OSAP Questions and Answers

When should I start the admission and OSAP applications?

At least 30 to 40 days before your program start date.

Who is eligible for full-time OSAP?

• You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person. International students are not eligible.
• You must be an Ontario resident, which generally means you lived in Ontario for at least 12 months in a row without attending full-time post-secondary school.
• You must be enrolled full time in an OSAP-approved program. Most CCEC diploma programs are OSAP approved.
• You must not be in default on a previous student loan or under an OSAP restriction.
• You must keep satisfactory academic progress while receiving OSAP.
• You must show financial need, as calculated by the government using family income and your own resources.

See Ontario: learn about OSAP for the full rules.

How long does processing take?

• Usually 4 to 6 weeks after you submit your application. Documents are reviewed in the order received.
• It can take longer if your application has wrong or missing details or documents, so submit an accurate, complete application.
• If your OSAP account shows no assessment six weeks after you apply, contact CCEC OSAP support.
• OSAP does not issue funds to students who did not submit the correct application and all required documents by the deadline. Apply early.

What do I do after I submit my OSAP application?

1. Choose Canadian Career Education College as your school from the other colleges section. OSAP funds cannot be transferred between schools.
2. Print the signature forms and make sure every signature is included. A missing signature delays your assessment and funding.
3. Attach any other required documents. Funding is not released while documents are outstanding.
4. Upload the signed forms and documents to your OSAP account. This is faster and lets you see what you submitted.
5. Submit your MSFAA: the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement is your legal agreement with the federal and Ontario governments about receiving and repaying student loans. Keep a copy. It stays valid during full-time studies unless you have a break of two years or more.
6. Check your application status regularly.

When are fees due, and when will I get my funding?

• Fees must be paid before the program start date. Your OSAP account shows whether OSAP pays the College directly or pays you. Either way, the student is responsible for paying the fees. See How to Pay Tuition Fees and Dues.
• OSAP funding is released on the schedule set by OSAP, once your full-time enrolment is confirmed and no documents are outstanding.
• If you apply with the required documents but do not receive funding by the payment due date or program start date, you may not have access to the program.
• If you paid the CAD $250 admission registration deposit, you will not be removed from classes for missing the minimum payment due by the program start date.
• Tell the CCEC team your OSAP application number and status so we can follow up with you.

How do I pay back OSAP?

See Ontario: pay back OSAP to learn when and how to repay, and whether you qualify for repayment help.