Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Key Facts for 2025–2026:
The Living and Learning Grant provides up to $2,000 per semester in additional OSAP funding for eligible students who were in or formerly in the care of an Ontario Children’s Aid Society. Eligibility is now structured around two streams: ages 23–26 for those who received Ready Set Go program support, and ages 18–26 for other current or former youth in care. You are automatically considered when you submit a full-time OSAP application.
The Living and Learning Grant is an Ontario grant that provides additional funding above the regular full-time OSAP limits for students who have been in or are currently in the care of an Ontario Children’s Aid Society. If you’ve experienced the child welfare system, this grant is specifically designed to help remove the financial barrier to your post-secondary education.
What is Extended Society Care?
Extended society care is a court order that directs an Ontario Children’s Aid Society to be responsible for a child when their parents or guardians are unable to provide a safe environment. Youth may also be in care through customary care agreements, protection custody orders, or Voluntary Youth Services Agreements.
Eligibility Criteria
There are two eligibility streams for the Living and Learning Grant, depending on whether you received Ready Set Go program financial support:
Stream 1 — Received Ready Set Go Program Support
You may be eligible if you are:
- 23 to 26 years old as of the start of your study period; and
- You left the care of an Ontario Children’s Aid Society and received Ready Set Go program financial support.
Stream 2 — Did Not Receive Ready Set Go Program Support
You may be eligible if you are:
- 18 to 26 years old as of the start of your study period; and
- You are currently or were formerly in the care of an Ontario Children’s Aid Society, specifically those who were or are:
- In extended society care in Ontario
- Subject to a customary care agreement in Ontario
- Subject to a protection custody order
- Receiving support under a Voluntary Youth Services Agreement
Individuals who were formerly in care and were adopted on or after August 1, 2013 may also be eligible under Stream 2.
All other OSAP eligibility requirements also apply — you must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person residing in Ontario, enrolled full-time at an eligible post-secondary institution.
Pro Tip:
You are automatically considered for the Living and Learning Grant when you submit your full-time OSAP application — there is no separate grant application. Supporting documents may be requested to confirm your eligibility, and the required documents will be outlined when you submit. Contact your school’s Financial Aid Office for guidance on the review process.
How Much Can You Get?
The Living and Learning Grant provides up to $2,000 per semester to help with living costs. The grant is paid in addition to your regular OSAP funding — it does not reduce your other OSAP grants or loan amounts.
You can receive the Living and Learning Grant for a maximum of four years of full-time post-secondary study.
How to Apply
Apply for OSAP as you normally would through your OSAP account. Stream 1 applicants (Ready Set Go recipients aged 23–26) are automatically assessed for the grant when they submit a full-time OSAP application. Stream 2 applicants should contact their school’s Financial Aid Office for details on the review process and any documentation required.
You can find out how to apply for OSAP on the OSAP full-time page.
Application Fee Reimbursement Program
If you are currently or were formerly in extended society care in Ontario — regardless of your age, income, or adoption status — you can get a refund for fees you paid when applying to:
- An approved program at a college, university, or Indigenous Institute in Ontario
- A first post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate
You can apply for a refund for your current academic year as well as application fees paid in the two previous academic years.
To apply, print and complete the Ontario Postsecondary Application Fee Reimbursement Program form, sign it, and mail it to the address provided in the application. The refund amount depends on the school or schools you applied to.
Other Ontario Student Aid Options
There are many Ontario student aid programs available depending on your circumstances. Explore the Ontario Funding overview for information on other bursaries, scholarships, and grants, including supports for Indigenous students and students with disabilities.
Ready to find a program? Explore eligible schools today.
