Ontario tuition grant
TORONTO, January 5 / – Students welcome the new Ontario tuition grant as a significant step forward for the affordability and accessibility of post-secondary education in Ontario. This new program is going to immediately help thousands of students across Ontario meet the costs of attending post-secondary education.
“Targeted grants that reduce students’ up-front costs have been a top priority for OUSA in its work with the government, and we are extremely pleased to see the government come through with the one of the largest investments in grants in the province’s history,” said Sean Madden, President of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA).
The new program launched today will be available to full-time domestic Ontario undergraduate and college students out of high school for four years or less with combined parental incomes of less than $160,000. For this winter term, eligible undergraduates will receive $800. Going forward, the grant will be tied each year to 30% of the average fees for first-entry non-professional students. Unlike other grant programs, students will not need to take out a student loan to access the new grant. The government also announced the phasing out of three other financial assistance programs: the Ontario Trust for Student Support; the Textbook and Technology Grant; and the Queen Elizabeth II Aiming for the Top Scholarship.
“It’s unfortunate to see that the new program is being paid for in part by the cancelling of student aid programs and offsets in student support elsewhere. However, OUSA is pleased to see that its recommendation to extend eligibility for students with disabilities has been welcomed by the government,” continued Madden. “We are hoping to find ways moving forward to strengthen the program and to help other high-need students, such as mature Aboriginal students and older students with children.”
“This government understands that the path to prosperity starts by putting students first. We look forward to working with them on the next important step: developing a new tuition framework for September that sustains the value of this investment and is fair, predictable and affordable,” said Sam Andrey, Executive Director of OUSA.
Can you tell me when and where I can find the application form for the tuition rebate. I’m not receiving OSAP so I do not automatically qualify, however I’m in dire need of this funding.
The application is available at ontario.ca/30ff. It is available now until March 31. More information is available at ousa.ca/tuitiongrant.
…..but the students that don’t qualify for the tuition grant will also lose out on the $150 textbook and technology grant. How does that make sense.
This program is a good step forward, but has a number of flaws. According to the eligibility criteria, a student who lives at home with parents who make $160,000 a year and has no expenses other than tuition would be eligible for this funding. However someone like myself, who took time off between high school and university to save money is rendered ineligible because I have been out of high school for more than four years. I live with my husband and our young daughter in a rented basement and can barely afford groceries due to extreme tuition rates and other school related expenses. Additionally, those receiving OSAP have to be careful not to work too many hours or the government claws the money back. This system is incredibly flawed. We are forced to live below the poverty line in order to receive OSAP, but don’t qualify for this additional grant? If someone could explain the logic here I would appreciate it.
Does this money have to be paid back?
My son, who is an Ontario resident, and receives OSAP, is in his first year at the University of Prince Edward Island. Does he qualify for this grant if he is studying out of province? He graduated from high school in June 2011 and our family income is below $160000. We have 4 kids in university.
Sue – We agree that those that ineligible for the new grant should not be losing their Textbook and Technology Grant. This has been communicated to the government, and we will continue to advocate for that as the program is not officially eliminated until September.
Shawna – As you say, this is a step forward, but for mature students, there remains a long way to go. The government’s rationale for the four-year cut-off is that after four years, your parent’s income is no longer taken into account through OSAP. However, these students (particularly those with children) are not always adequately supported. This will continue to be a primary advocacy priority for OUSA.
Deena – No, the grant is non-repayable.
Audrey – No your son does not qualify. Unfortunately, only those attending public Ontario colleges and universities are eligible.
Is there anything we can do to advocate the inequality involved?
When and if we qualify through OSAP, when can we expect the money? As well, it says satisfactory academic standing. If a student is under probabtion, are they still eligible? If not, what are the guidelines for the student to be eligible academically?
Kelly – the money will be deposited or sent by cheque to OSAP students within the next week or two. Satisfactory academic standing generally means passing grades in 60% of your courses; however your institution’s financial aid office will be able to tell you more precisely if you are in satisfactory standing. There is also an appeal mechanism through your financial aid office for those experiencing circumstances beyond their control (medical, family, disability, etc.)