Ontario to Ease OSAP Payments Due to COVID-19

Ontario is easing restrictions on the Ontario Student Assistant Program (OSAP).  The changes due to the COVID-19 outbreak will allow students to temporarily defer interest on loan payments until September 30, 2020.

Over the next six months interest will not collect on the loans, and student’s won’t have make payments.  “Our government is doing everything it can to ensure our college and university students can take their exams and complete their school year,” Premier Doug Ford said.

Ontario will also make online supports available to post-secondary institutions including year-end exams.  “Students and their families make great sacrifices to attend postsecondary education and it is incumbent on us to do everything we can to ensure this academic year is not put in jeopardy, Ontario Colleges, and Universities Minister Ross Romano said.  The province has finalized an agreement with eCampusOntario to make digital supports available in both English and French.

The province is also adding $25 million in additional funding to publicly funding colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes.  The money will address schools’ needs such as deep cleaning, medical supplies or mental health supports.