Applying for OSAP

Before applying for OSAP think about alternative sources of money from parents or a part-time job. Go as far as to think why you need OSAP in the first place. If you're not employed part-time for a minimum two days a week, your first instinct should be to find a job. You must have time and money management skills before taking on a loan. This part time job will help you pay for some expenses not related to education such as cell phone bills, transportation, and food. OSAP funds should not be used for paying bills that are unrelated to  your education. Once you have an alternative income source, lets begin applying for OSAP.

First you need to know if you're a full-time or part-time student. Full-time students take 60% course load or more and part-time students have a course load between 20% to 59%. The amount of money you receive from OSAP will vary depending on your program and college. The reason for this is because two institutions offering the same program might vary in tuition costs and curriculum. Before OSAP writes you a cheque, they need to verify the cost and length of your education. Use the OSAP Aid Estimator to find out the amount of financial aid you can expect once you have been approved. You can apply for OSAP by a paper application if needed from your institutions financial aid office, or fill out the online application.

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Once you have filled out the online application, take the time to review your application summery. Make sure all the information you have provided is correct because once you submit. You will not be able to edit that information online, if you realize you have made a mistake after submitting your application; it will require documentation to get those mistake change. Therefore, take your time and verify your application. There will be a list of document you must provide, so take all deadlines and important notices into consideration.

After you submit, you must make sure you understand the terms and condition of taking the OSAP loan. Print out all declaration and signature pages and sign all required areas. Mail the signature pages or submit them at your financial aid office.

The last step is to wait for your estimate and use it to make plans and adjust your academic year.  Good luck.