An independent student is a full-time student or applicant (see full-time/part-time status) who applies to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) while both of the following are true:

• They are not currently married or in a common-law relationship;
• They do not have any dependent children.

To be considered an independent student one of the following must also be true:

• They have been out of high school for: 
  • Six or more years at the start of their study period. This applies to the provincial funding calculation only.
  • Four or more years at the start of their study period. Applies to the federal funding calculation only.
• They have worked full-time for at least 24 months in a row.
• Both of their parents are deceased.
• They are currently a child in Extended Society Care or they were in the care of the Crown just before they turned 18.
• They are currently receiving a Continued Care and Support for Youth program allowance from a Children’s Aid Society.

In comparison to a dependent student, an independent student's parental income is not considered when calculating financial resources and financial need.