Restart OSAP Funding for Existing Students at Ontario Private Colleges
The Issue
Restart OSAP Funding for Existing Students at Ontario Private Colleges
Protect Students Who Are Already More Than Halfway Through Their Education
To: The Government of Ontario, Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Colleges and Universities, and the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
Our Demand
We are calling on the Government of Ontario to immediately restore OSAP funding for existing students at private career colleges who have already received part of their approved funding or have completed more than 50% of their program.
Students who are already enrolled, attending classes, completing clinical placements, and working toward graduation should not have their education and financial security put at risk by a sudden funding suspension.
Why This Matters
Thousands of students across Ontario made life-changing decisions based on their approved OSAP funding.
Many students enrolled in private career colleges to pursue careers in healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and other essential sectors. They committed their time, savings, and future earnings to completing their education.
Some students have already received their first OSAP installment and are now waiting for the remaining funding. Others have completed more than half of their programs and are facing the possibility of being unable to pay their outstanding tuition.
For example, a student enrolled in a nine-month Personal Support Worker program may have already completed six months of education and clinical training. That student may have received the first OSAP installment but still be waiting for thousands of dollars in approved funding.
How can we expect these students to continue their education when the financial assistance they relied upon has suddenly been placed on hold?
These students did not create the circumstances that led to the funding suspension. They should not be forced to bear the consequences.
We understand that the Ontario government has a responsibility to investigate concerns, protect public funds, and ensure that educational institutions meet appropriate standards.
However, protecting public funds should not come at the expense of students who are already well into their education and have relied on approved financial assistance.
What We Are Asking the Ontario Government to Do
We respectfully call on the Government of Ontario to:
1. Immediately restore OSAP funding for existing students
Resume the release of approved OSAP funding for students who:
Have already received their first OSAP installment or any portion of their approved funding; OR
Have completed more than 50% of their approved program of study.
2. Protect students who are already enrolled
Establish a clear exemption for existing students who enrolled before the funding suspension, allowing them to complete their programs without unnecessary financial disruption.
3. Release outstanding approved installments
Ensure that students who have already received partial OSAP funding can receive their remaining approved installments, subject to normal eligibility and enrolment requirements.
4. Protect students from financial hardship
Ensure that affected students are not forced to withdraw, interrupt their studies, or incur additional financial penalties solely because their approved funding has been suspended.
5. Provide a clear timeline and transparent communication
The government must publicly explain when affected students can expect their funding to resume and what transitional arrangements will be available.
Students Deserve Fairness
We support accountability, transparency, and the responsible use of public funds.
But students who have already invested months of their lives into their education deserve fairness and protection.
A student who has completed six months of a nine-month PSW program should not be left uncertain about whether they can afford to finish their final three months.
These students are working toward meaningful careers and contributing to Ontario’s future workforce.
We urge the Government of Ontario to act immediately. Restore OSAP funding for existing students. Protect their education. Protect their future.
Please sign and share this petition to support Ontario students who are at risk of losing their opportunity to complete their education.
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The Issue
Restart OSAP Funding for Existing Students at Ontario Private Colleges
Protect Students Who Are Already More Than Halfway Through Their Education
To: The Government of Ontario, Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Colleges and Universities, and the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
Our Demand
We are calling on the Government of Ontario to immediately restore OSAP funding for existing students at private career colleges who have already received part of their approved funding or have completed more than 50% of their program.
Students who are already enrolled, attending classes, completing clinical placements, and working toward graduation should not have their education and financial security put at risk by a sudden funding suspension.
Why This Matters
Thousands of students across Ontario made life-changing decisions based on their approved OSAP funding.
Many students enrolled in private career colleges to pursue careers in healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and other essential sectors. They committed their time, savings, and future earnings to completing their education.
Some students have already received their first OSAP installment and are now waiting for the remaining funding. Others have completed more than half of their programs and are facing the possibility of being unable to pay their outstanding tuition.
For example, a student enrolled in a nine-month Personal Support Worker program may have already completed six months of education and clinical training. That student may have received the first OSAP installment but still be waiting for thousands of dollars in approved funding.
How can we expect these students to continue their education when the financial assistance they relied upon has suddenly been placed on hold?
These students did not create the circumstances that led to the funding suspension. They should not be forced to bear the consequences.
We understand that the Ontario government has a responsibility to investigate concerns, protect public funds, and ensure that educational institutions meet appropriate standards.
However, protecting public funds should not come at the expense of students who are already well into their education and have relied on approved financial assistance.
What We Are Asking the Ontario Government to Do
We respectfully call on the Government of Ontario to:
1. Immediately restore OSAP funding for existing students
Resume the release of approved OSAP funding for students who:
Have already received their first OSAP installment or any portion of their approved funding; OR
Have completed more than 50% of their approved program of study.
2. Protect students who are already enrolled
Establish a clear exemption for existing students who enrolled before the funding suspension, allowing them to complete their programs without unnecessary financial disruption.
3. Release outstanding approved installments
Ensure that students who have already received partial OSAP funding can receive their remaining approved installments, subject to normal eligibility and enrolment requirements.
4. Protect students from financial hardship
Ensure that affected students are not forced to withdraw, interrupt their studies, or incur additional financial penalties solely because their approved funding has been suspended.
5. Provide a clear timeline and transparent communication
The government must publicly explain when affected students can expect their funding to resume and what transitional arrangements will be available.
Students Deserve Fairness
We support accountability, transparency, and the responsible use of public funds.
But students who have already invested months of their lives into their education deserve fairness and protection.
A student who has completed six months of a nine-month PSW program should not be left uncertain about whether they can afford to finish their final three months.
These students are working toward meaningful careers and contributing to Ontario’s future workforce.
We urge the Government of Ontario to act immediately. Restore OSAP funding for existing students. Protect their education. Protect their future.
Please sign and share this petition to support Ontario students who are at risk of losing their opportunity to complete their education.
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Petition created on October 28, 2026