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The Government of Ontario recently announced a new $6.4 billion investment in postsecondary education along with changes to tuition policy and the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). We know students have questions about what this means for them. We’re happy to help explain.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we’ve heard:
Q: Why are polytechnics and colleges welcoming this announcement?
A: Polytechnics and colleges across Ontario are encouraged by this announcement because it represents the first long-term commitment in many years.
This funding comes at an important time. Colleges and polytechnics have been under significant financial pressure. This investment will help bring greater stability to the sector and support institutions such as Seneca in continuing to adapt to changing workforce needs, strengthen applied learning and support students as they prepare for their futures.
Q: What will this new funding be used for?
A: In recent years, colleges and polytechnics have faced rising costs, inflation and limited government operating funding, all while working hard to maintain high-quality programs and student services. The new funding model is intended to provide more predictable operating funding and support the expansion of programs across the province.
Q: What does this mean for tuition at Seneca?
A: Ontario will allow publicly assisted colleges and polytechnics to increase domestic tuition by up to two per cent per year for three years, starting in September 2026. Any tuition changes at Seneca will follow provincial policy and will be communicated.
We know affordability matters and Seneca remains committed to supporting access to education while continuing to manage costs responsibly. Visit our website to see the range of financial supports available to Seneca students.
Q: How will these changes affect my OSAP application?
A: The OSAP application process itself is not changing at this time. Students will still apply through the provincial OSAP system and be assessed based on financial need, including factors such as income, family situation and program costs. However, beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, there will be changes to how OSAP funding is provided. While students will continue to be assessed for the same overall level of financial need, the mix of grants and loans is changing. Students are encouraged to review the latest details shared on the Government of Ontario website.
Q: What other financial supports are available to students?
A: Seneca students have access to a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and awards across programs. Between Fall 2024 and Summer 2025, more than $12 million was available and helped close to 10,000 students pay for their education. Eligible students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply.
Q: Does the government’s investment solve the financial challenges facing Ontario’s colleges and polytechnics?
A: While this investment is very welcome and will help ease some pressures, all postsecondary schools in Ontario still face ongoing financial challenges. Institutions have worked hard to deliver quality education and student services while managing rising costs within tight budgets. The new funding will help offset some impacts of our higher operating costs and changes in enrolment, but it does not eliminate all challenges. At Seneca, we remain focused on continuing to support our students despite the financial constraints.
Q: When do the changes related to the government announcement take effect?
A: Funding to institutions will begin rolling out over the next four years. Tuition and OSAP changes are slated to start in Fall 2026 (2026‑27 academic year).
In addition, here are some expanded details about the recent OSAP updates:
Q: What is the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)?
OSAP is a needs‑based financial aid program provided with provincial and federal funding that helps eligible domestic students pay for postsecondary education. It includes a mix of loans and grants.
Q: With the changes announced by the provincial government, has OSAP funding been reduced?
Students can still receive OSAP funding based on financial need. What is changing is how some of that funding is structured – how much is loans and how much is grants.
Q: What changes to OSAP are taking place in the 2026–27 academic year?
Starting on August 1, 2026, more of the provincial OSAP funding will be provided as loans and less as grants.
Q: Does this change affect the federal portion of OSAP?
About 60 per cent of OSAP funding comes from the federal government and that portion is not changing. The changes apply only to the provincial portion, which is approximately 40 per cent.
Q: With these changes, how much of provincial OSAP funding will become grants?
Under the new rules, provincial grant funding will be capped at 25 per cent of a student’s total provincial OSAP assessment. The rest of the provincial funding will be loans. This amount will also be determined by financial status.
Q: Do income levels affect whether students get grants or loans?
If you are a single, independent student with income above $55,000, or part of a family of two or more with income above $75,000, your provincial OSAP may be provided entirely as loans.
Q: Is the OSAP loan limit changing?
The $7,500 per‑term cap on provincial OSAP loans is being removed. This means a student’s assessed loan amount could be higher if financial need is higher.
Q: Will current OSAP grants turn into loans?
No. Any OSAP funding received for the 2025–26 academic year,(including for the May 2026 Term, will follow the current rules. The new rules apply only to study periods starting August 1, 2026 or later.
Q: Who is affected by these changes?
Anyone applying for OSAP for a study period beginning August 1, 2026 or later .
Q: What about tuition increases? Will OSAP cover them?
Beginning in fall 2026, public postsecondary institutions in Ontario may increase tuition by up to two per cent. Visit the OSAP website to see what areas OSAP can help cover.
Q: What if OSAP does not cover all costs?
If students still have unmet financial need after OSAP, Seneca may provide additional support through the Student Access Guarantee if the student qualifies. More details will be shared once available.
Q: Where can I get more information or a personal estimate?
More information is available on the OSAP website at ontario.ca/OSAP. When the 2026–27 OSAP application and aid estimator is released, you will be able to see an estimate of your own loan and grant funding.
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