How do I find money to attend university or college?
Going to university or college is a great idea. It’s expensive, but there is financial help available. Students often pay for their education with a mix of loans, bursaries, and scholarships.
How do I apply for student loans in Ontario?
- Students in Ontario apply for loans through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). Find out more about OSAP and how to apply.
- There are people that can help you apply. If you need some help, send an email and ask for some help with your OSAP application. If you’re in high school, you can also talk to the guidance counsellor at your school for help.
- Some important things to remember about OSAP loans:
- When you’re filling out an application, there will be a box to check to voluntarily identify as being a current or former youth in care. There will also be a portion for your worker to complete. If you no longer have contact with your worker, send an email and ask for help.
- If you have a job, make sure that you have done your taxes. Find out more about how to do your taxes.
- Make sure that all of the information on the application is correct, otherwise you might get denied and have to do it again.
- If you decide to withdraw from your university or college program, make sure that you do it before the ‘no penalty date’. If you don’t you will have to pay everything back, including the grant, this is a lot of money!
What bursaries and scholarships are available to help pay for college or university?
- The Children’s Aid Foundation of Ottawa offers the Dare2Dream bursary to current and former youth in care. Find out more about this bursary, like who is eligible and how to apply.
- The Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada offers the Ted Rogers Entrance Scholarship to current and former youth in care. Find out more about the scholarship.
- If you were in care before the age of 18, you likely have a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) in your name. Have a look at the guide on accessing your RESP.
- There are lots of other bursaries and scholarships out there. Talk to your guidance counsellor at school to hear about more, or Google “Grants + Bursaries + Scholarships + Ontario” and you may find other options.
What funding is available for Indigenous people to pay for college or university?
- If you are Indigenous, you may be able to access Band Funding for university or college, keep reading for more information.
- Every territory has a band office, to access band funding, contact your band office first and tell them that you would like to access funding for college or university. If you need help Contact Us.
- If you’re applying for college or university while you’re still in high school, then it is your right to receive funding from your band. If you apply to university after being out of high school for more than 2 years, the band can still fund your education, but they can say “no”. So, it’s a good idea then to attend college or university right out of high school, even if you’re not sure about what program you’d like to attend, because it will be funded.
- There are also many bursaries and grants for Indigenous students. Google “Indigenous AND Ontario AND Bursaries OR Scholarships OR Grants” to see some that are available. Also, check with the school that you’re applying to because they will likely offer some.