Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) for Students with Permanent Disabilities

Official Guidelines for the 2025–2026 academic year: Updated January 2026

Pursuing post-secondary education with a permanent disability can come with additional financial challenges. Thankfully, the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) offers support to eligible students with verified permanent disabilities who are enrolled in approved programs in Ontario.

OSAP for students with permanent disabilities provides a combination of grants and loans — and in some cases additional disability-related funding — to help learners afford their education and the supports they need to succeed. This may include funding for disability-related services and equipment that help you participate fully in your studies.

If you’re planning to return to school in Ontario, OSAP may help reduce the financial barriers associated with disability-related supports and postsecondary education costs.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for OSAP funding as a student with a permanent disability, you must meet the following major requirements:

• You must either be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident living in Ontario. OSAP is also available to protected persons such as refugees who are allowed in the country based on humanitarian grounds.
• You must be enrolled in an approved post-secondary program at a designated college or university.
• You must provide documentation to verify your permanent disability, as required through the OSAP application process.
• You must demonstrate financial need based on your income and education costs.

What OSAP Covers for Students with Permanent Disabilities

OSAP funding for students with permanent disabilities can help pay for several education-related costs, including:

• Tuition and mandatory school fees
• Books, supplies, and equipment
• Disability-related services and supports (where eligible)
• Disability-related equipment or assistive technology (where eligible)

When you apply, you may qualify for a combination of grants and loans depending on your circumstances. Many students receive grant funding that does not need to be repaid.

How to Apply

The OSAP application process for students with permanent disabilities is completed online. Here are the basic steps:

• Create or sign in to your OSAP account using your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
• Start a new OSAP application for the academic year in which you are studying.
• Enter details about your school, program, income, and family situation.
• Upload the required documentation to verify your permanent disability, if requested as part of your application.

Because disability documentation may require review, students are encouraged to apply early and follow up with their school’s financial aid and accessibility services office if additional steps are needed.

Things to do after applying

Once you submit your OSAP application, there are a few important steps to stay on track:

1. Check your OSAP account for updates: You may be asked to provide additional documents, and you can monitor your funding status.
2. Confirm your enrollment: Your school must confirm your registration before funds are released.
3. Watch for reassessments: Changes to your course load, program, or financial situation may affect the amount of OSAP funding you receive.

How much can you get?

Many students wonder how much funding is available through OSAP for students with permanent disabilities. The amount you receive depends on factors such as tuition and education costs, income, family situation, and any eligible disability-related services or equipment needed to support your studies.

Because funding is based on individual assessment and documented needs, the best way to understand what you may qualify for is to complete an OSAP application and speak with your school’s financial aid office for guidance.

Repaying loans

If your OSAP funding includes a loan portion, repayment typically begins after you finish school or leave your studies. In most cases, there is a grace period after your study period ends before regular repayments begin.

Grants and bursaries do not need to be repaid as long as you remain eligible.

Next Steps

Reach out today! Contact any school for the most up-to-date information and guidance on OSAP funding for students with permanent disabilities. Schools can help you understand documentation requirements, accessibility supports, entry requirements, and timelines, and explain how different options align with your career goals.

Career counsellors and school advisors are trained to assist prospective students at no additional cost, helping you think through the skills you want to develop and how they fit into today’s job market.

If you’re planning to return to school in Ontario with a permanent disability, speaking with an advisor is one of the best next steps you can take.