Who it affects
Students starting a program at a career college on or after August 1, 2026. Programs that started earlier follow the previous rules.
Funding guide · Updated July 2026
OSAP Changes 2026: What You Need to Know
Ontario is changing OSAP for programs starting on or after August 1, 2026. What changed, what didn't, and what it means — in plain language. (Note: CanNorth College does not offer OSAP; this guide is general information.)
What changed
Provincial OSAP becomes loans-only for career college students
Announced on February 12, 2026, the change applies to programs that start on or after August 1, 2026: students at career colleges (private career colleges) will receive the provincial portion of their OSAP funding entirely as repayable loans. Provincial grants — the part that did not need to be repaid — no longer apply to career college programs.
What it covers
Only the provincial portion of OSAP. The federal portion of student aid is a separate system with its own rules.
The wider shift
Public college and university students are also moving to a loans-first model — at most 25% of provincial aid as grants, at least 75% as loans.
Loans still available
OSAP itself is not ending for career college students — provincial loans and the application process remain in place.
What didn't change
Federal grants and loans remain
The federal government has kept its enhanced Canada Student Grants for full-time students through the 2026–2027 school year — up to $4,200 per year in non-repayable federal support for eligible students, alongside federal student loans. And Better Jobs Ontario, a separate provincial program, is not affected by the OSAP changes at all.
Canada Student Grants
Up to $4,200 per year for eligible full-time students through 2026–27 — this is federal money and does not need to be repaid.
Federal and provincial loans
Repayable student loans remain available to eligible career college students.
Better Jobs Ontario
A separate program for retraining — up to $28,000 for programs of one year or less, including a living allowance. Unaffected by the OSAP changes.
What it means
What this means if you are considering PSW or ECA training
First, an important note: CanNorth College does not offer OSAP. The OSAP changes above are general information for anyone comparing schools. At CanNorth, students fund their training in two ways: Better Jobs Ontario — which, for eligible applicants, can cover tuition, books, transportation, and a basic living allowance of up to $500 per week, without repayment — or a monthly payment plan. Better Jobs Ontario is aimed at people who were laid off, or who have been unemployed 12 weeks or more in a low-income household; every application is decided by the Ministry through Employment Ontario service providers.
OSAP (at schools that use it)
From August 1, 2026: provincial portion is loans only for career college students. Federal loans and Canada Student Grants (up to $4,200/yr) remain for eligible full-time students. Not available at CanNorth.
Better Jobs Ontario — at CanNorth
Up to $28,000 for programs of one year or less — tuition, books, transportation, and a living allowance of up to $500/week — for eligible applicants. Not repayable.
Payment plans — at CanNorth
Monthly payment plans are available for most students. Ask admissions for current details.
Next step
See if Better Jobs Ontario fits your situation
Our free 30-second self-check tells you whether Better Jobs Ontario looks like a fit — and if it does, our advisors help you prepare the whole application, free of charge.
Sources & disclosure
Official sources
Program rules change; always confirm details against the official pages: Learn about OSAP (ontario.ca) and Better Jobs Ontario (ontario.ca). CanNorth College is registered as a career college under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005. CanNorth College does not offer OSAP; OSAP information on this page is general education news. Better Jobs Ontario eligibility and funding decisions are made solely by the Ministry through Employment Ontario service providers; CanNorth College provides free application guidance but cannot guarantee funding approval. Information on this page is current as of July 2026.