Student Update: Navigating the 2026 OSAP

The Ontario government has announced major changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and the tuition framework, effective August 1, 2026. 

While these changes shift how your aid is structured, Laurentian University is committed to supporting you through this transition.

The most significant change is the "ratio flip" of the provincial portion of your OSAP.

• The New Mix: Previously, high-need students could receive up to 85% of their provincial aid as non-repayable grants. Starting Fall 2026, provincial grants are capped at 25%, with the remaining 75% delivered as repayable loans.
• Enhanced Student Access Guarantee (SAG): If you are a low-income student and your OSAP funding does not cover the full cost of tuition, books, and mandatory fees, Laurentian is reviewing different ways to support you with non-repayable financial support. One of these measures includes an enhanced SAG program. This enhancement is currently being negotiated with the Ministry.
• Federal/Provincial Mix: Total financial aid packages in Ontario are typically composed of approximately 60% federal funding and 40% provincial funding. The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining temporary increases to Canada Student Grants, ensuring that the federal portion remains a stable component of your overall aid.

To help reduce your reliance on loans, we encourage you to explore these Laurentian-specific supports:

• Ontario Learn and Stay Grant: If you are entering Nursing (BScN or Practical Nursing) programs, you may be eligible for full funding of your tuition, books, and direct educational costs in exchange for a service commitment to work in Northern Ontario after graduation.
   
• Laurentian University's Bursaries & Scholarships:
  • Academic Excellence: Entrance scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 annually for students with an average of 80% or higher.
  • Academic Access Award: A $750 automatic award for students with a 75-79.9% average.
  • Indigenous Students: Bursaries ranging from $1,000 to $3,500 for those demonstrating financial need.
  • Youth in Care: A $2,000 bursary for students currently or formerly in the care of the Children's Aid Society.

• $10.5M in overall financial assistance to students
• 2,141 students received financial aid
• 400+ unique scholarships and bursaries on offer annually
• 683 Academic Excellence Awards were presented

Laurentian offers a year-round Work-Study Program that provides part-time on-campus jobs designed to fit your academic schedule.

The Work Study program is available to eligible students who demonstrate financial need, and you do not necessarily need to be eligible for or receiving OSAP to qualify!