can log in to your online NSLSC account to access tools and information that may help you budget during the school year and prepare you for successful repayment.

When your funding has been calculated, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities will notify you of how much you’re receiving. Depending on your correspondence preferences, you will either receive this information by mail, or be notified through your online OSAP account.

  • The National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) will send you an email when it’s time for you to register for your online account and complete your MSFAA.
  • Instructions will be provided online after you submit your OSAP application.
     

Important: DO NOT send your MSFAA to Mohawk College!

How to submit your OSAP documents:

Upload your documents to your OSAP account

  • Use video instructions on this page to assist you with uploading your documents.
  • If you have reached the maximum number of uploads you can use the ‘optional uploads’ button found on the required documents section. (See screenshot below)

*The financial assistance office does not accept OSAP documents over email*

Document Processing Times:

OSAP documentation is reviewed in the order of date received. Please allow for 4 to 8 weeks of processing time for your OSAP documents from the date of submission. You can check the status of your OSAP application and documents on your  OSAP application online .

*The Financial Assistance Office is unable to provide you with the status of your OSAP document processing, please continue to monitor your OSAP application online for updates*

 

My documents have been denied, what are my next steps?

If your documents have been denied or additional documentation is required you will either be sent a communication to your OSAP Message Center or an email to your Mohawk College email address. Please monitor both your OSAP account online and your Mohawk College email account for communications regarding your OSAP application and documents.

Step 3: OSAP deferral and Timetable Selection

There are 2 registration options available:

  • Option 1: Pay balance in full
    • Students who have not yet applied for OSAP, will be prompted to make a full payment to register for their courses
    • Students who have not yet applied for OSAP will not receive the option to defer payments
    • Students who decide to pay the balance in full, are still eligible to apply for OSAP funding. (visit step 1 above)
  • Option 2: Payment Deferral 
    • Students who have submitted a full-time OSAP application, and paid their deposit will receive an additional option to defer (or extend) their tuition and fee payments to the following dates,
      • Nov 1st (Fall semester)
      • March 1st (Winter semester)
      • June 15th (Spring/Summer semester)

*Students are responsible for ensuring their payments are made by the deferral deadlines listed, regardless of OSAP status*

 

Who is eligible to receive an automatic deferral?

  • Students who have paid their deposit and do not have outstanding fees on their student account (deposit not covered by OSAP)
  • Students who have submitted a full-time OSAP application for their upcoming term
  • It will take 3-5 business days for a deferral to appear on a student’s registration account from the time OSAP application is submitted. Apply for OSAP early to avoid delays.

Students who are restricted from OSAP, have outstanding issues with OSAP, or have been assessed with a zero assessment will not be eligible for an automatic deferral and can contact our office for a deferral review.

Examples include:

  • Students who have an active OSAP restriction on their account
  • Students who have a bankruptcy requirement on their OSAP account

 

Steps to receive an OSAP deferral:

  1. Pay your minimum deposit by the deadline.
  2. Apply for OSAP.
    • Students are encouraged to apply for OSAP early (prior to timetable registration) to prevent delays with receiving a deferral during timetable selection.
    • Please reference step 1 above for more information 
  3. Register for your classes through your MyMohawk account

Quick Links 

Step 4: Receiving your OSAP funding (Confirmation of Enrollment)

You’ll receive your OSAP funding after your application has been reviewed, information has been verified, required supporting documents have been approved, and Mohawk has confirmed your enrolment. The verification process may take four to six weeks.

If you attend full-time studies from September to April, you will typically receive your OSAP funding in two installments:

  • The first, when you start your study period (usually in September)
  • The rest, halfway through your studies (usually in January)

For most students, money will be sent to your school first to pay your balance; any leftover funding will be deposited into your bank account by the NSLSC.

To find out what your tuition and fees are for the semester, please refer to your fee statement. 

Your fee statement is a pre-bill sent prior to each semester of study. Your fee statement will assist you with planning your payment options and fee due dates to secure your seat, ensure you are able to register when timetable selection opens for your program, and avoid any late fees.

Your fee statement does not reflect actual charges placed on your account. Your account balance on MyMohawk will not indicate your required deposit amount or balance owing until your select your timetable to register. Check My Financial Statement or your Account Summary on MyMohawk to review actual charges after you have selected your timetable. 

For illustrative purposes only


When will my Confirmation of Enrollment (COE) be processed?

  • COE process typically begins the first week of classes starting in September, January and May- and continues throughout the semester.
  • OSAP Funding will not be released prior to the start of your semester
  • OSAP Funding will not be released prior to timetable registration

You will receive 60% of the funding in your first installment, and the remaining 40% in your second installment.
Funding will take 5-10 business days for students to receive after Confirmation of Enrollment is completed by the Financial Assistance office.

 

Why does my Confirmation of Enrollment date keep changing?

  1. OSAP Funding will not be released until all required documents are submitted and processed. 
    • Please ensure all of your required OSAP documents are submitted and approved.
      • Use information in step 2 to assist you with submitting and checking the status of your required documents
  2. OSAP will not be released if the incorrect OSAP application has been submitted
    • Ensure you have submitted the correct OSAP application based on your course load. (for more information please reference step 1 above)

 

  1. OSAP funding will not be released if you have an active/unresolved OSAP restriction on your account
    • Please contact financialassistance [at] mohawkcollege.ca (t)he Financial Assistance office for more information regarding your account


Where will my funding be sent?

Students who selected Payment Deferral:

  • Depending on your OSAP assessment, OSAP funding will be sent to Mohawk College first, making a payment towards your outstanding tuition and fees
  • Any remaining funding for the semester will be sent directly to the student’s bank account

 

Students who have paid their tuition and fee balance in full:

  • Eligible funding will be sent directly to the student’s bank account and will take 5-10 business days once COE is completed.

 

Please Note:

  • It is the student’s responsibility to ensure their tuition is paid on or before the deferral deadline regardless of your OSAP status/release date. For more information about tuition and fee deadlines: Financial Assistance Important Dates | Mohawk College
  • You can check/monitor the outstanding balance on your student account via your MyMohawk under the ‘Finances’ tab. 

 

 

icon of pen and paper

Because Money Matters Tip - Check out the NSLSC website
In addition to the OSAP website, students should also visit the National Student Loans website, which includes a variety of helpful planning tools, information on repayment of student loans and links.

How to apply and register as a Continuing Education Student

Students studying through Continuing Education may be eligible for funding through OSAP provided that they enroll in an OSAP approved program.

 

Step 1: Submit your OSAP application and required documents

Please ensure you follow steps 1 and 2 above for information and guidance on submitting your OSAP application and required documentation. 

 

Step 2: Register for your courses

  • Option 1: Pay balance in full
    • Students who have not yet applied for OSAP, will be prompted to make a full payment to register for their courses
    • Students who decide to pay the balance in full, are still eligible to apply for OSAP funding. (visit step 1 above)

 

  • Option 2: Payment Deferral 
    • Students who have submitted a full-time or part-time OSAP application may be eligible to defer (or extend) their tuition and fee payments 30 days from their registration date. 
    • To defer your fees, please complete and submit your Continuing Education Registration Form(s) to cereg [at] mohawkcollege.ca (cereg[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca) for review. 

*You are responsible for ensuring your payments are made by the deferral deadlines listed, regardless of your OSAP status*

OSAP Reviews and Appeals

A student may request that their OSAP assessment or bursary eligibility be reviewed if they have a special situation that is not recognized in the standard OSAP or bursary assessment of financial need.

The following appeal outlines and forms will assist you in determining if your situation falls within an allowable review. If you have determined that your situation falls within one or more of the allowable reviews below, print off the cover page, attach all letters and supporting documentation and submit your package to the Financial Assistance Office for review.

All letters must be legible, signed, and dated and your student number must be clearly noted. Letters from third parties must include contact information for the person who is corroborating the situation and making a recommendation.

The deadline date for submission of a review to the Financial Assistance Office (FAO) or Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities, including requests for reconsideration, is 40 days before the end of your study period All required supporting documentation must be submitted by the deadline.

A full list of OSAP forms and appeals can be found on the OSAP forms page and by logging into MyMohawk - Finances - OSAP Information - OSAP Appeals and Forms

 

OSAP Document Processing

The Mohawk College Financial Assistance Office does not review the following documents, as these are only reviewed by the Ministry:

  • Proof of Bankruptcy; determines OSAP eligibility
  • Income verification: non-taxable foreign income verifications, student, spousal, parent. Students have 1 year to submit proper documents; risk of grant to loan conversion
  • Restriction appeals and income variance reviews
  • Exceptional circumstance reviews
  • Compliance reviews

It is very important to note that documents are reviewed in the order they are received and can take several weeks to months to process.  The Financial Assistance Office cannot escalate or expedite this process. 

To ensure your documentation is reviewed as soon as possible, students are strongly encouraged to upload their information directly to their online OSAP application. Instructions are provided to students through their OSAP account so students are encouraged to regularly check their OSAP mailbox for updates and further instructions.

 

Your OSAP Responsibilities

As a quick reference check out our  OSAP Responsibilities page but everything you need to know about your OSAP loan and/or grant can be found on the OSAP website. It’s the most comprehensive and up-to-date resource you need. While there, be sure to familiarize yourself with information about eligibility and status, the interest-free period, repayment, and more.

Your OSAP loans are an important part of your financial life. While you’re a student we encourage you to learn financial literacy skills so you’re prepared when the time comes to repay your loan. Check out the many helpful resources on Mohawk’s Mo’ Money website.