What to Do If OSAP Isn’t Enough (Without Going into Debt)

While the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a valuable financial resource, there are times when the funding it provides is not enough to cover all the expenses of post-secondary education. From tuition and textbooks to living expenses, the financial demands of student life can add up quickly. 

While student lines of credit and additional loans are an option, these will only add up onto your pre-existing OSAP debt. These can lead to large debts that graduating students cannot pay. If you find yourself in this situation, don't worry, there are several strategies and resources you can explore to bridge the gap.

1. Student Grants in Ontario

Ontario offers various student grants, many of which are for financial aid, but grants are also designed for certain populations and certain circumstances. For a full idea of the grants available to you, you should book a meeting at your post-secondary financial aid office. 

Read More:

• Mature Student Grants Available in Ontario

• Grants for Students with Disabilities in Ontario

Otherwise, Here are some of the most widely-utilized student grants available in Ontario:

 

Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students

$525 per month of study, up to $4,200 per year

The Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students is specifically designed for students in financial need. If OSAP doesn’t adequately provide for you, you are eligible for this grant! You are assessed for this grant automatically when applying for OSAP. 

For details on eligibility, and how much you can receive, click here.

If you applied to OSAP but are still unsure if you will receive this grant, reach out to your guidance counsellor or the financial aid office.

Ontario Learn and Stay Grant

The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant is designed for students interested in serving underserved communities. In order to be eligible, you must work in the region where you studied post-graduation and respond to market conditions, studying in-demand professions that lack sufficient supply. For many regions, these professions would likely be in healthcare or trades. 

Medical programs are some of the most costly post-secondary career paths in Ontario. If you’re looking to work in healthcare, this grant is perfect for you! Keep in mind that, in order to be eligible, you will need to work and study in a smaller Ontario community. 

2. Apply for Scholarships

One of the most effective ways to supplement your OSAP funding is by applying for scholarships. Scholarships are often merit-based, rewarding students for academic achievements, extracurricular activities, or specific talents. Because of this, there are a wide range of scholarships available, making the possibilities for additional financial aid endless.

For academic-based scholarships, students are required to achieve some level of academic excellence in high school. To learn how to boost your academic profile for scholarships, get in touch with one of our experienced guidance counselors! Pathways specializes in helping students of all ages achieve their educational goals. 

Below are some resources to help you find scholarships for Ontario students:

• Ontario Universities Info is a website that contains up-to-date scholarship information. It also has an advanced search function to help you find scholarships specific to your university, grade range, location, and identity. 

• Scholarships Canada is a long-running website dedicated to compiling both public and private scholarships available to students in Ontario and Canada. In addition to specialized scholarships with stringent requirements, the website also has scholarships available with little to no requirements at all. 

3. Apply for Bursaries 

Bursaries are awarded based on financial need, making them an excellent option for students who require additional financial assistance. Unlike loans, bursaries do not need to be repaid. 

To maximize your opportunities, start by exploring bursary options through your school's financial aid office, as they often administer a range of needs-based bursaries tailored for their student body.

Otherwise, here’s a few bursaries and resources available to Ontario students:

 

First Generation Bursary

The First Generation Bursary is a popular choice for students, offered by various schools across Ontario. In order to be eligible, you need to be the first of your family to pursue a post-secondary education, this means neither of your parents have graduated from post-secondary school. 

Ask your school how to apply! 

Indigenous Bursary Search Tool

Canada offers special financial assistance options to indigenous students attending a post-secondary institution in Canada. There are 541 financial aid programs available on the Government’s Indigenous Bursary Search Tool.

Explore Bursaries for Indigenous Students in Ontario!

4. Consider Part-Time Employment 

Although it will be difficult, part-time employment may be your only option to pay for post-secondary education without going into debt, especially if you don’t receive any grants, scholarships, or bursaries. 

However, many students in Ontario pursue their post-secondary education while still working part-time or even full-time. Many post-secondary institutions offer work-study programs that provide students with part-time, on-campus job opportunities aligned with their academic schedule.

Off-campus employment is also an option. Look for flexible positions that can accommodate your class timings, such as retail, hospitality, or remote freelance work. Besides financial benefits, part-time jobs can enhance your resume, develop work experience, and grow your professional network.

If working part-time and attending university classes is too much for you, consider reassessing your course load. A smaller course load will make it significantly easier to work and pay for your post-secondary expenses, but it will impact the loan and grant you receive from OSAP. Talk to your school’s guidance counsellor or academic advisor to find a balanced post-secondary plan that works for you.