On February 12th, 2026, the Government of Ontario announced significant updates to the province’s post-secondary funding model and the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), with changes expected to take effect beginning in the Fall 2026 academic year.
What are the OSAP Changes?
As part of the new framework, the province is adjusting how student financial aid is delivered. The updated model will now cap the non-repayable portion of OSAP funding at 25 per cent, meaning that at least 75 per cent of a student’s assessed aid will now be issued as repayable loans. Previously, grants could make up a much larger share of a student’s funding package.
Additional changes include:
Students attending private career colleges will no longer receive OSAP grants and will instead receive provincial support entirely in the form of loans.
The province has indicated it will work with institutions to enhance the Student Access Guarantee, intended to help address financial gaps for students with the highest need.
These updates are part of a broader provincial investment in the post-secondary sector, including new institutional funding and the end of the tuition freeze, which allows colleges and universities to increase tuition by up to 2 per cent annually over the next three years.
What This Means for You as A Sheridan College Student?
While institutional funding is increasing, the shift from the primary grant-to-loan balance may change how students plan for the cost of education.
For many students, grants reduce the amount of debt accumulated during their studies and help cover essential living expenses while in school. A higher proportion of loans may mean:
More borrowing required to finance education
Greater long-term repayment obligations after graduation
A need for students to review financial plans, budgets, and available institutional supports
Currently, additional details on implementation, eligibility impacts, and institutional support measures are still under work.
What Your Student Leaders Have Done So Far
Student representatives across the province have been actively engaged in conversations about these changes.
Your Executive Director, Samiya Khan, recently spoke at Queen’s Park to share student perspectives on affordability and access to post-secondary education. As a Board member with Ontario Student Voices, she continues to work alongside provincial student leaders to ensure that student experiences and concerns remain part of ongoing discussions with the government.
Next Steps
We recognize that changes to financial aid can raise important questions for students and their families.
We at Sheridan Student Union will continue monitoring provincial updates and sharing information as more details are shared in the upcoming weeks.