Hi, my name is Kathy Johnson, and I am the Financial Aid Officer at triOS College. My role is to assist students in navigating their funding options and guide them through the financial process from start to finish.

As a Financial Aid Officer, I am here to help students understand their funding options, assist with necessary documentation, and support them throughout their entire educational journey, even after they’ve completed their program. Our goal is to make the dream of returning to school and starting a new career a reality for our students. We do this by showing them that education is affordable and accessible, no matter their financial situation.

Why doesn’t triOS College have tuition information on the website?

One key aspect of our approach at triOS College is that we don’t publish tuition costs on our website. The reason for this is that the cost of education varies for everyone. Some students may have savings, while others might need financial assistance through student loans, third-party funding, or other options. We focus on helping students find the best way to finance their education so they can focus on what truly matters: getting back to school and starting a new career.

Does triOS College offer bursaries?

We also offer student bursaries, which directly reduce tuition costs for certain programs. These bursaries are automatically applied, so students don’t need to take any extra steps to benefit from them.

What funding options are available to students?

Many students might not be aware of all the funding options available to them. While OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) is widely known, there are other avenues like payment plans, third-party funding such as Better Jobs Ontario and WSIB funding, and even band funding for Indigenous students. Additionally, students can explore options like a student line of credit through their bank or use a RESP set up by a parent or grandparent. There’s also the Lifelong Learning Plan, where students can withdraw up to $10,000 per year from their RRSPs, up to a maximum of $20,000, to help cover educational costs.

Are there grants available to students?

There are grants that students can apply for through OSAP. When a student applies for grants through OSAP, they are automatically assessed for any federal or provincial grants. Once they complete the application, OSAP will automatically provide those grants to the student if they qualify for them.

How do I apply for a student loan?

The process is straightforward – it typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes online, and we’re here to guide them through it. Students will need to create an OSAP account, which requires their Social Insurance Number (SIN), and they will need to provide information about their income and family structure. We assist with the documentation and submission of the application, making the process as smooth as possible.

How do I find out if I’m eligible for a student loan?

Eligibility for student loans through OSAP requires that students be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons. If a student has previously received OSAP, they must ensure that their loan is in good standing, with no restrictions on their file. If there are any issues, we’re here to help resolve them.

When do I need to start repaying my student loan?

Repaying a student loan begins six months after program completion, giving students a grace period before payments begin. If financial difficulties arise, repayment assistance is available, offering either reduced payments or another six months of no payments. We support students in applying for this assistance as well.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, we’re here to ensure that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of student success.