The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is intended to provide opportunities for full-time students by providing financial assistance for education costs (such as tuition fees, books, and supplies) and basic living expenses. Students (and their families, if applicable) are responsible for meeting the basic costs of post-secondary education. The purpose of OSAP is to supplement, not to replace the financial resources that the student is expected to contribute. OSAP is not intended to supply all the funding to meet students' educational and living costs. The amount of OSAP funding received depends on individual circumstances.

It is important to remember that once you have received a federal and/or provincial student loan, it is your responsibility to understand and respect the terms and conditions of your loan agreement.

A full-time student is defined as a student enrolled in a minimum of 3 units per semester (60 percent or more of a full course load each term; minimum of 2 billing units for students with a permanent disability). Refer to the Fees/Financial Information section of this calendar for information on units of study and associated fee charges. The Ryerson Calendar under Programs of Study details the individual programs and associated courses which represent a full course load. They may vary for individual programs. Students are encouraged to review their units of study each semester and ensure they contact their Department/School to discuss course load issues.

Detailed information on eligibility, application forms and deadlines are available on the Ministry website at http://osap.gov.on.ca/, Student Financial Assistance Office website at www.ryerson.ca/financialaid or at the Student Financial Assistance Office.

OSAP applications for the upcoming academic year are usually available in early Spring. Students are urged to apply early.

Textbook and Technology Grants for Full-Time Students

Ontario's annual Textbook and Technology Grant (TTG) helps full-time students pay for textbooks and computer costs. In the 2009-2010 academic year, the annual grant will be $225.00 per student and will increase to $300.00 per student in 2010-2011.

Eligibility Criteria: Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or a Protected Person and enrolled full-time and attending a minimum of 60 percent of a full course load, or 40 percent for a student with a permanent disability.

Students are eligible to receive only one Textbook and Technology Grant per OSAP academic year.

For complete details and application information, visit the OSAP website at http://osap.gov.on.ca/.