OSAP and Support for Students with Disabilities
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
OSAP provides funding for postsecondary students with financial need to help support their educational costs. OSAP also provides supplementary funding for students with disabilities to help cover additional disability-related educational expenses (see below).
We, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) at Nipissing University, recommend that you complete the OSAP application process to see if you may be eligible for disability-related funding to help cover additional disability-related educational costs that you may have such as tutoring, or note taking support, or assistive technology. To qualify, you must demonstrate at least $1 of financial need.
When you apply for OSAP online, you can self-identify as a student with a permanent disability by checking off a box on the form. You will need to provide documentation of your disability to Student Accessibility Services, and we will verify your status as a student with a permanent disability to the Financial Aid Office and to OSAP.
Some of the disability-related funding supports available through OSAP include:
- Canada Access Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities
- Up to $2000 ($1000 per term) of grant funding to cover additional costs
- If approved, this funding is automatically added to your OSAP entitlement in September and January
The Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Persons with Permanent Disabilities (CSG-PDSE) and the Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD)*
The Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Persons with Permanent Disabilities (CSG-PDSE) and the Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) are the primary tools for OSAP eligible students to finance their disability-related educational expenses. These grants assist with the costs of disability-related services or equipment, such as tutors, note-takers, interpreters, braillers or technical aids that are required to participate in postsecondary studies.
How to Apply
Contact your Accessibility Consultant to discuss your eligibility and to access the application forms. *Note: Any purchases made prior your CSG-PDSE/BSWD application being approved are done so at your own risk as they may not be approved for this grant.
Other Funding Sources
Nipissing University Student Awards
» Nipissing University Student Awards Website
Disability Awards Portal
Your portal to awards and scholarships for students with disabilities studying at Canada's colleges and universities. You can register to search through their extensive database of scholarships, bursaries and grants you are specifically eligible for. Once you have created a profile, you will be able to perform tailored searches, save awards, and receive notifications of new awards. You will also find information on government student loans and grants organized by province.