Wednesday, May 08, 2024
Applications Now Open for Ontario Learn and Stay Grant
Students enrolled in eligible health human resource programs could receive free tuition, books and other supplies
The Ontario government has opened grant applications for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant for the 2024-25 academic year. Postsecondary students who want to pursue a career in nursing, paramedicine or medical lab technology can now apply for the grant. Nearly 3,800 learners have already received funding through the grant to help pay for their postsecondary education.
The grant is designed to encourage students to learn and stay locally, helping to bring in-demand health care workers to underserved communities across the province.
“As the first year of the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant wraps up with great success, we’re excited to open applications for the 2024-25 academic year,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “By making it easier for future health care workers to access world-class training through this grant, we’re helping to build a stronger, more resilient health care workforce in the communities that need it most.”
The grant provides full, upfront funding for tuition, books and other costs for students who enrol in the first or second year of an eligible nursing, paramedic or medical laboratory technologist program and agree to stay in underserved communities to work after graduation.
“Our government is taking bold action to continue to grow Ontario’s health care workforce for today and years to come,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “The Learn and Stay Grant is adding more health care workers in communities across the province to ensure no matter where you live, you can connect to the care you need, where and when you need it.”
Grant applications are now open for postsecondary students who enrol in their first or second year in the following programs and regions:
- Nursing programs in northern, eastern and southwestern Ontario
- Medical laboratory technologist/medical laboratory sciences programs in northern and southwestern Ontario
- Paramedic programs in northern Ontario.
Students can find the application, as well as information about eligible programs and regions, at ontario.ca/learnandstay.
Quick Facts:
- Since the launch of the grant in 2022, there has been a nearly 40 per cent uptake in paramedic programs compared to the previous year’s enrolment in those programs.
- Students can apply for the grant up to 60 days before the end of their study period, meaning they can apply well after they’ve started their eligible 2024-25 program.
- To be eligible for the grant, students must:
- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person and live in Ontario
- enrol in the first or second year of an eligible diploma, advanced diploma, undergraduate, masters or post-graduate program in a priority region
- commit to work in the region where they studied for a minimum of six months for every year of study funded by the grant.
- Students can also apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) to help pay for other costs, such as living expenses.
Quotes:
"Ontario's Learn and Stay Grant embodies Ontario public colleges’ commitment to fostering local talent, supporting the needs of communities and providing opportunities for jobs close to home. Our colleges stand behind this initiative, empowering students to thrive in their communities, learn at local public colleges and support Ontario’s health care workforce."
- Marketa Evans, President and CEO of Colleges Ontario
"The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant will ensure support for students in health programs, including nursing and nurse practitioners, and help address labour market shortages in health care. Universities will continue to educate the critical health care talent needed to deliver highest quality care to the people of Ontario for a strong, healthy province."
- Steve Orsini, President and CEO, Council of Ontario Universities
"Ontario has set an exemplary precedent in Canada for investing in medical laboratory professionals. The Learn and Stay Grant has played a critical role to drive recruitment in the lab sector and we commend Ontario for continuing this program."
- Michelle Hoad, CEO, Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario
Additional Resources:
Media Contacts:
Liz Tuomi
Minister Dunlop’s Office
Liz.Tuomi@ontario.ca
Media Desk
Communications Branch
416-325-2746
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