Whether OSAP covers the cost of residence is highly circumstantial.
They do provide funds for ‘Travel and living allowances’ however how much you receive will depend on your individual and family circumstances.
For the purpose of this article, we’ll assume you qualify for the maximum amount of funding that OSAP will give you.
Your estimate will look something like this:
Tuition and education costs (estimated)
Tuition: $6,100
Compulsory fees: $2,031
Books, supplies and other costs: $1,681
Travel and living allowances: $11,875
Total estimated costs: $21,687
In most cases, your Tuition, Compulsory Fees and Residence Fees will go directly to the post secondary institution you will be planning to attend.
The balance will be deposited to your bank account, allowing you to determine how best to use the funds.
Residence Fees vary widely based on post-secondary institution, single/double/triple occupancy of a room and various other factors.
In many cases the amount you receive may not be enough to cover your full Residence Fees.
How Much Does OSAP Cover?
OSAP is intended to supplement your educational costs, not cover all of them. Here’s a table of the weekly maximum amounts that OSAP covers for students in 2023/2024:
| If you are enrolled full-time at: | Single student with no dependents: | Student who is married, in a common-law relationship, or a sole support parent: |
|---|---|---|
| A Public College or University in Ontario | $510/Week | $825/Week |
| An Approved Private Postsecondary School in Ontario | $510/Week | $825/Week |
| A Public College or University in Another Canadian Province | $510/Week | $825/Week |
| A Private Postsecondary School in Another Canadian Province | $300/Week | $300/Week |
| A Private or Public Postsecondary School Outside of Canada | $300/Week | $300/Week |
What Should I do if OSAP Doesn’t Cover All My Expenses?
For many students, OSAP funding might not be enough to cover the cost of tuition, books, supplies, and residency.
Students in Ontario must understand that there are alternative ways of receiving funds to pay for their post-secondary education.
These include Federal student loans, grants, and even getting a part-time job while completing your studies.
Depending on your financial status, you could also be eligible for a bursary called the Ontario Student Access Guarantee.
You will have to qualify for your school’s OSAG eligibility but it is an additional financial aid instrument for Ontario students.
