York University is committed to ensuring qualified students with demonstrated financial need have the funds to cover direct educational costs (tuition, books and mandatory course fees) associated with their academic pursuits.
When you apply for student aid through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), you are also automatically considered for the Student Access Guarantee (SAG) For most students, OSAP fully covers their assessed direct educational costs (i.e. tuition, books and mandatory fees). In some cases however, a student's direct educational costs may exceed what OSAP can provide. That is when the Student Access Guarantee can help.
The Student Access Guarantee is a partnership between York University and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) that ensures that students who receive OSAP and are identified by the MTCU as having “unmet financial need”, receive the support needed to cover their direct educational costs. This support is provided through a variety of sources including (but not limited to) York University scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Each student is assessed on an individual basis and SAG amounts are calculated by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). To determine if a student is eligible for SAG, the MTCU examines what a student is paying in direct education costs and compares it to their resources (i.e. OSAP funding, employment income, scholarships and awards already received, parental or spousal income, etc.).
| Expense (direct education cost) |
Amount |
|---|---|
| Course / Program Fees | $6,981 |
| Textbooks | $1,200 |
| Total | $8,181 |
Using the example below you can see that this student received a $551 bursary so that their resources match their expenses.
| Student's Resource | Amount |
|---|---|
| OSAP Assessment | $5,130 |
| York Entrance Scholarship | $1,000 |
| Employment Income | $1,500 |
| Student Access Guarantee Bursary | $551 |
| Total | $8,181 |
If you qualify for additional aid for tuition, books and mandatory course fees, you will automatically receive one of these bursaries: you do not need to apply. The bursary will be posted to your Student Account Online Statement and an e-mail confirmation will be sent to you.
There are two bursary programs at York University that are responsible for delivering the Student Access Guarantee to students. The financial assistance provided under these programs is designed to supplement government student financial assistance. Students are advised to also access other sources of funding (employment, parental and/or spousal contribution) to fully meet their expenses.
Student Access Guarantee Bursary
- Awarded to undergraduate students registered at York University for the current session.
- Demonstrate a tuition book shortfall.
- Ontario resident who has been assessed for OSAP funding.
- In good academic standing.
York/Sheridan Needs Bursary
- Awarded to undergraduate students registered at York University for the current session in the joint York/Sheridan design program (BDes).
- Demonstrate a tuition book shortfall.
- Ontario resident who has been assessed for OSAP funding.
- In good academic standing.
Students are also strongly encouraged to access other financial assistance opportunities through the Student Financial Profile (SFP). In addition to the Student Access Guarantee, there are many awards and scholarships that students can apply to in any given year.
Need help? Take a minute and view our online tutorial about how to complete the Student Financial Profile.
The OSAP Aid Estimator will help you determine how much you could receive through OSAP grants and loans.
Connect with the Division of Students