Words you'll see
Short, plain meanings for words that come up on award pages and applications. Each one links to the official page it was checked against.
- Apprenticeship
A structured form of trades training where you learn by doing. Most of the time you work on the job with skilled tradespeople and get paid while you learn. The rest is classroom training at a college, a union training centre or another school.
Official source for Apprenticeship (opens in a new tab)- Bursary
Money for college, university or the trades that is not a loan, so you usually do not pay it back. Bursaries are usually based on financial need, sometimes along with other things such as marks or where you live.
Official source for Bursary (opens in a new tab)- Canada Learning Bond(CLB)
Money the Government of Canada pays into an RESP for children from low-income families. The family does not need to put any money in. It can also be claimed for past years, and there are age limits, so check the official page.
Official source for Canada Learning Bond (opens in a new tab)- CESG(Canada Education Savings Grant)
Money the Government of Canada adds to an RESP, based on how much the family puts in. You only get it when you contribute, and lower and middle-income families can get extra. There are age limits, so check the official page early.
Official source for CESG (opens in a new tab)- Entrance award(entrance scholarship)
An award for students starting their first year of college or university, usually straight from high school. Many universities give entrance scholarships automatically, based on your admission average, with no application. Others ask you to apply, so check each school.
Official source for Entrance award (opens in a new tab)- Financial need
The gap between what school will cost and what the student and family are expected to contribute. OSAP is needs-based, so it works this out with a formula. Bursaries and grants are often based on need too, and each one may measure it in its own way.
Official source for Financial need (opens in a new tab)- Grant
Money for school that is not a loan, so you usually do not pay it back. Government grants, such as the ones you are considered for when you apply for OSAP, are usually based on financial need.
Official source for Grant (opens in a new tab)- ontariocolleges.ca
The official website for applying to Ontario's public colleges. It is run by OCAS, a not-for-profit organization. You apply to college programs there instead of at each college.
Official source for ontariocolleges.ca (opens in a new tab)- OSAP(Ontario Student Assistance Program)
Ontario's financial aid program to help pay for college or university. When you apply, you are considered for grants, which you do not pay back, and a student loan, which you repay once you are done school. You can turn down the loan after your application is approved.
Official source for OSAP (opens in a new tab)- OUAC(Ontario Universities' Application Centre)
The not-for-profit, central application service for Ontario universities. Students apply to Ontario universities through OUAC, which passes the applications on. Each university makes its own admission decisions.
Official source for OUAC (opens in a new tab)- OYAP(Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program)
A program for high school students to earn co-op credits through work placements in a skilled trade. It gives a head start on an apprenticeship. Ask guidance or your co-op teacher who can join.
Official source for OYAP (opens in a new tab)- Red Seal
A seal added to your provincial or territorial trade certificate. It shows you can practise your trade across Canada. You earn it by passing the Red Seal exam, and not every trade has one.
Official source for Red Seal (opens in a new tab)- Reference
A person who vouches for the student on an application, such as a teacher, coach, employer or volunteer supervisor. Some awards ask for more than one, for example one from school and one from the community. Often the reference gets a link by email to fill in, so make sure their email address is right.
Official source for Reference (opens in a new tab)- Renewable
A renewable award pays again in later years of your program, not just once. To keep it, you usually need to keep a set average and a full course load. If you fall short you may get less or lose it. Each award sets its own rules.
Official source for Renewable (opens in a new tab)- RESP(Registered Education Savings Plan)
A long-term savings plan to help families save for a child's education after high school. It can help pay for apprenticeships, trade schools, colleges and universities. The government adds money to it through the Canada Education Savings Grant and the Canada Learning Bond.
Official source for RESP (opens in a new tab)- Scholarship
Money for school that you usually do not pay back. Scholarships are usually based on marks (academic merit), and often on other things too, such as leadership, volunteering or a field of study.
Official source for Scholarship (opens in a new tab)- Transcript(Ontario Student Transcript)
The official record of the Ontario high school credit courses a student has completed. Some award applications ask for it. To get a copy, contact your school or school board.
Official source for Transcript (opens in a new tab)
Rules, amounts and dates change. Always check the official site before you apply.