OSAP Funding Delays for Private Post Secondary Institutions

Last month, Ontario’s Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security announced a pause on all Ontario Student Assistance Program (“OSAP”) funding for private post-secondary institutions.

The purpose of this pause was to allow the Auditor General, Ontario Provincial Police and an independent third party auditor (“Auditor”) to investigate complaints regarding OSAP applications at specific private career colleges. Not only did the pause limit students at private career colleges from accessing OSAP funding, but students at faith-based, private post-secondary institutions, were also affected by the moratorium.  

What Happened

In 2024, Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security (“MCURES”) became aware of a significant increase in OSAP applications at select private career colleges. Concerns about the increase related to insufficient student validation, immigration-related matters, and geographic location of applications.

As a result of the MCURES investigation, the Auditor was appointed to “assess the broader integrity of OSAP applications at private post-secondary institutions”.

Since the pause was announced, MCURES has outlined the following next steps:

• Alternative Financial Support:  MCURES will work with banks and financial institutions to develop criteria to “facilitate third party loans to students” .
• Stronger Validation Process: MCURES plans to develop a new validation process for 2026-2027 OSAP applications.
• Continued funding Restrictions:  OSAP funding will “not resume for private post-secondary students until the strengthened validation process is in place ”. The pause on funding is anticipated until the start of 2027.  

What You Can Do

Join us in praying for timely resolution of this investigation to allow eligible and qualified students access to the financial assistance they need to pursue their education.

If you are concerned about how this pause affects students at private post-secondary institutions, including private faith-based institutions, you can consider contacting your Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) to share your concerns.  

We’re Here to Help

If you are a CCCC Member with questions or need support, please contact our Member Support Team by phone or email. Our Member Support Team is here to help you. CCCC will continue to monitor developments and share updates on our blog as MCURES releases new information.