HAMILTON, ON — October 14, 2026 — McMaster Divinity College is calling on the Ontario government to urgently clarify and address the impact of its pause on Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) funding, warning that a broad response to concerns about the integrity of the student financial assistance system is placing students at established, legislatively authorized degree-granting institutions at risk.
On October 6, 2026, the Ontario government announced a pause on OSAP payments at all private postsecondary institutions due to an ongoing investigation into the integrity of OSAP applications following complaints received in late 2024 involving certain private career colleges. As a result, McMaster Divinity College students are not eligible for OSAP funding while the investigation is ongoing, a process which could take up to a year or longer. The funding pause comes weeks into the fall term, when students have already committed to tuition costs and other expenses in reliance on the OSAP funding they expected to receive.
While McMaster Divinity College supports a complete and thorough audit, strong oversight, and increasing measures to protect the integrity of the OSAP program and safeguard public funds, MDC is deeply concerned that a broad funding pause is affecting students whose institution operates under a distinct legislative framework and has a long-established record of degree-granting education. Approximately 65 students representing more than 20% of McMaster Divinity College’s student body are affected by the funding disruption, many facing significant financial stress and life-altering interruptions to their studies.
Dr. Stanley E. Porter, President of McMaster Divinity College, emphasized the broader implications of the funding pause for students across Ontario’s postsecondary sector:
“The pause in OSAP funding is already causing a crisis in higher education in Ontario. While I am sure the provincial government did not intend this outcome, the impact is profound. Just weeks into the academic term, many students are facing serious financial insecurity, struggling to pay tuition and, in some cases, to afford food and other basic necessities. We call on the provincial government to act quickly and decisively to resolve this situation.”
Different institutions, different legislative frameworks
In Ontario, career colleges, by law, are registered under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005. The Superintendent of Career Colleges registers and oversees these institutions.
McMaster Divinity College, by contrast, operates under its own enabling legislation, The McMaster Divinity College Act, 1957, which provides the legislative foundation for its institutional authority.
A founding member of McMaster University, McMaster Divinity College has operated independently since 1957. Its legislative history, degree-granting authority, and educational mandate distinguish it from private career colleges, along with many other faith-based institutions within Ontario.
McMaster Divinity College is therefore urging the province to distinguish established, legislatively authorized degree-granting institutions from private career colleges in regard to OSAP funding and to provide a clear, timely process for addressing the circumstances of students affected by the pause.
Students Facing Uncertainty
For students who rely on OSAP to finance their studies, an interruption in expected funding can create immediate financial hardship. Many balance their education with employment, ministry, and family responsibilities, while also meeting the costs of tuition, housing, food, transportation, and other essential expenses.
Without clarity about their expected funding, students are forced to consider withdrawing from courses, delaying graduation, or leaving their programs altogether. Deanna Hutten, a second-year Master of Arts in Counselling and Spiritual Care student at McMaster Divinity College, says that without additional financial support, she will have no choice but to take a leave of absence next term.
“As a second-year master’s student at McMaster Divinity College, I am studying to become a Spiritual Care Practitioner to serve people in our community. I work part-time to cover my household expenses and rely on OSAP to help fund my tuition, as I have throughout my undergraduate studies and first year of this program. Being barred from OSAP weeks into the fall semester through no fault of my own has been a shock and left me feeling unfairly penalized. Without additional funding, I have no choice but to take a leave of absence next term to save enough money to continue my education. This unexpected disruption has put my academic goals on hold and created significant stress and uncertainty about my future.”
Supporting MDC Students
McMaster Divinity College recognizes the severity of the situation and is actively assessing the financial and academic impact on affected students. The College has surveyed affected students to better understand their circumstances, the urgency of their needs, and the types of support that would most help them.
While the College is committed to supporting its students as best it can, internal assistance cannot replace the timely resolution and clear direction needed from the provincial government. The scale of the disruption underscores the need for urgent action so students can make informed decisions about their education.
The College welcomes direct engagement with the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security and is seeking urgent clarification about how the government intends to address the situation for McMaster Divinity College students.
If you live in Ontario, please contact your local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) or the Premier’s Office to urge a timely resolution to the OSAP funding pause. Ask the government to recognize the distinction between established, legislatively authorized degree-granting institutions and private career colleges and restore OSAP access.
Contact Your MPP Contact the Premier’s Office
About McMaster Divinity College
McMaster Divinity College is a graduate theological educational institution in Hamilton, Ontario. A founding member of McMaster University, the College has operated independently from McMaster University since 1957 under The McMaster Divinity College Act, 1957. MDC prepares Christian leaders for ministry through graduate-level education, spiritual development, and vocational formation.
Media Contact
For all media inquiries, please contact:
Dr. Ambrose Thomson
Registrar & Director of Student Services
905.525.9140 x24981
thomsoap@mcmaster.ca
