You are required to successfully complete the academic requirements of your program each semester to continue to be eligible for OSAP funding. Failing courses, withdrawing from courses, and not attending classes can have a negative impact on your ability to meet the academic requirements.
Academic probation
If you withdraw from your program or drop to part-time status after your funds have been released, you will be placed on academic probation. The probation will begin on the day you withdrew or the day that your status changed to part-time. Probation is effective until the end of the following academic year.
If you are on academic probation because you withdrew or changed to part-time status, you must provide an Acknowledgement of Academic Probation form when you submit a new OSAP application. You can view the form under the “list of acceptable documents” for “Academic progress documents” in your OSAP application.
- Important: During this probation period, you must not withdraw or change to part-time status and you must do well academically. If you do not meet one of these requirements, you will be placed on academic restriction for 12 months.
Completing each semester successfully
You are required to pass at least 60 percent of a full course load for the academic year (40 percent for a student with a disability). If you do not, you will be placed on academic probation.
- One semester per academic year: If you are taking one semester only, your grades will be verified at the end of the semester. If you were not successful, you will be placed on academic probation as of the last day of the semester.
- Two semesters per academic year: If your program is two consecutive semesters, your grades will be verified after the end of the second semester. An average will be calculated for the two semesters. If you were not successful, you will be placed on academic probation as of the last day of the second semester.
- Three semesters per academic year: If your program runs for three consecutive semesters, your grades will be verified after the end of the third semester. An average will be calculated for the three semesters. If you were not successful, you will be placed on academic probation as of the last day of the third semester.
Changing your program
If you leave a program without completing and enrol in a new program or if you graduated from a program and you wish to start a new program, you need must provide a detailed explanation in a letter. You can view the letter requirements under the “list of acceptable documents” for “Academic progress documents” in your OSAP application.
During this process you are not on academic probation. Once the letter has been processed and approved, you will remain in good standing with OSAP. However, changing programs too often could result in your application being denied.
First occurrence: OSAP academic probation
- You may apply to OSAP normally
- You will receive a notice from the Ministry indicating you are on probation
- You will be required to submit the academic probation Ministry form found on your OSAP portal under required documents
- The probation will remain on your OSAP for one year and will be in effect at other institutions
Second occurrence: OSAP academic restriction
- You will be restricted from OSAP for a minimum of one year
- You will receive a notice from the Ministry indicating you are on restriction
- The restriction will remain on your OSAP record and will be in effect at other institutions
- You must appeal to have the restriction removed
What about previous OSAP loans while a student is on restriction?
- Students must start repayment once they have been out of full-time studies for six months
- If you cannot afford your loan payments, you may be eligible for Repayment Assistance through NSLSC
- Students who return to full time studies without OSAP funding may submit a Continuation of Interest Free Status form to keep loans interest-free
Removing an OSAP academic restriction before the restriction period ends:
- There are times when factors beyond your control have a negative impact on your studies. Factors such as a serious medical issue, disability, or family emergency (such as a death in the family) during the study period can impede progress.
- Your appeals must clearly demonstrate that factors beyond your control led to the lack of academic progress.
- Send a letter of appeal to the Financial Aid office. Supporting documentation, such as letters from doctors, hospital records or death certificates must be attached.
- Appeals without proper documentation will not be accepted.
Removing an OSAP academic restriction after the restriction period ends
- Once you have served your restriction period, you may appeal to remove the restriction from your OSAP account.
- To have an appeal considered, you must show a strong commitment to your studies, be in good standing in your program of study
- Keep any previous student loans in good standing
- To request restriction removed please send email to finaid@loyalistcollege.com and ask for removal of restriction, include full name, student number and when the restriction was added
You may apply for OSAP while waiting for the appeal or restriction to be lifted. If the appeal is accepted your, OSAP account will be updated.
Questions?
Our Financial Aid team is here to help!