Ontario Grants for Students with Disabilities in 2025

For students with disabilities, navigating post-secondary comes with unique challenges and considerations. With essential medication, services, and equipment, it’s easy to see why many students with disabilities struggle with post-secondary costs. Because of this, numerous grants and programs are available in Ontario to help reduce the impact of these additional expenses. In 2025, students with disabilities can access several notable student grants to financially support their academic journey. Here’s a look at student grants and other funding options for students with disabilities in Ontario. 

Consider Pathways Education

Before we start, we’d like to introduce you to our Pathways education services. We provide comprehensive education for all ages and stages of learning. If you’re anxious about the workload and expectations that come with post-secondary studies, we can help you prepare for what’s to come.

• For English-speaking students over 18: Our academic upgrading program is available to help you improve your core skills, such as reading, writing, math, science, and computer skills. We’ll ensure you gain the experience you need to reach your goals, preparing you for the challenges of post-secondary studies.

• For students looking for additional Ontario High School Credits: We are a ministry-inspected learning centre able to provide Ontario High School Credits online. By taking our online High School courses you can…

• Improve your GPA

• Improve your grades in certain subjects

• Receive the grades you need to qualify for more competitive post-secondary programs

• Receive the credits you need to qualify for specific post-secondary programs

Ready to open up pathways to new and exciting opportunities? Get started today!

Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities

• Eligibility 

• Demonstrate financial need, this is measured by your household’s income. 

• Be enrolled in an approved program at a recognized school.

• Be officially recognized as a student with a disability through the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program.

• Include documents with your application that confirm your disability.

The Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities is a federal funding option that helps students with disabilities during their studies. You can apply for it when you apply for provincial student financial aid. In Ontario, this is OSAP. 

According to The Government of Canada website, post-secondary students are eligible for a maximum of $2,800 per year in 2024-2025. Students can receive this funding through each year of study, as long as they continue to qualify. 

The grant amount is fixed—it doesn't change based on how much financial aid you need—which means it can help reduce or even replace the need to take out student loans.

Canada Student Grant for Disability Services and Equipment

• Eligibility

• Demonstrate financial need.

• Enroll in a recognized program at a designated school.

• Have a disability acknowledged by the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program.

• Include documentation of your disability with your application.

• Provide a letter from a qualified professional verifying your need for education-related services or equipment.

• Submit evidence of the costs associated with these services and equipment.

The Canada Student Grant for Disability Services and Equipment is designed to fund the services and equipment students with disabilities need for their post-secondary education. A maximum of $20,000 is available per school year. You should automatically be assessed for the grant when applying for student aid. 

The type of services eligible for the grant can range from professional notetakers to tutors or interpreters. Types of equipment included in the grant could be livescribe pens or braille print. 

Equipment and services needed for daily living are typically ineligible. 

To confirm the need for services or equipment, you should obtain documentation from:

• A rehabilitation caseworker

• An official from a center for students with disabilities

• A guidance counselor

• A financial aid administrator from your school

Other Funding Options Available

While Ontario grants for students with disabilities are limited, there are other funding options available to support students with disabilities during their studies, as well as after.

• Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): Offers financial assistance to help Ontario residents with disabilities fund their living expenses and healthcare expenses. Funding is not limited to students, but you can receive ODSP funding while receiving OSAP funding simultaneously. A single individual is eligible to receive $1,368 per month.

• Severe Permanent Disability Benefit: This benefit is specifically for students with disabilities who have completed their studies. The benefit may allow you to have all or some of your student loan debt forgiven.