Many students say they are worried about whether they can continue their college education in light of changes coming to the provincial student loan program.
Earlier this month, the provincial government announced major changes for Ontario colleges and universities, including the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).
OSAP’s loan-to-grant ratio will change dramatically, and a seven-year tuition freeze will be lifted.
Under the changes to OSAP, the loan-to-grant ratio will change to 75 per cent as repayable loans and 25 per cent in grants, a flip from the current 15 per cent repayable loan and 85 per cent grant formula.
Many students have expressed anger and worry over these new changes, including Shelly Mitchell, a mature student in the Business – Marketing program.
“Financially, I’m on OSAP, so I’m not currently working,” she said. “So I am the only financial breadwinner in the family. So, if the cutting goes to 25 per cent as opposed to 85 per cent, it’s definitely going to make things much more financially tighter and may end up risking my first year of my program.”
Other students like Ashley Kissogn are also concerned for the future. Kissogn is a first-year Mechanical Engineering Technology student and has two years left in her program.
“So, having most of my money come from loans that I have to pay after I graduate is like, it’s very crazy to think about how much that I’ll probably need after I graduate,” she said.
Facing backlash from students, Premier Doug Ford said students should not take “basket weaving courses” and instead take STEM, health care or trades. The comments have caused more outrage around Durham College.
Student Ahththith Satgunarash said Ford’s comments don’t “make sense” because all programs cost money.
“Now, imagine if these students are coming from a low socioeconomic background, they’re already going to have trouble affording to go into these programs, and now you’re taking away most of it from them. How do you expect them to go into that?” he said.
The OSAP changes will take effect in the fall 2026 semester.
High school students, who will soon be headed to post-secondary, are planning a walkout next Monday, March 2 in protest. There will also be a rally at Queen’s Park by post-secondary students on Thursday, March 4. Students are also signing petitions online.