If you are starting University in September, submit your application as early as possible after May 1st. If you are uncertain which post-secondary institution you will be attending, submit your application to the school of your choice after you've received your Offer of Admission, by June 15. A typical application will normally take 6 weeks to process. An application which requires special consideration may take 8 to 10 weeks to process. Application deadlines are published annually in the OSAP application package. OSAP assesses a penalty if your application is late. To meet fees payment deadlines through OSAP we suggest that you apply for OSAP by the following dates; June 15 for a term beginning in September; October 15 for a term beginning in January and February 15 for study term beginning in May.

Note: You must apply and submit your signature pages and all supporting documentation by the above deadlines.

• If you are studying for one term only, return in 2-3 weeks to pick up your second portion of funding.
• If you are studying for two consecutive terms, return at the beginning of your next term to pick up the second portion of funding.

Once authorized, you will need to submit your funding document(s) for processing by the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) as soon as possible and no more than 30 days after the date you pick them up. Once your OSAP funding is credited to your bank account, you will need to pay any outstanding fees to the University. If you have any questions about this process, please ask at Student Awards & Financial Aid when you pick up your OSAP documents.

• One piece of valid photo ID issued in Canada by the federal, provincial or territorial government.  Examples of acceptable ID are: a valid driver’s license, passport, provincial health card with photo, permanent residency or citizenship card, etc. 
• Your Social Insurance Number Card (a legible photocopy is acceptable) or an official Government of Canada document that indicates your Social Insurance Number (e.g., a Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment, a Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions) or the official receipt for a replacement card.

The first time you pick up OSAP funding in the academic year, you will be required to sign your Confirmation of Enrolment form. Signing this form will require you to confirm the following income information:

• Confirmation/proof of your total gross income (before taxes and deductions) for your pre-study period
• Confirmation of your total gross income for the previous calendar year
• Revised estimate of your total gross income for the current calendar year
• Revised estimate of your total gross income for your study period (including any RESP funds)

Human Resources Development Canada
409 Weber St. West, Kitchener
Telephone: 519-571-6831
Or: 1-800-206-7218
Office Hours: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

You will receive a receipt for your card immediately and the card will be mailed to you.