If you’re a student in Canada looking for ways to finance your education, you’re not alone. Paying for tuition, books, and other direct educational expenses can be a major hurdle for many students. However, there are programs available to help alleviate some of the financial burden, such as the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant.
The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant is designed to provide funding for students studying in priority programs in priority communities in Ontario. The grant covers the cost of tuition, compulsory fees, books, and other direct educational costs like supplies and equipment. In addition, students may also be eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) to help with living costs.
To be eligible for the grant, you must be an Ontario resident who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person. You must also successfully apply to and enroll in an eligible program in a priority community, and commit to working in the region where you studied after graduation. The service commitment requires you to work in the region for a minimum of six months for every year of study funded by the grant.
The eligible programs for the grant include nursing, paramedic, and medical laboratory technology/medical laboratory science at the diploma, undergraduate, masters, and post-graduate levels. The eligible institutions and campus locations are listed on the Ontario government’s website.
Eligibility:
- Ontario resident who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
- Enrolled in an eligible program in a priority community
Program Requirements:
- Commit to work in the region where you studied for a minimum of six months for every year of study funded by the grant
- Repay the grant if you do not fulfill the service commitment
Benefits:
- Covers the cost of tuition, compulsory fees, books, and other direct educational costs
- Helps communities get the workers they need for in-demand professions
- Responds to labour market needs, including in health care sector
- Eligible programs include nursing, paramedic, and medical laboratory technology/medical laboratory science at the diploma, undergraduate, masters, and post-graduate levels.
Applications for the grant will be available online or through a paper application in Spring 2023 for eligible programs, institutions, and regions of study beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year. If you apply online, you can check the status of your application as soon as you submit it. If you apply with a paper application, the ministry will mail you information about the status of your application.
In summary, the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant is a great option for students in priority programs in priority communities in Ontario who are looking for financial assistance with their education. Make sure to check the eligibility requirements, eligible programs, institutions, and regions before applying, and be prepared to fulfill the service commitment after graduation. Good luck with your application!
