Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a government funded program designed to provide Ontario learners with financial assistance while in studies at an accredited University or College in the form of low interest financial loans and grants. This funding is primarily applied to your NOSM University student account to help cover tuition and registration fees.  Undergraduate medical education learners who reside in Ontario OR who have lived in Ontario outside of full time studies for at least 12 months consecutively are urged to apply for funding directly through the OSAP website. For more information regarding OSAP and eligibility please visit the Learn About OSAP webpage. If you are attending NOSM University from out of province/territory, you must apply for financial assistance through your home province.

Out of Province funded learners may direct all funding forms via email to financialaid@nosm.ca including but not limited to Program Information Form, Confirmation of Enrolments, etc.

Learners often rely on bank issued medical student line of credits to support themselves while in studies. These lines of credits are different than general student LOC’s and provide a range of flexibility and borrowing terms to help cover educational and living expenses. All major banking institutions in Canada typically offer competitive terms and rates for medical students including increased loan amounts, lower interest rates, and simpler repayment plans that align with future income potentials. The medical student line of credit (LOC) is an essential resource for many learners in order to support themselves financially through the entirety of their program. LOC’s can range from $250,000 – $350,000 and may require a co-signer. Some banking institutions offer Line of Credit extensions during residency for an additional $50,000 – $100,000.

Donors have demonstrated immense support through establishing financial donations to support medical learners across NOSM University and specifically through the annual internal bursary application program. The bursary application houses a number of  unique opportunities funded by donors to support learners through their time at NOSM University. The Financial Aid Office ensures 100% of all applicants receive a monetary bursary to support their educational expenses. By alleviating some financial burden, we are promoting a vibrant and diverse future in medicine. Details of our donor funded bursaries may be found under the NOSM University Donors and Bursaries webpage.  Details regarding the bursary application process and requirements are shared via email  in the fall each year.

NOSM University works closely with the Ministry to provide Indigenous initiatives including the NOSM University Indigenous General Bursary. All Indigenous learners who apply for financial assistance will receive a monetary bursary that is applied towards educational expenses. No formal additional application is required as information and eligibility will be captured through the main bursary application process.

NOSM University actively promotes and facilitates some selection for external award opportunities that both recognize academic excellence in medicine along with a monetary award value. These opportunities are funded by organizations and foundations to acknowledge excellence within medical education. The Financial Aid Office diligently promotes and advertises external award opportunity to all eligible learners through our webpage and via email newsletters. Below you may find all application requirement unique to each opportunity.

At NOSM University there are a variety of internal financial assistance programs built to support learners in medical and health education. The diverse range of financial opportunities ensure all levels of learner needs are accommodated. The list below outlines some of the key programs available to learners.

Summer Research

NOSM University Summer Medical Student Research Awards began in 2006. Student research projects provide NOSM University medical students the opportunity to pursue hands-on research in a broad range of areas, from biological studies to social research. For more details please visit the NOSM University Summer Medical Student Research Awards webpage.

Final Year Medical School Bursary (FYMSB)

The Final Year Medical School Bursary (FYMSB) is an opportunity for learners in their last year of medical school to receive a bursary in the amount of $9,000.00 released in 4 instalments between (Sept-April). Please note that the value and terms of payout are subject to change. The Financial Aid Office distributes the FYMSB Application via email by the end of July annually with a requested due date of September 1st. Most learners are eligible as long as you haven’t received the FYMSB prior and are not sponsored by the Canadian Forces. The full information and application package will be sent via email to you by the end of July.

Comprehensive Community Clerkship (CCC) Reimbursement Program

The CCC reimbursement program is an opportunity for learners in their 3rd year of medical school completing placements outside of their home campus location to submit monthly claims for the accumulated expenses associated with the CCC placement for a maximum of $9,000 in the academic year and $1,500 monthly. A detailed presentation will be delivered by the Finance Unit during orientation week in September to outline the eligibility criteria and claim process.

NOSM University Emergency Funding Program

The NOSM University Emergency Funding Program is designed to assist learners in times of need. This funding is allocated to learners experiencing an emergency or unforeseen expense which has  evident financial implications, All NOSM University learners activity registered in Undergraduate Medical Education, Master’s of Medical Studies, Dietetic Practicum Program, and Post Graduate Medical Residency are welcome to apply. Please email complete the Emergency Funding Application and email to financialaid@nosm.ca. This program is built to financially support learners in financial despair. If you are in immediate danger or in an life threatening emergency situation please contact 9-1-1.

Return to service agreements (RTSA) are arrangements in which medical students or residents agree to work in a specific community or healthcare setting for a predetermined period in exchange for financial support during their education. These agreements are commonly offered by healthcare organizations, provincial governments, or other institutions to address shortages in underserved or remote areas. In return for receiving scholarships, loan forgiveness, or financial incentives, students often are required to commit to providing healthcare services in these areas after completing their training. These agreements are designed to encourage medical professionals to serve in communities that may otherwise struggle to attract healthcare providers. Healthcare organizations and governments offer monetary support through grants, loan repayment programs, or direct financial incentives to ensure that medical students are motivated to honor their commitments to underserved regions, improving access to care in those areas.

Military Medical Training Program (MMTP) & Medical Officer Training Plan (MOTP)

The Canadian Armed Forces offer programs to support medical learners looking to serve as Medical Officers after graduation. These programs will cover educational costs associated with medical school. A Return to Service Agreement (RTSA) is required and allows learners to study and then work directly with the Canadian Armed Forces. For more information please visit the NOSM University Pathways to Medicine webpage.

Through the MMTP, students receive financial assistance for their tuition and living expenses while attending medical school, as well as the opportunity to gain hands-on medical training in a military setting. Upon graduation, participants are required to serve as medical officers within the Canadian Armed Forces for a specified period.

Similarly, the MOTP provides a similar structure for medical students, offering financial support during their studies in exchange for a commitment to serve as a medical officer with the Canadian Armed Forces. Both programs give medical students the chance to gain unique medical experience and contribute to the health and well-being of military personnel. Participants are also provided with competitive salary packages and opportunities for career advancement within the Canadian military healthcare system. More information can be found through the Government of Canada website.

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a government funded program designed to provide Ontario learners with financial assistance while in studies at an accredited University or College in the form of low interest financial loans and grants. This funding is primarily applied to your NOSM University student account to help cover tuition and registration fees. Learners studying in a graduate program at NOSM University who reside in Ontario OR who have lived in Ontario outside of full time studies for at least 12 months consecutively are urged to apply for funding directly through the OSAP website. For more information regarding OSAP and eligibility please visit the Learn About OSAP webpage. If you are attending NOSM University from out of province/territory, you must apply for financial assistance through your home province.

Out of Province funded learners may direct all funding forms via email to financialaid@nosm.ca including but not limited to Program Information Form, Confirmation of Enrolments, etc.

The NOSM University Research Services Office is pleased to offer a variety of learner and faculty research award opportunities which are available at different times throughout the year. For details please visit the Internal Research Awards webpage.

The NOSM University Emergency Funding Program is designed to assist learners in times of need. This funding is allocated to learners experiencing an emergency or unforeseen expense which has evident financial implications, All NOSM University learners activity registered in Undergraduate Medical Education, Master’s of Medical Studies, Dietetic Practicum Program, and Post Graduate Medical Residency are welcome to apply. Please email complete the Emergency Funding Application and email to financialaid@nosm.ca. This program is built to financially support learners in financial despair. If you are in immediate danger or in an life threatening emergency situation please contact 9-1-1.

The Drs. McElhaney and Briggs Dietetic Practicum Scholarship
Established to support learners entering the NOSM University Dietetic Practicum Program to help address the shortage of dietetic professionals in Northern Ontario. The opportunity is to act as a mechanism to continue the legacy of Dr. Janet E. McElhaney and Dr. Marion C.E. Briggs. The purpose of the Drs. McElhaney and Briggs Dietetic Practicum Program Scholarship award is to offset tuition costs for learners. The total value of this opportunity is $8,000 annually and will be distributed amongst multiple recipients each year. Consideration will be given where possible to prioritizing the award for learners demonstrating a commitment to social accountability, care of older adults, and collaborative healthcare practices. The Bursary Application is open to all DPP learners in the Fall.

While DPP learners are not eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program, there are other avenues for government financial assistance and repayment plans. Past learners have benefitted from the National Student Loans Service Centre’s loan forgiveness plans including Repayment Assistance Program (RAP), which offers manageable monthly payments during the repayment period based of unique financial situations.

Explore external scholarship opportunities that include options tailored for dietetic learners, including the Ignite Dietetic Internship Scholarship. There are also other opportunities that are open to all type of learners such as the RBC Future Launch Scholarship.

We recognize the importance of financial assistance during your studies. Learners who are unable to work while in school may opt to apply for a student loan or line of credit through their financial banking institution. Applying for a student line of credit may require a letter of enrolment indicating registration status. These letters can be requested via email from the Registrar’s Office at registrar@nosm.ca.

NOSM University is fortunate to have donors who have made generous donations towards various awards and bursaries for post graduate learners. These bursaries ease the financial burden of medical residency, and in turn, help improve the health of the people of Northern Ontario by allowing physicians to focus on their medical education journey. For more information on Post Graduate Awards please visit the PG Financial Assistance webpage.

Return to service agreements (RTSA) are arrangements in which medical students or residents agree to work in a specific community or healthcare setting for a predetermined period in exchange for financial support during their education. These agreements are commonly offered by healthcare organizations, provincial governments, or other institutions to address shortages in underserved or remote areas. In return for receiving scholarships, loan forgiveness, or financial incentives, students often are required to commit to providing healthcare services in these areas after completing their training. These agreements are designed to encourage medical professionals to serve in communities that may otherwise struggle to attract healthcare providers. Healthcare organizations and governments offer monetary support through grants, loan repayment programs, or direct financial incentives to ensure that medical students are motivated to honor their commitments to underserved regions, improving access to care in those areas.

The  Medical School Application Fee Waiver Program offers awarded students with free medical school applications to participating Canadian medical schools. This program was developed to support medical school applicants facing financial barriers to applying to medical school. The Ontario program was collaboratively developed by the Price of a Dream (POD), the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC), the Council of Ontario Faculties of Medicine (COFM), and the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).

Please review the application portal for details and due dates.

The Ontario program waives the OMSAS processing fee and provides free applications for up to three Ontario medical schools of their choice (ranging from approximately $125 – $390 total) for the application cycle. The six Ontario medical schools include NOSM University.  Using the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS), start your Ontario medical school application for Fall admission. Your fee waiver award will be applied to your account so that when you submit your application, you will have the application fees waived for up to three medical schools ($125 – $390). To have the OMSAS processing fee waived, you need to input the one-time voucher code that you will receive via email from AFMC, if successful.

Eligibility Criteria

This program is catered to any Canadian students or students with permanent resident status who anticipate applying to at least one Ontario medical school during an application cycle and might have difficulty paying for medical school applications.

Note: If your application is successful, you will be informed by AFMC via email.

Ontario-specific Application Requirements In addition to the information listed under “Application Instructions” above, the Ontario fee waiver program application requires applicants to specify up to three Ontario medical schools that you desire your award to be applied to. The three schools that you select on your application cannot be changed after you submit your application, so make this choice wisely by referring to the Ontario Medical School Application Service website for more information.

NOSM University is committed to supporting accessible medical education by removing financial barriers and providing equitable opportunities for all students. Internal scholarships alleviate financial burden and encourage more students from all communities to pursue a career in medicine, and particularly in northern Ontario. Generous donors have made significant impact on current learners and to the future leaders of health care. For more details on the unique scholarship opportunities please visit the Scholarships, Bursaries, and Awards webpage.