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Welcome! This Padlet explores the issue of Student Loan Debt, particularly within the Canadian context. You'll find curated videos, websites, and images that break down the causes, consequences, and management strategies for student debt. Whether you're a current student, planning to apply for loans, or already repaying them, this Padlet is filled with valuable insights and tools to help you make smart financial decisions.

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Video #1 – Understanding OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program)

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Video #1 – Understanding OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program)

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This video provides a clear explanation of how OSAP works, including eligibility, how to apply, and how funding is distributed. It also touches on grants versus loans and the importance of budgeting your financial aid wisely. It’s especially useful for Ontario students who are new to post-secondary education and need help understanding how OSAP supports education costs.

Why I chose it:
I picked this video because OSAP is a major source of funding for many students in Ontario. It was helpful to see the process broken down visually. One key insight was how loan forgiveness might apply if you complete your program within a set time.

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 Video #2 – CBC News: Student Debt Crisis in Canada

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 Video #2 – CBC News: Student Debt Crisis in Canada

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This CBC segment discusses the rising level of student debt in Canada and its long-term impact on young adults. It features interviews with students and financial experts and presents statistics on the average student loan debt upon graduation.

Why I chose it:
I liked that the video included real stories and national data. One standout fact was that some graduates delay milestones like buying a home due to student loan repayments.

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Video #3 – How to Repay Student Loans in Canada

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Video #3 – How to Repay Student Loans in Canada

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Summary:
This video explains the repayment process after graduation, interest-free grace periods, and different repayment plans. It emphasizes the importance of budgeting and reaching out to loan services early if you anticipate financial struggles.

Why I chose it:
Many students are unaware of flexible repayment options. I learned that if you miss payments, your credit score is impacted, which can affect your future borrowing ability.

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Website #1 – Government of Canada Student Aid

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Website #1 – Government of Canada Student Aid

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This site provides all details about student financial assistance in Canada including loan application processes, eligibility, repayment options, and loan forgiveness programs.

Why I chose it:
It’s an official and reliable source. I found the repayment assistance section especially helpful—it’s something many students overlook when borrowing.

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Student grants and loans, scholarships, education savings, apprentice loans and grants.

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Website #2 – Financial Consumer Agency of Canada: Student Loans

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Website #2 – Financial Consumer Agency of Canada: Student Loans

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This website helps students understand their rights and responsibilities when borrowing. It includes budgeting tools, debt calculators, and advice on avoiding financial trouble.
The site offers practical tools, not just theory. The loan repayment calculator was something I hadn’t used before and helped me estimate my future obligations.

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This page is a full guide to OSAP, including how much you can receive, application deadlines, and appeals. It also breaks down grants vs. loans and eligibility.

Why I chose it:

It’s the most direct source for OSAP-specific info. I liked the breakdown of full-time vs. part-time student support—something many students don’t understand clearly.

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How to qualify

How and when to apply

How to get the money and more

When, how and what help's available

Find out how much you could get to help pay for your postsecondary education

Under-represented learners

Resources

OSAP information module

You'll need to complete an interactive information module before you start your application if you're a:

If you reapply to OSAP for the 2022-2023 or 2023-2024 school year, you will not need to complete this module again.

The module will help you understand:

how OSAP and/or OSAP for Micro-credentials work

your roles and responsibilities if you become an OSAP or OSAP for micro-credentials recipient

basic financial information to support you through your postsecondary education (for example, creating a budget, understanding credit and debt)

How the module works

The interactive module contains short, self-study sections with information you must read before you start your OSAP or OSAP for Micro-credentials application. At the end of each section, you will be asked to answer a question about what you've just read.

Correct answers let you move to the next section of the module. When you've finished the information module, your OSAP or OSAP for Micro-credentials application will open.

You can log in and out of the module at any time, and your progress will be saved.

If you choose to complete the module in one sitting, it will take you approximately 15 minutes.

Only full-time or micro-credential students making their first OSAP application for the 2022-2023 or 2023-2024 school year need to complete this module. You will not need to complete this module again if you are reapplying to OSAP.

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OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program

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Get help paying for school when you qualify for OSAP. Log in Register

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Website #4 – Globe & Mail Article on Student Debt

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Website #4 – Globe & Mail Article on Student Debt

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This article examines the financial stress that student debt causes and how it’s contributing to mental health challenges. It features expert opinions and data from Statistics Canada.

Why I chose it:

The mental health connection was eye-opening. I hadn’t considered how long-term debt anxiety can affect students beyond just money issues.

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Image #1 – Average Student Loan Debt in Canada

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Image #1 – Average Student Loan Debt in Canada

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This image shows how student loan debt has increased in Canada over the past 10 years. It was surprising to see that the average debt load now exceeds $26,000 for university graduates.

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This meme humorously reflects the common frustration students feel after graduating with large debts despite working hard. It adds a relatable touch to the serious topic of student loans.

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What did you learn about your topic that surprised you the most?

I was surprised to learn that many students don’t repay their loans within the expected timeframe. The idea that debt can last more than a decade after graduation was shocking.

Real-life example:

I use OSAP myself, and learning more about repayment options made me think more carefully about budgeting during school. I now track my expenses more closely to avoid overspending.

Most important takeaway for others:

I would advise others to understand the long-term impact of borrowing. Taking time to budget and understand repayment plans before accepting a loan can save a lot of stress later.