Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) for Part-Time Students
Official Guidelines for the 2025–2026 academic year: Updated January 2026
Not everyone is able to attend school full-time. Many students in Ontario balance education with work, family responsibilities, or other commitments. Thankfully, part-time students can still receive financial support through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).
The Ontario Student Assistance Program for Part-Time Students provides funding to help cover the cost of tuition, books, and in some cases, additional living or child care expenses. OSAP offers financial assistance through a mix of grants and loans, depending on your financial need.
If you’re planning to return to school part-time, OSAP can help make postsecondary education more affordable while allowing you to continue working or managing other obligations.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for OSAP for Part-Time Students, 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 a part-time course load at a designated college or university.
- You must demonstrate financial need based on your income and education costs.
Next Steps:
Ready to take the next step? Reach out to a school to confirm your part-time program eligibility and get guidance on applying for OSAP.
What OSAP Covers for Part-Time Students
Part-time OSAP funding can help pay for several education-related costs, including:
- Tuition and mandatory school fees
- Books, supplies, and equipment
- Child care expenses (where eligible)
When you apply, you may qualify for a combination of grants and loans depending on your circumstances. Many part-time students receive grant support that does not need to be repaid.
How to Apply
The OSAP application process for part-time students is completed online and is generally straightforward. Here are the basic steps:
- Create an OSAP account using your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Start a new application for the academic year in which you are studying part-time.
- Enter details about your school, program, income, and family situation.
- Submit any required supporting documents for verification.
Deadlines vary depending on your study period, so students are encouraged to apply early to avoid delays.
Things to do after applying
Once you submit your OSAP application for Part-Time Students, there are a few important steps to stay on track:
- Check your OSAP account for updates: You may be asked to provide additional documents, and you can track how much funding you may receive.
- Confirm your enrollment: Your school must confirm your part-time registration before funds are released.
- Watch for reassessments: Changes to your course load or income 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 Part-Time Students. The amount you receive depends on factors such as tuition costs, course load, income, and family situation.
Ontario and Canada publish official maximum aid amounts for part-time student assistance. These figures represent the highest amounts available under current guidelines for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Ontario Part-Time Grant (Provincial):
- Up to $500 per academic year
Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Studies (Federal):
- Up to $2,520 per academic year
Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants:
- Up to $3,024 per academic year
Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities:
- Up to $2,800 per academic year
Please note that these are maximum amounts, not guaranteed funding. Your actual OSAP support will depend on your personal financial assessment and program costs.
Repaying loans
If your part-time OSAP funding includes a loan portion, repayment typically begins after you finish school or leave your studies. Many students also qualify for repayment assistance depending on income and financial circumstances.
Grants 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 the OSAP application process. Schools can help you understand available training programs, 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 considering returning to school part-time in Ontario, speaking with an advisor is one of the best next steps you can take.
