I was just listening to the radio in the car this evening, and heard something about 30% off tuition for students in Ontario. Now, I’m a little past my student days, but I figured this would be a great topic to check out and blog about.
According to the nifty Ontario government web site, it’s “Money you don’t have to repay for students entering a public college or university from high school. If you’ve already applied for OSAP, you’ll be automatically considered for the 30% off tuition grant, too!” And it’s not too late to take advantage of this program for 2012-2013!
Sounds pretty awesome, eh? Want to learn more? Okay, here’s the run down. You could be eligible if:
- You’re a full-time student at a public college or university in Ontario
- You’ve been out of high school for less than four years
- You’re in a program you can apply to directly from high school (e.g., undergraduate level)
- You meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- Your parents’ gross income (total before taxes) is $160,000 or less.
It seems like if you’ve applied for OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program – or, other, less flattering names, some of my friends used while paying off their loans 
), then you are well on your way – but you’re not out of the running if you haven’t applied for OSAP. It’ll just take a little more work. You’ll need your SIN number, as well as your parents, and some information from their tax return.
There are some things to keep in mind though, such as:
- You’re not eligible if you’re going to school part time
- the 30% of tuition covered is based on the average tuition, not your tuition specifically. So if you’re in a very expensive program, it won’t necessarily come to 30% of your tuition
- You’re not eligible if you’re a graduate student or a mature student
- You aren’t eligible if you’re attending a private university/college
This sounds like an amazing program. I have a co-worker whose daughter is looking at schools next year – I’m definitely going to share this information with him! Please pass this along to anyone you know with school aged kids in Ontario – as we all know, saving money is a good thing!
We definitely do need to keep spreading the word about this – this would be a HUGE help to a lot of students!
Jon recently posted..Should you share finances with your partner?
Please do! If I was a student, I’d be happy to save that kind of money!
That’s great news for students and I’m betting they will take advantage of this program. The costs of education are outrageous in my opinion. I just hope these young people know what they are getting themselves into and do the research. I guess we all have to learn somehow but sometimes it’s best to go in as informed as possible. Thanks for sharing Cat! Mr.CBB
Canadianbudgetbinder recently posted..Best Home Renovations-Money Wasted or Money Invested?
Happy to! I agree costs are crazy high. I remember my first tuition bills ages ago – it was peanuts compared to what it is now!
Hope this program is still around when my kids start to go to school in 14 years. Don’t worry, I’m not holding my breath!
Mandy @ MoneyMasterMom recently posted..Are you a witch, wizard, or middle class?
OMG first off…read the fine print…$160,000 gROSS with both parents!!!!! think about it parents both working full time make that amount….this is not net….IT IS GROSS!!!!! this is not the best thing since sliced bread for all canadians!!!!! for most yes but what about those that make more than that???? and dont tell me they can afford it because that is a load of crap……govt takes 50%
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