Micro-Credentials and OSAP Funding

Micro-Credentials

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is now offering funding opportunities for micro-credential courses and programs at Ontario colleges, universities and Indigenous institutes.

Micro-credentials are rapid training programs offered by post-secondary education institutions across Ontario that can help you get the skills that employers need. They are designed, often with input from business sectors, to provide opportunities for those in the workforce to enhance or upgrade skills.

OSAP for micro-credentials provide eligible students with Ontario grant and loan assistance for ministry-approved, quality-assured micro-credential programs.

To find a list of approved micro-credentials offered at the University of Guelph, visit the approved micro-credential list on the OSAP website.

Applying for OSAP Funding for University of Guelph Micro-Credential Courses

OSAP for micro-credentials is available for eligible students taking a ministry-approved micro-credential that is less than 12 weeks.

For students taking an OSAP-approved micro-credentials, submit one OSAP application for each micro-credential course.

Applications for OSAP for micro-credential assistance cannot overlap with another micro-credential study period (funding for multiple micro-credential courses cannot be applied for concurrently).

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, you must be:

• Registered in an OSAP approved micro-credential
• A resident of Ontario as defined by OSAP
• A Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a protected person
• In good standing with previous OSAP loans, such that you have not defaulted on a student loan and/or you are not restricted from participating in financial aid programs

Application Process

1. Submit an “OSAP for Micro-credentials Application” online. The OSAP application must be submitted for one course at a time. New applications for each course must be submitted online no later than the course end date.
2. Enter your program name and course start and end dates. Ensure you review the “What programs are eligible” section to ensure your program is on the list of OSAP approved programs. An estimate will be calculated at the end of your application. Estimates may change once your application information is verified and updated.
3. Students who receive a positive estimate or assessment will be required to review and agree to the terms and conditions of the Micro-credential Student Loan Agreement and provide their banking information (or preference for cheque). Note: Banking information provided for an OSAP for micro-credentials application is separate from what may have been provided to the National Student Loan Service Centre (NSLSC) for previous full- or part-time OSAP applications.
4. Submit your (and your spouse’s/parent’s, if applicable) signed Consents, Declarations, and Signature pages, along with any supporting documentation. These documents are to be uploaded to your online application.
5. Your application will be processed to ensure information is complete and valid. Some information you provide (e.g., name and income) will be verified with third parties. To stay up to date on the latest status of your OSAP account, check online through your OSAP account.
6. Enrol and pay for the micro-credential course before your application can be confirmed and your OSAP funding released to you.
7. Once your application is complete and your course has started, the University of Guelph will confirm your enrolment and your OSAP funding will be issued to you by direct deposit.
8. Released funding will be sent directly to the student by the National Student Loans Centre for Micro-credentials (a division of the NSLSC). Payment for your course must be made by the student at time of registration.

Note: If you have indicated payment by cheque, this funding will be sent to you by cheque from the Ministry. Please ensure your mailing address on your OSAP profile is correct when applying for funding.

Withdrawals After Funding is Released

Withdrawal from a micro-credential program before completion will result in an update to the OSAP for micro-credential application and assessment. This may result in a recalculation and overpayment of your grant or loan funding.

Contact the School of Continuing Studies if you decide not to enrol or withdraw before finishing the application. If you have any questions email our main office.

Deadline

• Application: Your application must be received by your school’s financial aid office no later than the course end date.
• Supporting documentation: Supporting documentation must be received no later than 5 days after the course end date.

Repayment

If you have questions about repayment, please contact the National Student Loans Service Centre for OSAP Micro-credentials program at 1-888-869-2896.