The potential cost of a post-secondary degree is a major consideration for many students and their families. 

Changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), that will be in effect for the 2019-20 academic year, may impact the financial situation and decision-making process of undergraduate students, as well as those in second entry programs, such as law, education and medicine.

Current and prospective Ontario students are being advised to watch for more information about the coming changes and be sure to apply for OSAP when the application opens, which is expected in mid-April. Last month, the provincial government announced it is revising OSAP, specifically how grants and loans are assessed at various family income levels. Queen’s, and other universities, are working to clarify the details with the government. In the meantime, Queen’s is promoting the university’s support programs.

“We believe all students who qualify academically should have the opportunity to take part in the Queen's experience no matter what their starting point is financially,” says Tom Harris, Interim Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic). “It’s why each year Queen’s distributes millions of dollars in bursaries and scholarships to thousands of undergraduate and graduate students who qualify for the extra financial support.”

In 2017-18, more than 45 per cent of the undergraduate student population received financial support from Queen’s totaling $27 million, and an additional $6 million in need-based aid was distributed to graduate students.

Queen’s recently mailed a postcard to first-year undergraduate applicants. The postcard invites them to visit their SOLUS account and apply for a Queen’s non-repayable admission bursary. This is one of several ways in which prospective students are advised of these types of awards.

“Over the coming weeks, Queen’s will be taking a closer look at our student financial supports to determine what adjustments can be made to provide more support to students with the greatest financial need,” says Ann Tierney, Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs. “We are also planning to increase student assistance through additional fundraising efforts.”  

To learn more about Queen’s financial supports for students, visit the Student Awards website.