Tuition Assistance
Students enrolled in a community college or university must pay tuition fees and other expenses. Unlike the publicly funded elementary and high school, post-secondary schooling is considered private education in Ontario.
Students can get help covering their costs through:
- The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), which provides government-backed loans to students that must be repaid.
- Grants, bursaries and scholarships offered by universities and colleges. Loans must be repaid; grants, bursaries and scholarships are not repaid.
- Student loans and lines of credit from banks, credit unions and other financial institutions. Loans and credit lines must be repaid.
- University work programs designed to help students with their financial needs through on-campus employment.
Most students start repaying their loans after graduation. The National Student Loans Service Centre helps students manage their loans and assists them during the repayment process.
OSAP also provides student loans and non-repayable grants and bursaries to students with disabilities.
Registered Education Savings Plan
Parents can reduce their child's post-secondary education costs by putting money into a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), a tax-free government-sponsored education savings plan. For those who qualify, there are also grants and bonds available to help parents start an RESP for their child.
For More Information
Ontario Student Assistance ProgramInformation about OSAP and the student loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships and other financial assistance offered by the Ontario government.
Queen’s University Student AwardsScholarships, bursaries and other financial assistance are available to students at Queen’s University. Information about applications and requirements.
Student Loans, Grants and ScholarshipsAn introduction to government student loans in Canada, how to apply, eligible amounts, tracking the money, and repayment. Includes tips on financing post-secondary education, managing loans and budgeting while in school.
Financing Your EducationCanadian government website. Information about financing options for students, and managing and repaying student loans.
Education Savings for Your childInformation on government savings plans (RESPs) and grant programs and how parents can use them to start saving for their child’s post-secondary education.