As Ontario’s post-secondary students head back to classrooms filled with lectures and study sessions, they are also facing the imminent task of paying their tuition fees. The return to campus is coupled with changes in tuition payments following reductions in grants provided by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) due to decisions made by the Ford government earlier this year.
The adjustments to OSAP, announced in February, impact the provincial share of the program and decrease the maximum grant percentage from 85% to 25%. These modifications have sparked concerns among students, leading to protests across the province. The government defends the changes, citing the need for financial sustainability and emphasizing significant investments in the post-secondary sector.
OSAP typically offers a combination of loans and grants to support post-secondary students, with funding coming from both provincial and federal sources. CBC News interviewed five students to discuss how the alterations in OSAP funding for the 2026-27 academic year compared to the previous year are affecting them.
Jack Masko, a third-year student at Toronto Metropolitan University, highlighted the impact of receiving $1,389 less in grants and $2,658 more in loans this year. The changes have intensified the need for additional work shifts to cover expenses, potentially influencing career choices post-graduation.
Peter Kyadondo, a third-year student at Sheridan College, faced reductions of $3,025 in grants and an increase of $2,364 in loans, prompting him to reconsider his educational path in light of the financial challenges posed by the changes.
Omar Nusir, a third-year student at Western University aspiring to attend medical school, expressed concern over the shift towards higher loan amounts and its potential impact on his future financial burden.
Hayley DeSantis, a fourth-year student at Sheridan College, shared her experience of receiving slightly less in grants and slightly more in loans, emphasizing the vital role of OSAP support for students from low-income backgrounds pursuing higher education.
Gabrielle Tyrie, a second-year graduate student at the University of Guelph, discussed the surprise of significant reductions in both grants and loans, highlighting the need to explore alternative ways to finance her education.
Amid student concerns, a spokesperson for the minister of colleges and universities emphasized the government’s commitment to investing in post-secondary education to ensure students have access to quality education and promising career prospects.
These individual stories reflect the broader impact of changes to OSAP funding on students’ financial situations and educational choices.