McMaster Divinity College is encouraged by Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s recent statements that the government plans to prioritize low-risk postsecondary institutions in its ongoing OSAP audit, with the goal of restoring funding as quickly as possible. We welcome the recognition that institutions should be assessed according to their individual circumstances and risk profiles.
However, no clear timeline has been provided for when funding will be restored. Our students cannot remain in financial uncertainty indefinitely. We are asking the government to provide a timeline for reviewing private postsecondary institutions and unfreezing OSAP funding for eligible students.
We encourage our supporters to continue advocating on behalf of our students. This week is constituency week, when Members of Provincial Parliament have a break from the legislature to hear directly from constituents. Please continue to contact your local MPP and the Premier’s Office to ask when low-risk institutions like McMaster Divinity College will be reviewed and when students can expect their funding to be restored.
With the next academic term only a couple of months away, students need clarity so they can make informed decisions about continuing their education.
A Record of Academic Quality and Accountability
McMaster Divinity College has a long-established record of academic quality, institutional accountability, and financial responsibility. MDC has been accredited by the Commission on Accrediting (COA) of The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) since 1954. ATS is widely regarded as the gold standard in graduate-level theological education. Its rigorous accreditation process includes an institutional review against established standards and an on-site evaluation by peer and public reviewers.
MDC’s accreditation status is currently in good standing, meeting all applicable standards for educational quality, institutional improvement, financial stability, public accountability, and student learning outcomes. It has no public sanctions and is approved to offer doctoral and master’s degrees, as well as one-year certificates. As a non-profit institution, the College also has its financial statements independently audited every year, with a clean audit this past spring.
McMaster Divinity College’s sector of private postsecondary institutions is relatively low risk due its relative size within Ontario’s postsecondary landscape. Across the province, 19,940 students in the private postsecondary sector received OSAP grants, only 3% of the total OSAP grant funding across all sectors. Students in the private postsecondary sector also receive the lowest average OSAP grant amounts, at approximately $5,300 per student—slightly below the average for students attending public universities. (Source: https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/education-and-training/40-of-osap-grants-went-to-private-career-college-students-in-2024-25-data-12310642)
Uncertainty for Students
Approximately 70 McMaster Divinity College students were expecting OSAP funding during the past academic year. Since the funding pause began, our students have shown remarkable determination to continue their education. Some have taken on additional employment, reduced expenses, and drawn on emergency savings. As a result, only a handful of students have had to step away from their studies.
The College has extended additional financial assistance to students facing hardship, while our community has generously contributed grocery gift cards and approximately $7,000 to date in benevolent funding to help students remain enrolled.
We are deeply grateful for this support, but it is not a long-term solution to replace government funding students were counting on to meet their educational expenses.
The uncertainty also extends beyond our current students. Without a clear timeline, prospective students must now question whether they can rely on OSAP to help fund their education in Ontario. This uncertainty threatens future recruitment and enrolment, affecting not only students but the ability of institutions like ours to serve their communities.
Looking Ahead
As we approach the next academic term, we are asking the Ontario government to follow through on its commitment to prioritize lower-risk institutions, expedite the review of McMaster Divinity College, and provide a clear timeline for restoring OSAP access to eligible students.
Please continue to make your voice heard. During this constituency week, contact your local MPP and the Premier’s Office. Ask the government to:
- Prioritize the review of lower-risk institutions, including McMaster Divinity College.
- Provide a clear timeline for completing the review.
- Confirm when eligible students can expect OSAP funding to be restored.
Your voice matters. Hearing directly from constituents helps ensure that the impact of this funding pause on students, families, and institutions remains on the government’s agenda.
Contact Your MPP Contact the Premier’s Office
Thank you for standing with McMaster Divinity College and supporting our students.
If you would like to make a donation to directly benefit students affected by the OSAP pause, please use the link below.
