Financial Matters

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Students may have additional educational expenses related to their disability.  Both the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and Wilfrid Laurier University assist students with disability-related costs.  The following financial assistance is available for students with disabilities at Laurier:

Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD)

The federal and provincial governments jointly fund the Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD).  Its purpose is to help disabled students meet disability-related costs at the post-secondary level.  Application to this bursary is supervised and is at the discretion of the consultants.

To qualify for the BSWD, the student must apply and qualify for the Ontario Student Assistance Plan (OSAP) and be enrolled in a minimum 40% course load in the current academic term.  Eligible amounts are disability related costs that are not covered in OSAP assistance (e.g., tutors, need for psycho-educational assessment, or assistive devices), and you must be registered with our office.  Unlike OSAP, the BSWD is a bursary and does not have to be repaid.

All students are encouraged to apply for OSAP, even if they believe they have sufficient funds available to cover their costs while at university.   Part time students (less then 2 full credits) may be eligible for the Ontario Special Bursary Plan, which covers direct educational costs (i.e., tuition, books) to a maximum of $2500 per academic year.  Applications are considered on the basis of need.  Students in receipt of OSBP funds also qualify for the BSWD.

The Laurier Bursary for Special Needs (LBSN)

Students who are registered with the Accessible Learning Centre but do not qualify for OSAP may be eligible for the Laurier Bursary for Special Needs (LBSN).  This funding assists in making similar disability-related expenses as the BSWD however the amount available is limited.  For further details about the LBSN, speak with your Accessible Learning Consultant as soon as possible after the commencement of the school year.

Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

A number of scholarships are available for students with disabilities.  These may vary according to your disability group, program, or year of application.  Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic standing, or volunteer commitment.  For more information inquire at the Student Awards Office at the Waterloo campus or the Accessible Learning Centre.