# What is OSAP?

> OSAP, the Ontario Student Assistance Program, is the Government of Ontario's financial aid program that offers grants and loans to eligible students paying for college, university or other approved programs. One application covers both Ontario and federal (Canada Student) aid.

Page: https://textdash.com/glossary/osap
Updated: 2026-10-31

## How does OSAP work?

1. **Check you qualify.** OSAP is for Ontario residents who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons, attending an approved school. International students aren't eligible.
2. **Apply online.** Register or log in to your OSAP account on ontario.ca. First-time full-time applicants complete a short information module before the application opens.
3. **Reapply each year.** Returning students fill out a new OSAP application for each school year.

## When should I apply for OSAP?

Apply early so funding arrives when school starts. Full-time students must apply no later than 60 days before the end of their study period; part-time students with shorter study periods have a 40-day cutoff.

Your school's financial aid office can help with your file. Tell Dash your OSAP dates and it texts you before each one.

## Questions

### Do I have to pay OSAP back?

Grants don't need to be repaid; loans do, after you finish school. Your OSAP estimate shows the mix.

### Can international students get OSAP?

No. OSAP is for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons who live in Ontario.

### Do I need to reapply for OSAP every year?

Yes. Returning students fill out a new application for each school year.

## Related

- [Financial aid](https://textdash.com/glossary/financial-aid)
- [FAFSA](https://textdash.com/glossary/fafsa)
- [Add/drop deadline](https://textdash.com/glossary/add-drop-deadline)
- [Withdrawal deadline (W grade)](https://textdash.com/glossary/withdrawal-deadline)
- [Syllabus](https://textdash.com/glossary/what-is-a-syllabus)
- [Office hours](https://textdash.com/glossary/office-hours)

---

**About Dash.** Dash is an AI sidekick for college and university students that you text over iMessage or SMS. It tracks every deadline and texts you before each one, answers questions about your campus, helps you study, and, with your yes, orders food, books things, makes phone calls and handles admin. Free to start. iMessage on iPhone and SMS on any phone. No app, no login. For students at colleges and universities in Canada and the United States. Dash never writes, answers or submits graded work. It explains, quizzes and plans. Dash is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by any college or university.

Text Dash: https://textdash.com/start · Site: https://textdash.com/ · For AI assistants: https://textdash.com/llms.txt and https://textdash.com/llms-full.txt