Are you residing in Ontario and planning to pursue your studies in the same province? Are you aware that you have the opportunity to secure free tuition and a range of other advantages for your undergraduate or graduate degree, depending on your chosen program? The Ontario government is actively promoting studying and working in the same region through the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant. Introduced only recently, this grant is being received by its first group of 3,000 students who are now in their first year of study.
Learn how you can avail the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, the application process, and the benefits it brings about:
What is the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant?
The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant provides financial assistance to students enrolled in specific programs in designated communities within Ontario. Through this grant, students have the potential to obtain free tuition, as well as coverage for compulsory fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses such as supplies and equipment, provided they fulfill the eligibility criteria.
One of the requirements for this grant is to work in the region where you pursued your studies, thereby alleviating the pressure on high-demand professions in these Ontario communities.
Where and what should I study?
Curious about the prerequisites to be eligible for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant? You must enroll in a diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, or postgraduate degree in one of the following three programs:
But that’s not all! You must also choose a program located in the north, east, or southwest regions of Ontario, and commit to working in the same region in your chosen field once you graduate. Don’t worry if you’re traveling from a different part of the province to study/work. As long as you are an Ontarian, you are eligible to study/work in one of the designated regions, regardless of your place of origin. For instance, you might come from Toronto to study/work in Sudbury.
To get a clearer picture of the regions where each program is available, take a look at this chart:
| Program | Region |
|---|---|
| Practical Nursing | North, East, Southwest |
| Paramedic | North |
| Medical Laboratory Technology/Science | North, Southwest |
| Bachelor or Bachelor of Science in Nursing | North, East, Southwest |
| Master’s Programs for Nursing | North, East, Southwest |
| Postgraduate Programs for Nursing | East, Southwest |
Click here to view an image of the province divided by region.
For a detailed list of eligible schools, programs, and specific locations, visit the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant page.
Do I qualify for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant?
Review the other requirements necessary to be eligible for this grant:
- Successfully apply and enroll in the first year of an eligible program in a specified community
- Be an Ontario resident who is either a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
- Commit to fulfilling a service agreement and work in the same region where you studied after graduation
- Not receiving funding from any of the following government programs:
- The BEGIN Initiative: Bridging Educational Grant in Nursing
- Better Jobs Ontario
- Skills Development Fund
Worried about other expenses? You can also apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) to help cover living costs and other expenditure. However, receiving the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant may affect your OSAP assessment. Hence, when applying for OSAP, assume you will receive the grant to obtain a more accurate estimate.
How do I apply for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant?
You can either apply online through OSAP or download a paper application form (pdf) and submit it to your school’s financial aid office.
The application for the 2024-2025 school year will be available in Spring 2024. However, if you are already enrolled in an eligible program for the 2023-2024 academic year and have yet to submit your application, there is still time! You can submit your application for the grant up to 60 days prior to the end of your study period.
What happens after graduation?
Upon completion of your program in Nursing, Paramedic, or Medical Laboratory Technician/Medical Laboratory Science in the north, east, or southwest region of Ontario, your next step is to work in the same region where you studied.
You must work in your field within the same region of study for a minimum of 180 days (six months) per each full year of study. Hence, if you have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing and received funding for all four years of study, you must work in that same region for 24 months (two years) after graduating.
If you fail to fulfill the required work commitment after graduation, the grant becomes a loan that must be repaid.
Therefore, if you plan on pursuing a program in Nursing, Paramedic, or Medical Laboratory, why not fulfill the remaining requirements of the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant to obtain free tuition and additional monetary assistance for your educational expenses?
Given the newness of this grant, additional programs may be added to the list in the future. The aim is to address labor demands, which currently revolve around these three prominent fields in healthcare.
