In Ontario, adult children are expected to contribute to their own post-secondary education. Before parents split the Section 7 cost of university tuition, the student must apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). The parents are generally only responsible for dividing the “net” remaining cost after grants, loans, and the child’s contribution are deducted.
Sending a child to university or college is a proud moment for any family, but the financial burden is enormous. For separated or divorced parents in Ontario, the question of who pays for post-secondary education can lead to bitter disputes. While the Federal Child Support Guidelines require parents to contribute to Section 7 extraordinary expenses, adult children do not get a free ride.
Whether your child is attending university in Ottawa, Hamilton, or Kingston, Ontario family law expects the student to make a meaningful financial contribution. 📍 This includes maximizing their eligibility for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), scholarships, and summer employment. Understanding how OSAP impacts your legal obligation to pay tuition is crucial for protecting your financial future while supporting your child’s education.
Step-by-Step Process for Calculating Post-Secondary Section 7 Costs
Ontario judges view post-secondary education differently than daycare or elementary school expenses. Because the child is now an adult (over 18), they must take on some financial responsibility. Here is the generally accepted process for determining what parents actually owe.
Step 1: The Student Applies for OSAP and Grants
The very first step is for the adult child to apply for OSAP and any available university scholarships or bursaries. Family courts in Ontario generally mandate that a student must exhaust all available financial aid before demanding money from their parents. OSAP provides both non-repayable grants and repayable loans.
It is important to note that a parent’s income will affect how much OSAP the child receives. 💰 Usually, OSAP assesses the income of the parent the child lives with most of the time (the parent with primary parenting time). Both parents must cooperate in providing their CRA tax information so the child’s application is processed smoothly.
Step 2: Determine the Student’s Expected Contribution
Beyond OSAP, the court expects the adult child to contribute their own money. Most applicants in this province choose to work during the summer or part-time during the school year. Judges typically expect a student to contribute a reasonable amount-often between $2,000 and $4,000 CAD per year-from their own earnings.
Additionally, if there is a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) set up, those funds must be applied directly to the tuition and living expenses before the parents pull money out of their current pockets.
Step 3: Calculate the “Net” Educational Cost
Once the student’s contributions are gathered, you must calculate the exact “net” cost remaining. You take the total cost of tuition, books, and reasonable living expenses (if living away from home), and subtract the OSAP grants, OSAP loans, scholarships, RESP funds, and the student’s summer earnings.
| Funding Source | How it Affects the Parents’ Section 7 Obligation |
|---|---|
| OSAP Grants | Directly reduces the total cost. Parents do not pay this amount. |
| OSAP Student Loans | Generally reduces the upfront cost, as the child is expected to take on reasonable student debt. |
| RESP Payouts | Applied first to the tuition before parents pay anything out-of-pocket. |
| Remaining Balance | This is the “Net Cost” that the parents must split proportionally. |
Step 4: Split the Net Cost Proportionally
The remaining net cost is the official Section 7 expense. Just like medical expenses or daycare, this final amount is divided between the parents based on their proportional incomes. If Parent A earns $70,000 and Parent B earns $30,000, Parent A will cover 70% of that final net cost, and Parent B will cover 30%.
If the parents cannot agree on these calculations, they may need to hire a family lawyer to draft a formal Post-Secondary Support Agreement or file a motion in the Superior Court of Justice.
How Much Does it Cost in Ontario?
Navigating post-secondary support can be complicated, and professional help is often needed to get the math right. 💵 Here are the typical costs associated with legally resolving these disputes as of May 2026:
- Family Mediation: Using a mediator to agree on the child’s expected contribution generally costs $150 to $400 CAD per hour.
- Lawyer Negotiation: Retaining a law firm to draft an addendum to your separation agreement typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500 CAD.
- Court Litigation: If a parent refuses to pay their share of university costs and a trial is necessary, legal fees can easily exceed $10,000 to $25,000 CAD.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Parents should not wait until September to figure this out. Discussions should begin in the Spring of the child’s Grade 12 year, precisely when university acceptances and OSAP applications are being processed. Drafting a support agreement via lawyers usually takes 1 to 3 months. If you must go to court, scheduling a motion in Ontario can take 4 to 8 months, meaning you might have to temporarily pay out-of-pocket until the judge rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does basic monthly child support continue while the child is in university?
It depends. If the child continues to live at home while commuting to university, the standard monthly child support generally continues. If the child moves away to live in a student residence, the base support is often reduced to reflect only the months they live at home during the summer, while room and board become Section 7 expenses.
Can I force my child to take out OSAP loans?
Generally, Ontario courts expect students to apply for OSAP. While a parent cannot physically force the adult child to sign the loan documents, the judge will usually calculate the parents’ financial obligation as if the child had accepted the maximum OSAP available to them.
What if my ex earns too much for the child to get OSAP?
OSAP eligibility is heavily tied to parental income. If the parents’ combined income is too high to qualify for government grants or loans, the “net cost” remains higher, and the parents must divide that larger tuition bill based on their proportional incomes.
Do parents have to pay for a Master’s degree?
In most cases, an Ontario court will only order parents to support a child through their first undergraduate degree or college diploma. Forcing parents to pay for graduate school, law school, or medical school is rare unless the parents are extremely wealthy.
Leave a Reply