Guide to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

1. Start your full-time application through the OSAP website

• Apply and upload your required documents by June 30 to help receive funding for the start of the September term and avoid outstanding fees
• Complete the consent to release section if you’d like a parent, spouse, or sibling to assist on your behalf
• Choose McMaster University as your institution (Mohawk and Conestoga Nursing students should select their college, not McMaster)
• If taking courses in both fall and winter, submit one application and fully enrol in both terms before funding is released
• Graduate students (non-MBA) may apply for fall, winter, and spring/summer in one application if eligible
• MBA students must apply one term at a time

The OSAP application requires you to complete Signature and Consent Declaration pages. You may also be asked for additional documents including income information, transcripts from other colleges/universities, etc. These documents can be uploaded directly to your application by logging into your OSAP account. Learn about how to upload your documents. 

2. Set up your account

Your online Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) is your loan agreement with the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) — the NSLSC is where your OSAP funding comes from.

• This multi-year agreement covers present and future continuous student loans so you only need to sign it once — the first time you apply for full-time OSAP. If you return to full-time studies after a break that is 2 years or greater,  you will need to re-sign a new MSFAA when you apply for financial assistance.
• After applying for OSAP, you will receive a Notice of Assessment from the NSLSC, including a 10-digit MSFAA number
• You can also find your 10-digit MSFAA number by logging into your OSAP account and going to your “Required Documents” page
• You will then receive a welcome email from the NSLSC inviting you to register for an online account and complete the online MSFAA
• Register and create an online account with the NSLSC
• Verify your identity with the NSLSC
• Complete the online MSFAA

3. Enrol in courses

Enrol in a full-time course load for all the terms listed on your OSAP application.

• You need to be in at least a 60% course load (40% for students with disabilities) in each term
• If you are full-time in one term and part-time in another, you may submit 2 separate applications
• Your enrolment in Mosaic must match the course load percentage on your OSAP application for funding to be released.
• Added/dropped a course? Upload a Change Request form to update your OSAP application.

4. Track your application

Your OSAP may take 4-6 weeks to be processed.

• You can check your application status by logging into your account on the OSAP website and going to “My Apps”
• If you need to submit more documents to complete your application, you will see a notice in your OSAP application
• Check your OSAP Message Centre for any important communication related to your application.

5. Confirmation of enrolment

Before funding is released, McMaster must confirm your enrolment.

• You’ll receive a notification once confirmed
• Funding is typically issued 5–7 business days after confirmation
• Your enrolment in Mosaic must match your approved OSAP course load

6. Receive your funding

Most students receive funding in two instalments:

• Early fall term
• Early winter term

Some instalments may arrive as separate provincial and federal payments.

Graduate students (non-MBA) assessed for three terms still receive funding in two instalments.

7. How funding is applied

OSAP funding is first sent to your McMaster student account to pay eligible charges such as:

• Tuition
• Supplementary fees
• Residence and meal plan charges

If your funding is more than your balance owing, the remaining amount is deposited to your bank account.

8. Important to know

• OSAP may not cover your full costs. You are responsible for any remaining balance. Learn more about fee deadlines.
• Charges such as interest, late fees, bookstore purchases and fines are not automatically covered.
• Adding courses after funding is assessed may create additional fees.
• You can track your OSAP funding in the account summary in your Mosaic Student Center (under the “Finance” section, select “Account Summary”).
• Your OSAP entitlement will first show up in the “Pending OSAP Grant” and/or “Pending OSAP Loan” row
• When an amount shows up in the “OSAP payments” row, it means the funding has been deposited to the University.
• The amount of OSAP funding sent to McMaster is based on the outstanding student account balance at the point and time of OSAP Confirmation of Enrolment. Any enrolment changes (e.g. adding courses) after that date may require an additional payment from your personal bank account. You are responsible for checking your outstanding student account balance to make all additional required payments by posted deadline dates.
• Learn more about academic restrictions/warnings and how to appeal for additional funding for additional funding under the After Applying tab on this page.

1. Start your part-time application through the OSAP website

• Students applying for part-time OSAP need to submit a new application for each term
• Co-op work terms are considered a 100% course load. If you’re taking a course while on a work term, apply for full-time OSAP. Taking a course on top of a work term will give you a course overload.
• Complete the consent to release form for your parent(s)/spouse if their information is required for your application.
• Choose McMaster University as your intuition (Mohawk and Conestoga Nursing students select your college, not McMaster)

The OSAP application requires you to complete Signature and Consent Declaration pages. You may also be asked for additional documents including income information, transcripts from other colleges/universities, etc. These documents can be uploaded directly to your application by logging into your OSAP account.

2. Set up your account

Your online Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) is your loan agreement with the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) — the NSLSC is where your OSAP funding comes from.

• You only need to do this step the first time you apply for part-time OSAP
• Your part-time OSAP loans will be separate from your full-time OSAP loans so if you have applied for full-time OSAP in the past you will have two MSFAAs.
• After applying for OSAP, you will receive a Notice of Assessment from the NSLSC, including a 10-digit MSFAA number.
• You can also find your 10-digit MSFAA number by logging into your OSAP account and going to your “Required Documents” page
• You will then receive a welcome email from the NSLSC inviting you to register for an online account and complete the online MSFAA
• Register and create an online account with the NSLSC
• Verify your identity with the NSLSC
• Complete the online MSFAA

3. Enrol in courses

Enrol in a part-time course load.

• REMEMBER: if your course load is 60% or above (40% or above for students with disabilities), apply for full-time OSAP, NOT part-time.
• Your enrolment in Mosaic must match the course load percentage on your OSAP application for funding to be released.
• Check ‘View Financial Aid Applications’ in your Mosaic Student Center
• Added/dropped a course? Submit a Change Request form to update your OSAP application.

4. Track your application

Applications may take 4–6 weeks to process.

To check your status:

1. Log in to your OSAP account
2. Select My Apps
3. Review status, required documents and messages

Check your OSAP Message Centre regularly for updates.

5. Receive your funding

OSAP funding is first sent to your McMaster student account to pay eligible charges such as:

• Tuition
• Supplementary fees
• Residence and meal plan charges (if applicable)

If your funding is more than your balance owing, the remaining amount is deposited to your bank account.

Funding is released by the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC). Funding typically is deposited 5-10 days after confirmation of enrolment.

6. Important to know

• OSAP may not cover your full costs. You are responsible for any remaining balance.
• Charges such as bookstore purchases, interest, late fees and fines are not automatically covered.
• Students who have applied for part-time OSAP are strongly encouraged to pay their fees before the fee payment deadline if they can. Part-time confirmations of enrolment cannot happen before the term’s add/drop deadline as we need to ensure students are staying enroled in a part-time course load before funding is issued. We cannot guarantee that part-time OSAP funding will be released prior to the fee deadline date. Fees that remain unpaid by the published deadlines will incur late fees and interest charges.

To continue receiving OSAP funding for your studies you must apply every year through the OSAP website. Your application process depends on whether you’re a full-time or part-time student, learn about the process in the Applying For The First-Time tab on this page.

The full 14-week Spring/Summer term runs from Monday, May 4, 2026 – Friday, August 14, 2026. Certain programs that have full-term courses only will finish on August 7. 

The term is broken up into two seven-week sessions:

1. Spring session (Monday, May 4, 2026 – Friday, June 19, 2026)
2. Summer session (Monday, June 29, 2026 – Friday, August 14, 2026)

OSAP options

Depending on your situation for the Spring/Summer, you can:

• Extend an existing full-time OSAP application
• Submit a new full-time OSAP application
• Submit a new part-time OSAP application

To determine which option you can choose, keep in mind:

1. Will you be full-time or part-time?
2. Did you have a completed full-time OSAP application for Fall and/or Winter term?
3. Are you taking courses in both sessions? Or one session?

Check out the Spring/Summer OSAP dates and deadlines.

Determine your course load

If you’re taking a course or courses in both the spring and summer sessions (including courses that span the full spring/summer term), you can calculate your course load the same way you would for the fall or winter.

If you’re only taking courses in one of the spring or summer session, divide the 100% course load for one term by 2 and then divide the number of units you’re enrolled in by that number.

To be considered a full-time student for the full spring/summer, you must be in at least 60% (or at least 40% if you have a permanent disability) of a full course load for your program for the entire term.

Extend your current full-time OSAP application

If you already have a fully processed full-time OSAP application for this academic year (starting in either September 2025 or January 2026), with a completed confirmation of enrolment, you may extend this application.

You do not need to apply online for full-time OSAP again.

Simply complete the OSAP Extension Form, scan it as a PDF file, and upload it  using the instructions on the OSAP Forms tab on this page. 

Check our dates and deadlines webpage for when to submit your OSAP Extension Form. The Office of the Registrar will not process forms received after the deadline.

Submit a new full-time OSAP application

If you have not applied for full-time OSAP this academic year (starting in September 2025 or January 2026), please submit a new full-time OSAP application on the OSAP website.

If you are an undergraduate student that was enrolled in courses or completed a co-op term in the Fall and/or Winter terms, please submit a full-time OSAP application only for the 2026 Spring/Summer term.

If you are an undergraduate student on co-op from September 2025 – August 2026 or from January 2026 – August 2026, please submit a full-time OSAP application for your entire co-op period.

If you are a graduate student (except for MBA students), please submit a full-time OSAP application for the period of September 2025 – August 2026.

If you are an MBA graduate student, submit a full-time OSAP application only for the 2026 Spring/Summer term (whether you are enrolled in courses or a co-op work term).

Submit a new part-time OSAP application

Whether or not you applied for OSAP during Fall/Winter, you need to submit a new application for OSAP for Part-Time Students if you’ll be part-time for one session or the full Spring/Summer term.

OSAP for Part-Time Students is a separate program from full-time OSAP and requires a separate application. Your part-time OSAP loans will be separate from any full-time OSAP loans you may have. These will require two separate repayment plans.

All students (both undergraduate and graduate) must submit a new part-time OSAP application for each term.

Example: a graduate student would submit one part-time OSAP application for the 2025 Fall term, a second part-time OSAP application for the 2026 Winter term, and a third part-time OSAP application for the 2026 Spring/Summer term.

OSAP for Intersession Learning

Learn about OSAP for Intersession Learning courses.

If you need to change the information on your OSAP application, you can submit a Change Request Form. This form must be uploaded directly to your current OSAP application. Possible changes include:

• Updated course load because of adding/dropping a course
• Income updates for yourself
• Switching programs
• Withdrawing from McMaster

Any information related to your parents or spouse cannot be updated with a change request form. Instead, your parents or spouse will need to submit a signed and dated letter explaining the changes that need to be made. Please speak with a Student Services Professional to determine if this change requires any supporting documentation.

You apply online for full-time OSAP only once per academic year.  If you extend your full-time enrollment within that year, upload a full-time OSAP Extension Form.   

For example, if you only applied for the fall term and will be a full-time student in the winter term as well, you don’t apply for OSAP online again. You can extend your existing application by submitting a Full-Time OSAP Extension Form. You also use an extension form for full-time studies during the spring/summer term. 

You only need to submit a second online application if you have a change in your status (e.g. got married). For changes with your Social Insurance Number (SIN) please connect with the Registrar’s Office to learn how to proceed.  

OSAP funding will automatically be deposited into your McMaster student account to pay tuition and supplementary, residence and meal plan fees. Any OSAP funding left over will be deposited into your personal bank account. If OSAP doesn’t cover everything, the remaining amount would need to be paid out of pocket by the payment deadlines.

Review your OSAP funding and monitor your Student Account on Mosaic to plan your finances accordingly.

Full-time OSAP

To stay eligible for full-time OSAP, you need to pass the number of courses that make up at least 60% or above (40% or above for students with disabilities) of a 100% course load for your program in the terms in which you receive OSAP. OSAP Academic Progress Warnings and Restrictions are different than academic probation for the University.

What might lead to an academic progress warning/restriction:

• Not successfully completing a 60% course load (or a 40% course load for students with permanent disabilities) in each term
• Dropping courses
• Withdrawing from full-time studies
• Switching programs of study
• Switching educational institutions

Warning vs. restriction

If you fail to meet the academic progress requirements, you will first receive an Academic Progress Warning. You are still eligible to apply for OSAP after receiving a warning but will need to submit a OSAP Acknowledgement of Academic Probation form to receive funding. This form will be available on your OSAP portal under ‘Required Documents’. Complete, sign, date, and upload the form directly to your OSAP application using the Print/Upload> function on the site.

If you fail to meet the requirements after receiving a warning, you will receive an Academic Progress Restriction. On the first occurrence, you will not be able to apply for OSAP for one year. When your restriction is over, you will need to submit the Academic Restriction form to apply for OSAP.

Part-time OSAP

To maintain eligibility for part-time OSAP, you must successfully complete all courses for which part-time OSAP was issued. Students who do not successfully complete all of their courses must self-fund and successfully complete one semester. Students must pass all of their courses to be considered to have successfully completed their self-funded semester and to be eligible for future part-time OSAP funding consideration.   

Required documents:  

• Transcripts showing successful completion of previous Part-Time studies. 

The student must provide transcripts for the most recent period that they received part-time OSAP funding. Official transcripts are not required for this documentation requirement.  

Your funding amount depends on several factors, including:

• Course load
• Program costs
• Income and assets
• Marital or family status
• Living arrangements
• Parent or spouse income (if applicable)
• Number of dependants

Government funding limits also apply. If your circumstances were not fully reflected in your assessment, you may be able to submit an appeal to request a funding review.

• Appeal forms are available through the OSAP website
• Requests must be based on specific circumstances and include supporting documentation
• General requests for more funding are not approved

If you’re enrolled in full-time studies, you do not need to make loan payments and eligible student loans remain interest-free while you study.

If you stop full-time studies (graduate, withdraw, or move to part-time), your loans enter a 6-month grace period before repayment begins.

When you need it

Apply for Continuation of Interest-Free Status (CIFS) if you:

• Received student loans in the past
• Are continuing full-time studies
• Are not applying for new OSAP funding this term

Common examples:

• Full-time study without OSAP
• Co-op work terms (co-op is considered full-time)
• Your OSAP application is delayed or on hold

Application process if previously received full-time OSAP

Submit an online Continuation of Interest-Free Status (CIFS) if you’re a full-time student who has received full-time OSAP funding in the past but will not be receiving OSAP for your current full-time study period.

• Apply online through the OSAP website
• Your information is sent to OSAP and the NSLSC electronically
• We strongly recommend that you submit your application as early as 15 days before the start of your study period/work term. Online CIFS applications must be submitted at least 21 days prior to the last day of the study period. We recommend submitting your application as early as possible to avoid your loans being moved to repayment status.
• You can check the status of your application on both the OSAP and NSLSC websites.

Application process for student loans outside of Ontario or have part-time OSAP funding

Confirmation of Enrolment

The Confirmation of Enrolment application maintains interest-free status if you’ve previously received:

• Student loans from a province outside of Ontario OR
• Part-time student loans including OSAP

You are eligible to submit an online Confirmation of Enrolment application if you:

• Have been taking courses towards an eligible degree AND
• Are enrolled in at least a minimum full-time course load
• If you are continuing part-time, but you are not applying for part-time OSAP, OR if you have applied for part-time OSAP and have a $0 assessment, then your previous part-time OSAP loans will not be placed back into interest-free status. To do this, please log into your account on the National Student Loans Service Centre Portal (NSLSC) and submit a part-time Confirmation of Enrollment application.

How to apply

• Log into your account on the NSLSC website and submit an online Confirmation of Enrolment application.
• Unable to use the online service? You can also submit a service request.
• McMaster uses the portal to confirm enrolment for the following student aid programs:
  • British Columbia
  • Alberta
  • Nova Scotia
  • Prince Edward Island
  • National Student Loans Service Centre – all Canada Student Loans
• Some provinces require an additional form to maintain provincial interest-free status. Consult your province’s student aid program for full details.

Not eligible

The following McMaster programs/courses are not eligible for interest-free status: 

• Blended Learning Part-Time Master of Management in Applied AI and Data-Driven Decision Making
• Blended Learning Part-Time MBA 
• Courses taken with a transitional, continuing, or non-degree status 
• Diploma and Certificate programs 
• Enrichment terms/years 
• Master, Biomedical Innovation (MBI) 
• Master, Communication Management 
• Master, Executive MBA 
• Master, Finance 
• Master of Health Management 
• Master of Public Policy in Digital Solutions, Strategies, and Leadership 
• Master, Rehabilitation Science (online) 
• McMaster Continuing Education (MCE) courses, certificates, and diplomas 
• Medical Clerkship Extension 
• Medical Residency (except Alberta and Quebec) 
• MELD and MERGE 
• Online Letter of Permission (LOP) courses that do NOT have terms dates that are concurrent with McMaster’s term dates.  Athabasca University, University of New Brunswick, and Thompson River University (and possibly other schools) have open-ended study period dates; therefore, these LOP courses are NOT OSAP eligible 
• Part-Time Nuclear Engineering (UNENE) graduate degree and diploma programs 
• Ph, Divinity (OSAP is offered through Divinity College) 

If your program is not eligible for interest-free status, please review the options that are available on the NSLSC website.

Learn about the interest-free status deadlines.

Full-time OSAP

At least part of your full-time OSAP loans will begin collecting interest once you are no-longer enrolled in full-time studies. This could mean you’ve graduated or you’ve dropped to part-time studies or withdrawn from school (even temporarily). You will receive a notice from the government to start repaying your loans 6 months after your last day of full-time studies.

If you are continuing as a full-time student but no longer applying for OSAP or are restricted from further OSAP loans, submit a Continuation of Interest-Free Status (CIFS) application.

Part-time OSAP

Your part-time OSAP loans will be separate from any full-time OSAP loans you may have. These will require two separate repayment plans.

Your part-time OSAP loans may begin collecting interest as soon as you are no longer enrolled in school. This could mean you’ve graduated or you’ve or withdrawn from school (even temporarily). You will receive a notice from the government to start repaying your loans 6 months after your last day of full-time studies.

If you are continuing as a full-time student but no longer applying for part-time OSAP, apply for a Continuation of Interest-Free Status (CIFS).

If you are continuing part-time, but you are not applying for part-time OSAP, OR if you have applied for part-time OSAP and have a $0 assessment, then your previous part-time OSAP loans will not be placed back into interest-free status. To do this, please log into your account on the National Student Loans Service Centre Portal (NSLSC) and submit a part-time Confirmation of Enrollment application

Learn more about repaying OSAP.

We encourage you to upload completed OSAP forms via the OSAP website. To protect your personal information, documentation is not accepted via email. Uploading your documentation is the best way to submit your documentation for timely processing.

Download the forms on this page to extend or make changes to your OSAP application, clear an OSAP warning/restriction and more: 

1. Combine all your documents as one PDF less than 2MB. No other formats will be accepted.

2. Save the PDF using this format: LAST NAME_ first name_(McMaster student#)

3. Navigate to your current OSAP application and upload your document using the Print/upload link.

4. Monitor the status of your OSAP application by going to your OSAP portal.

• OSAP change request forms and extension forms are uploaded directly to your OSAP application online.
• Please upload your documents once. If you need to make changes or corrections to your submitted file, add “updated” to the end of your file name.

What to do if your OSAP upload portal is closed? 

MacHub is only used to upload OSAP change request forms, extension forms, exchange forms and other OSAP documents that cannot be uploaded to your online OSAP application because the supporting document deadline has passed.

Upload your form to MacHub following the instructions below:

• Log in to MacHub
• Select ‘Create New Service Request’    
• Select ‘RO Student Services’    
• OSAP Change Request Forms: Select the request type ‘Ontario Student Assistance Program’ and subtype ‘Changes to my OSAP application’ 
• OSAP Extension Forms: Select the request type ‘Ontario Student Assistance Program’ and subtype ‘OSAP Extensions’ 
• OSAP LOP or Exchange Forms:  Select the request type ‘Ontario Student Assistance Program’ and subtype ‘OSAP for Letter of Permission (LOP) or Exchange’ 
• Explain the details of your inquiry in the space provided 
• Select ‘Submit & Proceed’. At this point, your service request is submitted and uploading a document on the next screen is optional  
• To upload a PDF document, click ‘Add Files’   
• Check the status of your service request by selecting ‘My Requests’    

Monitor your OSAP application and OSAP Message Center for updates. OSAP documents uploaded to MacHub prior to the study period and date will not be processed. It is the student’s responsibility to upload a document to their OSAP application by the deadline. 

Apply for OSAP as you normally would, using McMaster University (not your exchange university) as your institution. Then, complete and upload an Exchange Program Information Form online in your OSAP application. Along with this form, you will need to submit proof of your study dates, as far in advance of your travel as possible. Please visit our Exchange Program page for more information.

MBA students are required to apply for OSAP on a term-by-term basis. You will need to apply for September to December online, then you can fill out an OSAP Extension Form to extend your application from January to April and May to August.

LOP courses may possibly be eligible for OSAP funding in certain circumstances, as long as the following criteria are met:

1. You have a fully completed OSAP application with McMaster University.
2. The 2nd institution is approved for OSAP purposes.
3. You provide the Office of the Registrar with proof of enrollment and course fees at the 2nd institution prior to OAP funding being released.
4. The start and end dates of the LOP courses are concurrent with McMaster’s term dates; i.e., September – December, January – April, May – August. *Online LOP courses through Athabasca University, University of New Brunswick, and Thompson River University (and possibly courses through other institutions) are not eligible for OSAP funding.

If you have a Permanent disability (PD) or a Persistent or Prolonged disability (PPD), and you are taking between a 40% – 59% of a full course load in each term, you have a choice of applying for OSAP as a part time or full-time student. It is recommended that you speak with the Registrar’s Office for help deciding which program best meets your financial needs.

All OSAP funding will automatically be deposited into your McMaster student account to pay tuition and supplementary fees. Any funding left over will be deposited to your personal bank account. We recommend applying for OSAP by June 30 to ensure you meet the McMaster fall fee deadline. If OSAP funding does not cover the full cost of your tuition and fees, you are responsible for any outstanding balance on your student account.

You will need to:

• Complete, sign and date an OSAP Extension Form, in the OSAP Forms tab.
• Scan or save your complete form as a PDF file that is no larger than 2MB using the naming format Last Name, First Name-Student Number.
• Submit a Service Request in MacHub and attach your completed form:
• Any forms not in the correct naming format and/or larger than 2MB will not be processed.
• Our approx. processing time is 6-8 weeks.  Please monitor your OSAP application for updates. Avoid uploading the same form multiple times to avoid processing delays.
• If  the study period end date on your FT OSAP application is April or August, do not submit a Service Request. Please upload your forms directly to your online OSAP application under “Print/Upload.”

We are continuing to process supporting documentation for OSAP applications uploaded directly to your OSAP portal. Please do not place anything in the drop box outside Gilmour Hall, 108 or mail/fax any documentation to our office.

To upload documents to OSAP portal:
1. Log in to your OSAP account and go to “My Apps”.
2. Under “Submitted Applications”, go to “View Documents and Print/Upload”.
3. Go to each of the document’s names for a description of what you’re required to upload.
4. Complete, date and sign your document(s) in blue or black ink and take a clear scan or photo of the page(s).
5. Upload each document as a PDF that is less than 2MB in size.

Please submit a Service Request in MacHub with your student aid form attached. Allow five business days for student aid forms to be completed by the Registrar’s Office. Completed forms will be emailed directly to your home province if possible. If not, the completed form will be returned to you via your MacHub Service Request. 

Before uploading the form, please make sure that you have filled out all of the required parts, dated and signed it.

The Registrar’s Office is available to review your submitted OSAP application with you. OSAP assessments are based off application details, it is a supplementary funding option and not guaranteed to cover all fees. Please have one piece of valid physical government photo ID (Health Card not accepted) and your MacCard. Your original SIN card/paper is required for an OAN PIN reset. 

You must be enrolled in all courses by the add/drop date for that term for the ‘overload’ to be considered as part of the course load on your OSAP application. If you’re intending to complete an overload of courses and require extra funding, you can indicate a course load over 100% on your OSAP application. If you register in an overload after submitting your OSAP, please upload a Change Request form. Course load is calculated per term. Dropping courses after receiving funding can lead to academic progress restrictions and overpayments. If in doubt, chat with Registrar’s Office for advice.

To update OSAP of any stipend, please upload a completed Change Request Form directly to your OSAP application.

Some reasons include:

• It may be too early – confirmations of enrolment can be completed within 15 days prior to the study period start date.
• It may be too late – confirmations of enrolment cannot be completed with less than five days remaining in the study period.
• Your OSAP application may be incomplete.
• Your enrolment in Mosaic may not equal the course load percentage you indicated on your OSAP application.
• You may not be enrolled for all terms indicated on your OSAP application.

You may have received a credit on your McMaster student account from tuition/fees, housing, parking or the athletic & recreation activity fee. Any credit balance exceeding $100 is returned to NSLSC to pay down your OSAP loan overpayment when you withdraw from winter term courses and go into an OSAP overpayment status.

Purchases may be made after your BSWD application is approved. Services such as tutoring or note taking should not take place prior to the application approval. Any purchases of items and services made before the application is approved may not be reimbursed.

If you are eligible for BSWD, you may be reimbursed for one diagnostic assessment as deemed necessary by a Disability Coordinator in Student Accessibility Services (SAS). Students are required to meet with a Disability Coordinator in SAS for BSWD-approval before completing the assessment.

No. BSWD funding is intended to assist students with very specific disability-related educational needs. The Ministry of Colleges and Universities requires that every dollar of BSWD funding be accounted for with receipts verifying the purchase of the item or service that was approved by the SAS Disability Coordinator.

The Canada Student Grant for Persons with Permanent Disabilities is a federal OSAP grant. Eligibility for the grant is automatically determined through the full-time or part-time OSAP application process. The maximum value of the grant is up to $2,800 per academic year. It displaces $2,800 of OSAP federal loan with non-repayable grant funding. Students must self-identify as having a Permanent disability (PD) or a Persistent or Prolonged disability (PPD) on the OSAP application and qualify for funding to receive this grant.