Log In Help

As part of this website’s security features, you need an OSAP Access Number and a password to apply online and/or check the status of your OSAP application. This document contains the following information to assist you with the log in process:

What’s an OSAP Access Number (OAN)?

The OSAP Access Number (OAN) is a randomly generated nine-digit number. It is a unique identifier that is assigned specifically to you for OSAP purposes only. Your OAN is tied to your Social Insurance Number.

There are two ways for an OAN to be assigned:

    • When you register on this website, you are immediately provided your OAN. Write it down as you will need it for future website access.
    • By submitting a paper application for OSAP funding (e.g., OSAP for Full-Time Students or OSAP for Part-Time Students), an OAN will be assigned to you (if you don’t already have one.) You will have to retrieve your OAN as well as obtain a temporary password using the instructions provided in the next two sections.

Can’t Remember or Don’t Know Your OAN?

Using the “Forgot OAN or password?” link on the login page is the fastest way to retrieve your OAN. You can use this feature if you have already created challenge questions for this website or if you have validated your email address. Otherwise, you can retrieve your OAN using one of the following methods only:

    • In person or via videoconference: Go to, or book a videoconference appointment (if available) with, a financial aid office at any public college or university in Ontario to get your OAN. You must present proof of your identity.

    • By mail: Complete the “OSAP Website: Forgot Password and/or OSAP Access Number” form to get your OAN by mail. This form is available on the OSAP website under the “Forms” section.

Note: Due to the impact of COVID-19, it is possible that OAN retrieval done in person or via videoconference may not be available at some financial aid offices. Contact the financial aid office via phone/email to confirm.

Can’t Remember or Don’t Know Your Password?

Using the “Forgot OAN or password?” link on the login page is the fastest way to log into this site. You can use this password reset feature if:

    • You have validated your email address and know your OAN or SIN; or

    • You have previously created challenge questions for this website and know your OAN.

Otherwise, you can get a temporary password using one of the following methods:

    • In person or via videoconference: Go to, or book a videoconference appointment (if available) with, a financial aid office at any public college or university in Ontario to get your OAN. You must present proof of your identity.

    • By mail: Complete the “OSAP Website: Forgot Password and/or OSAP Access Number” form to get your OAN by mail. This form is available on the OSAP website under the “Forms” section.

Note: Due to the impact of COVID-19, it is possible that OAN retrieval done in person or via videoconference may not be available at some financial aid offices. Contact the financial aid office via phone/email to confirm.

Temporarily Locked Out?

After repeated attempts to login, you will be restricted from logging into this website. The on-screen warning message will advise that you have to wait 30 minutes before you attempt to log into this website again. You can also get a temporary password and/or your OAN as explained in either the “Can’t Remember or Don’t Know Your Password?” or “Can’t Remember or Don’t Know Your OAN?” sections above.

Permanently Locked Out?

If your attempts to access this website are not successful after the temporary lockout period is over, your OAN will be frozen and you will have to obtain a temporary password to regain access.

You can also get a temporary password and/or your OAN as explained in either the “Can’t Remember or Don’t Know Your Password?” or “Can’t Remember or Don’t Know Your OAN?” sections above.

Proof of Your Identity

To retrieve your OAN and/or obtain a temporary password in person, via videoconference or by mail, you must present the following two types of identification:

    • Proof of your Social Insurance Number (SIN): This includes your SIN card, a Government of Canada document that contains your complete SIN or a letter from Service Canada that contains your SIN; and
    • Government-issued photo identification (ID): This includes any valid photo ID issued by the Government of Canada (e.g., passport, Permanent Resident card) or by a Canadian provincial or territorial government (e.g., driver’s licence). Any photo ID must be valid (i.e., not photocopies) and readable.

Keeping Your Information Secure

This website has features designed to ensure that the information you provide is kept secure. However, you also play a key role in protecting your information from unauthorized access:

    • Don’t share your password or OAN with anyone: This includes family, friends, anyone at your financial aid office or at the ministry. You are the only one who should ever know your password or OAN.
    • Change your password on a regular basis. You can do this easily by logging into this website and updating the “Password & challenge questions” section of your profile.
    • Close Your Browser. Make sure that you log off your session and close your browser once you are finished with this site.