Introduction to Government Aid
All provinces have a government sponsored plan which provides financial assistance to qualified students. In addition to their own loan and grant (or bursary) programs, provinces administer the Canada Student Loans (CSL) program on behalf of the federal government. The type and amount of assistance varies widely and will depend on individual circumstances. Student assistance programs are intended to supplement, not replace, the resources of the student and his/her family. Each person is assessed on the basis of need and this is done through the information provided on the application. Student loans/grants are meant to help you pay for tuition and related expenses.
The first priority of all funds received through the student assistance program is to pay outstanding tuition fees first and the remainder to help you with your other expenses. If the total amount of assistance is less than the total tuition, you must find the necessary resources to pay the balance.Government student loans are interest free for full time students and repayment starts six months after completing the program. If you withdraw, loan repayment starts six months after your last day in full time attendance.
This section of our website will provide basic information about OSAP; for additional information about OSAP, visit the OSAP website. If you want to learn more about the equivalent program in other provinces, click here.
ID Requirements
Although you are able to apply for your student loan without providing any documentation to prove your identity, you will not be able to pick up your funding (loan or grant) without the proper identification. Each time you pick up funding, you must present the following two (2) pieces of identification:
- Valid government issued photo identification. Your identification must have been issued by either the federal or provincial government. The following are acceptable:
- Driver licence (current)
- Health card with photo
- Valid passport
- Canadian Citizenship card (if photo is of you as an infant or young child, it is not acceptable)
- Social Insurance Number card. The following documents will be accepted in place of your SIN card:
- Notice of Assessment (from Canada Revenue Agency)
- GST (an official Government of Canada document)
- A Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions
- Confirmation of Social Insurance Number from Service Canada, or
- A temporary SIN card.
In addition, we will also ask you for your U of T student card. This will allow us to check your registration status and your course load. We will not release government aid to you without proper identification.
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