Major Irregularities Suspected in Ontario Student Aid Scheme; Three Private Colleges Under Scrutiny

A major investigation into alleged irregularities in Canada's Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), which provides financial support to students, has revealed that more than 8,300 applications were submitted using just three internet protocol (IP) addresses.
 

The findings have raised serious questions about the functioning of certain private career colleges in Ontario. According to documents submitted by the provincial government in court, three private colleges are under investigation over suspected irregularities in applications for student financial assistance.
 

An IP address is a unique numerical identifier assigned to a device connected to an internet network. Investigators have reportedly found that more than half of the applications received at two campuses originated from a single IP address.
 

Thousands of applications linked to three IP addresses
 

The government documents reveal that a private college in Brampton East received 6,001 OSAP applications during the 2025-26 academic year. Of these, 3,136 applications, accounting for 52 per cent of the total, were submitted from one IP address.
 

Similarly, at a college in North York, 3,460 out of 6,070 applications, or 57 per cent, reportedly originated from a single IP address.
 

At the Bay campus, 1,736 of the 6,966 applications received during the same period, representing 25 per cent, were also traced to one IP address.
 

More than 200 complaints received
 

The Ontario government has reportedly received more than 200 complaints and tips concerning the network of colleges. These include allegations that agents and recruiters were filling out OSAP applications in students' names and even completing their coursework on their behalf.
 

The provincial government had withdrawn OSAP eligibility from the institutions in May, citing concerns about their ability to establish whether students were genuinely pursuing their courses. The colleges have challenged the decision in court.
 

Ontario Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn said the government launched a detailed investigation after receiving complaints and conducting preliminary inspections.
 

The province has appointed accounting firm KPMG to audit funds released to private career colleges under the OSAP programme. Preliminary findings have also been forwarded to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) for further examination.
 

OSAP assistance suspended for 242 private colleges
 

The controversy has put Premier Doug Ford's government under pressure over its handling of the student financial assistance programme. Following concerns raised by the federal government and audit reports, Ontario suspended OSAP assistance for all 242 private career colleges in early October.
 

Reports indicate that seven career colleges, largely operated by immigration agents from Punjab, received approximately 385 million Canadian dollars in OSAP grants during the 2024-25 academic year.
 

Premier Doug Ford has acknowledged that some individuals in the sector may have taken unfair advantage of the system. Meanwhile, opposition parties have questioned the provincial government's response and the delay in taking action despite earlier warnings.
 

The suspension has created uncertainty among students who depend on financial assistance to continue their education. Many are now concerned about their pending support and the future of their studies.
 

Punjab Police register case over 35 social media posts
 

The controversy also took a new turn in October when the Punjab Police cyber cell registered a case concerning 35 social media posts. The posts reportedly included content shared by journalists and immigration consultants in Punjab and Canada, raising allegations of irregularities in OSAP funds.
 

According to the FIR, the case was registered against unidentified persons over allegations that unverified claims were being circulated to target a Mohali-based immigration consultant. The consultant reportedly operates educational institutions and is also involved in the real estate business.
 

The developments have brought the alleged misuse of Ontario's student financial assistance programme, the role of private career colleges and the impact of the funding suspension on students into sharper focus.