What Is the OSAP Bursary for Students with Disabilities?
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) offers the Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSD) to help cover disability-related educational costs. This non-repayable grant provides up to $2,000 per academic year for expenses like assistive technology, tutoring, note-taking services, and other accommodations not covered by your institution.
To qualify, you must be receiving OSAP funding and have a documented permanent disability that creates barriers to your education.
What Medical Documentation Does OSAP Require?
The OSAP disability grant requires a Disability Verification Form completed by a qualified healthcare professional. This form must confirm:
- The nature of your disability or medical condition
- That the condition is permanent or persistent (lasting 12+ months)
- How the condition affects your ability to participate in post-secondary education
- Recommended accommodations or supports
Who Can Complete the Form?
OSAP accepts documentation from:
- Licensed physicians (MD)
- Registered psychologists (for learning disabilities, ADHD, mental health conditions)
- Audiologists (for hearing impairments)
- Optometrists/ophthalmologists (for visual impairments)
Important: A general sick note is NOT sufficient for the OSAP disability grant. You need the specific Disability Verification Form completed by a qualified practitioner.
Common Conditions That Qualify
The OSAP disability grant covers a wide range of conditions, including:
| Category | Examples |
|----------|----------|
| Mental Health | Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD |
| Neurodevelopmental | ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities |
| Physical | Chronic pain, mobility impairments, repetitive strain |
| Sensory | Visual impairments, hearing loss |
| Chronic Illness | Crohn's disease, diabetes, epilepsy, fibromyalgia |
| Neurological | Concussion/TBI effects, MS, migraines |
How to Get Your Documentation Without a Family Doctor
Many Ontario students do not have a family doctor, which makes getting the disability verification form completed challenging. Here are your options:
1. Campus Health Services
Most Ontario universities and colleges have health centres that can help. However, wait times are often 3-6 weeks during peak periods (September and January).
2. Walk-In Clinics
Walk-in doctors can complete the form, but many refuse because they do not have your medical history and the form requires detailed knowledge of your condition.
3. Virtual Healthcare (Fastest Option)
Licensed physicians through telehealth platforms can review your medical history and complete disability verification documentation. This is often the fastest route for students who:
- Do not have a family doctor
- Cannot wait weeks for a campus appointment
- Need documentation before a funding deadline
Tips for a Successful Application
1. Start early - Do not wait until the deadline. Processing takes 4-6 weeks after submission.
2. Be specific - The more detail your physician provides about functional limitations, the stronger your application.
3. Keep copies - Always keep copies of all submitted documentation.
4. Check deadlines - OSAP disability grant deadlines vary by institution. Contact your financial aid office.
5. Gather supporting documents - Previous diagnoses, IEPs from high school, or specialist reports strengthen your case.
What If You Already Have a Diagnosis?
If you were previously diagnosed (e.g., ADHD diagnosed in childhood, or depression diagnosed by a psychiatrist), you still need a current physician to complete the OSAP verification form. However, having existing documentation makes the process much faster because the physician can reference your diagnostic history.
OSAP Disability Grant vs. Regular OSAP
| Feature | Regular OSAP | Disability Grant |
|---------|-------------|-----------------|
| Type | Loans + grants | Non-repayable grant only |
| Amount | Varies | Up to $2,000/year |
| Requires disability docs | No | Yes |
| Covers | Tuition, living | Disability-related costs |
| Repayment | Loans must be repaid | Never repaid |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the OSAP disability grant for anxiety or depression?
Yes. Mental health conditions including anxiety disorders, major depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD qualify if they are persistent (lasting 12+ months) and create barriers to your education.
Do I need to disclose my disability to my school?
You must register with your school's accessibility services office to receive accommodations, but you do not need to disclose your specific diagnosis to professors or classmates.
Can a virtual doctor complete the OSAP disability verification form?
Yes. Licensed physicians practicing via telehealth in Ontario can complete disability verification documentation, provided they can adequately assess your condition and its impact on your education.
What if my application is denied?
You can appeal the decision. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation or insufficient detail about functional limitations. Getting a more detailed letter from your physician often resolves the issue.
How long does the OSAP disability grant take to process?
Typically 4-6 weeks after all documentation is submitted. Plan ahead and submit well before you need the funds.
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