Recent changes to OSAP benefit students

Feb. 12, 2018

The Honourable Mitzie Hunter, Ontario’s Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, met with a group of Georgian College students last week to talk about changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

Approximately 75 per cent of Georgian students receive OSAP funding, the fourth highest rate of all Ontario colleges. Recent changes to the program mean Georgian students are benefitting more than ever.

“The new OSAP rules are a game changer for current and potential students,” said Georgian President and CEO Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes. “Our role as an academic institution is to ensure our students’ main focus is their academic success, rather than worrying about how they’re going to pay for their postsecondary education.”

Changes include more generous grants — money that students don’t have to pay back — as well as more upfront OSAP loans. Additionally, announced in January OSAP will be paid directly to all universities and colleges, meaning families will only receive a bill for what they owe beyond OSAP grants and loans — which in many cases will be nothing.

“So far this year, grant funding distributed to Georgian students is $43 million as compared to $13 million in 2016–17, allowing students to pursue their educational dreams. Many would not be here at all without this critical financial support,” said West-Moynes.

Both students who come to college directly from high school and mature students who have been out of school for a period of time are all eligible to apply for OSAP. Approximately 60 per cent of Georgian students do not come directly from high school.

“I am truly thankful for all OSAP and Georgian have done for me in the last few years,” said Shannon Kelly, a mature student and mother of two who is completing the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Management and Leadership degree program. “Before the changes to OSAP I struggled, and even considered dropping out. I had to use cash loan services and borrow money from family and friends. Now I have enough money to pay my bills on time and avoid the hefty finance charges. I’m able to purchase nutritious food, put my children in extracurricular activities, and balance my academic and personal life. I am fully confident I will be successful and graduate with honours.”

Almost 225,000 postsecondary students are receiving free tuition thanks to the new OSAP. This year, the application for OSAP opened in November – four months ahead of previous years.

“The opportunity to attend Georgian College – or a college or university like it – should be based on a student’s potential, not their ability to pay,” said Minister Hunter. “More students of all ages are qualifying for OSAP than ever before, and almost all of those students are receiving grants they’ll never have to pay back. OSAP is helping thousands of Ontario students focus on what really matters – pursuing their dreams and achieving their potential.”

Read more about OSAP and get a quick estimate on how much you could receive in grants and loans.