Can Canadian Students Receive Government Financial Aid for Studying Abroad?

In a previous column, we explored the various financial aid options available to American students pursuing higher education in Canada. But what about Canadian students—particularly those from Ontario—who aspire to attend universities abroad in countries like the U.S., Korea, the U.K., Hong Kong, or Singapore? One of the most pressing concerns for these students and their families is the cost. A common question that arises is, "Can I still receive government financial aid if I study outside Canada?" This column aims to answer that very question.

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is the primary source of government financial aid for students residing in Ontario. While it is generally designed for students enrolled in public or private post-secondary institutions within Canada, many are surprised to learn that OSAP may also be available for studies abroad, under certain conditions. In other words, Ontario students may still be eligible for financial support when pursuing a degree at an overseas university—if specific criteria are met.

The key factor is not simply where a student is going, but whether the institution is recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities. OSAP funding is available for foreign schools that are approved institutions according to the province’s eligibility list. Many top-ranked global universities, such as Ivy League schools in the U.S., Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea University in Korea, the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge in the U.K., National University of Singapore (NUS), and the University of Hong Kong, are already on this list—or may become eligible upon request.

If you're planning to apply to a school abroad, your first step should be to confirm whether your chosen institution is on the OSAP-approved list. If it is not, the student—or the school itself—must submit a School and Program Information Form to request eligibility. This approval process typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, so early planning is essential.

Once eligibility is confirmed, it’s important to understand what OSAP covers. Funding may include not just tuition fees, but also basic living expenses and textbook costs. However, it does not cover flights, passport and visa fees, or local health insurance abroad. To bridge the gap, families should consider combining OSAP with other funding sources, such as institutional scholarships or federal programs that promote international education.

Another important aspect to note is the funding structure of OSAP. It consists of contributions from both the federal and provincial governments—roughly 60% from Canada’s federal government and 40% from the Ontario government. When studying abroad, students are generally eligible for federal aid only, unless the foreign institution qualifies for full OSAP coverage. This can significantly affect the total amount of aid available, depending on the school and program.

Despite these limitations, OSAP remains a powerful tool for Ontario students who aim to study at prestigious institutions abroad. For families with lower incomes, OSAP may offer grants or zero-interest loans with deferred repayment, making international education a more accessible and realistic option.

Lastly, students planning to study overseas should not only prepare their OSAP application but also carefully review the university’s tuition payment policies, potential currency exchange fluctuations, and cost of living in the host country. OSAP is designed to supplement, not fully cover, all expenses—so balancing your full financial plan is key to a successful academic journey abroad.

With proper planning and accurate information, financial barriers need not hold back Ontario students from pursuing global education opportunities. Study abroad is no longer an unattainable dream—it’s a real and achievable path for those who prepare wisely.