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Receiving your Funding
If you have applied for Full-time OSAP
OSAP funding is typically released in two installments. Generally, you would receive your first installment in the first week of September (for the fall term) and your second installment in the first week of January (for the winter term).
If you apply after your study period has begun, your funding will be released as soon as your application has processed.
Confirmation of Enrollment
Confirmation of enrollment is done by the Awards Office. If you have submitted all required documents and are registered in the course load you indicated on your application, your enrollment will be confirmed automatically.
Before your funding can be released each term, the Awards Office must confirm your enrollment at Carleton with OSAP. This is typically done a few days prior to your funding release date each term. If you have not submitted all required documents or are not registered in the appropriate course load, your OSAP will be placed on hold and your enrollment will not be confirmed. You should regularly check your Carleton email account for messages from the Awards Office regarding your OSAP application.
If you have applied for Part-time OSAP
Part-time OSAP funding is generally released in one large installment at the beginning of the fall term, although a small portion of your grant funding may be held until the beginning of your second term.
Confirmation of Enrollment
Confirmation of enrollment is done by the Awards Office. If you have submitted all required documents and are registered in the course load you indicated on your application, your enrollment will be confirmed automatically.
Before your funding can be released each term, the Awards Office must confirm your enrollment at Carleton with OSAP. This is typically done a few days prior to your funding release date each term. If you have not submitted all required documents or are not registered in the appropriate course load, your OSAP will be placed on hold and your enrollment will not be confirmed. You should regularly check your Carleton email account for messages from the Awards Office regarding your OSAP application.
Paying your Fees with OSAP
OSAP funding is automatically applied to your Carleton Student Account to pay down any tuition and fees that you owe. If there is any funding remaining after your tuition and fees are paid, then it will be deposited directly into your bank account.
Your payment due date can also be extended so that it aligns with when your OSAP is released. This is called a payment deferral.
You must be approved for OSAP funding to receive a payment deferral. This means you must complete the application process on or before the standard payment due dates of August 25 for the fall term and November 25 for the winter term. If you’re applying for Summer OSAP, then the standard payment date is April 25.
If you meet all of the conditions for a payment deferral, then your fee payment will be automatically deferred. You can log into Carleton Central to see if you have been approved for the payment deferral. For more information about the conditions required to receive the payment deferral, visit the Student Accounts Fee Payment page and scroll down to the OSAP section.
If your OSAP application is on hold or you have not been approved for funding by the fee payment deadline, you will not receive a deferral and will be expected to meet the standard fee payment deadline.
Your Responsibilities
Reporting Changes to Your Application
Notify the Awards & Financial Aid Office immediately if:
- You reduce your course load
- You change your program of study
- You withdraw from your program
- You or your family’s financial information changes
- Your marital status changes
- You decide to attend a different post secondary institution
- You do not want your student loan funding
Note: Your income is verified by OSAP. Not reporting changes could affect your eligibility for current and/or future funding.
Meet OSAP’s Minimum Academic Requirements
While you are receiving funding from the Ministry, you have a responsibility to maintain satisfactory academic progress in your program of study. Failure to meet this standard can result in you being placed on academic probation. This can impact your eligibility for future funding.
Keep Your Loans in Good Standing
Inform the National Student Loan Service Centre if you have returned to school full-time and will not be applying for, or receiving, government assistance. You’ll need to complete the Continuation of Interest-Free Status application, which can be found on the OSAP website. Instructions on how to apply can be found on the Government of Ontario website.
- Failure to notify the NSLSC that you are enrolled as a full-time student will result in your previous loans entering repayment sooner than you expect!
- Repay the loan portion of your OSAP once you are no longer a full-time student.
- Find more information on repaying your loan.