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Ways to Fund Your Post-Secondary Education

The costs associated with post-secondary education may seem overwhelming, however it is important to remember that there are many resources, planning tools and opportunities available to support you with planning for the financial demands of your post-secondary education.

Determining your Budget for Post-Secondary​

  • Costs and expenses: Visit post-secondary institution websites to learn about specific tuition costs, ancillary fees, residence, meal plans, parking and other costs you may need to consider. 
  • Money and Budgets: For more information about financial planning, visit the guide tool in your myBlueprint account to learn about “Paying for Post-secondary” and “Budget and Finance”.

Note: All post-secondary institutions have a financial aid office to support future and current students. They are the best source of information for anything specific to the college or university you will be attending.

What are Scholarships, Grants and Bursaries?​

A scholarship is a ‘gift’ of money that is typically based on applicant merit - grades, leadership experience, extra-curricular and/or community involvement, athletic skill, artistic accomplishments and/or proficiency in the completion of a task such as an essay or project. There may be very general or very specific criteria for scholarships that students must consider when applying. Many thousands of dollars go unclaimed in scholarship funds every year because students simply do not take the time to apply or doubt that they will be successful and so do not bother applying.  

Grants and bursaries are ‘gifts’ of money that may have similar criteria as scholarships but also include a required element of financial need. The criteria for financial need may vary between various awards so award criteria should be carefully reviewed.

Helpful Scholarship, Grant and Bursary Websites​

There are some helpful scholarship, grant and bursary websites that can help students get started in their scholarship search. Individual HDSB secondary schools will also share scholarship opportunity information with graduating students. Check in with your guidance office to ensure you know where to look!

Government Loans and Bursaries​

The provincial and federal governments provide a range of supports that help students access post-secondary education. Some of these supports require re-payment over time and others do not.

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is one of the most common ways that Ontario students fund their education. Specific criteria must be met to qualify for OSAP and the loans granted must be paid back following the student’s graduation from the post-secondary institution. OSAP also can be granted for Ontario students attending out of province colleges and universities. Students can start to apply for OSAP as early as the fall of the year they will be applying to post-secondary institutions.

Learn more about government loan and bursary options available: 

Work-Study Programs and Summer Employment Opportunities​

Post-secondary institutions may offer specific on-campus work opportunities for students during the school year and/or summer to help cover the cost of their education. Students can reach out to the colleges and universities they attend to find out what those options might look like.

Personal Savings​

Students may choose to take on part-time or summer work to save for the cost of their post-secondary education. Banks will be able to offer suggestions for the best way to maximize their savings with higher interest options. Some families may also be able to contribute to supporting the cost of their student’s education.

Other Sources of Support​

The HDSB provides support in covering college and university application fees for families that have demonstrated financial need.  Please speak to your Guidance Counsellor for further information.

Explore - HDSB Guide to Post Secondary​​​

Explore - HDSB Guide to Post Secondary​​​