Government Assistance
While the cost of university can be high, there are resources that can help. For example, most provincial governments have loan programs. Along with the Canada Student Loan Program, provincial loan programs can help Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents with the cost of post-secondary studies. The loans are interest-free as long as you are enrolled in full-time studies.
OSAP
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) provides loans to Ontario residents. For more information, watch this webinar: Government Student Loans and Grants Orientation.
OSAP Application
OSAP's application is available online. Returning students should apply for the fall term by the end of May. New students should apply by mid-June.
Provincial Loans
Out-of-Province (OOP) Request Portal
The University Registrar's Office has launched the Out-of-Province Request Portal for out-of-province U of T students. Through the new portal, students may:
- Submit government student funding forms that require completion (i.e., Program Information Form, Quebec Form 1121).
- View the status of requests.
- Receive important notifications and communication updates regarding requests.
The OOP Request Portal replaces the old process that required students to submit forms via email.
Loan Repayment
Are you going on your Professional Experience Year Co-op, graduating or taking a term off? This webinar will explain everything you need to know about repaying your loan.
The National Student Loans Service Centre is now on YouTube. Check out their channel for more information on the support they offer borrowers throughout their student loan experience.
University of Toronto Advance Planning for Students (UTAPS)
U of T is committed to ensuring no student admitted to a program at the University is unable to enrol or complete their program because of financial difficulties.
To help fulfil this commitment, the University provides assistance in the form of non-repayable grants. However, the University expects students to apply for government aid options first. To find out more about UTAPS eligibility requirements, visit University Registrar's Office.
Important note for the 2023-2024 academic year: If you are an engineering undergraduate student who received full-time OSAP, out-of-province government funding or First Nations band funding, you will need to submit an application to be considered for UTAPS. Visit the University Registrar's Office for information on the application process, deadlines, and to apply.
Should you find yourself in financial need, have not received adequate government funding, and have not heard from UTAPS, please email awards@engineering.utoronto.ca.
University of Toronto Indigenous Tuition Initiative
The University of Toronto has created a new Indigenous Tuition Initiative to foster and strengthen relationships between U of T and Indigenous communities. This initiative includes three programs:
Faculty Grants
Domestic Students
If you have exhausted all other means of support and still find yourself in financial difficulty, the Faculty can provide financial assistance in the form of a grant. Faculty grants do not replace OSAP or UTAPS. The grants help alleviate temporary financial setbacks. If you are not eligible for OSAP and/or other provincial government assistance, you may still submit a Faculty grant application. The application is available in ACORN under the finance section.
International Students
As the University is a publicly-funded institution, it cannot offer financial aid to international students. However, U of T does have grants for international students to help cover emergency situations. The grants are primarily intended for students in their third or fourth year of studies.
To apply, please complete the form in the University of Toronto Undergraduate Grant Application Portal and make an appointment to speak with Assistant Registrar, Scholarships & Financial Aid to discuss your application.