Personal Support Worker Training Program

Are you an Ontarian with dreams of a career as a Personal Support Worker (PSW) in the health-care sector? The Government of Ontario’s PSW Training Program continues to provide both financial and practical support to help you reach your goals.

Originally launched in 2021 with significant funding to train thousands of PSWs, the program has evolved into ongoing supports that reduce the cost of training, help students complete their clinical hours, and provide financial incentives to enter the workforce. With continued investment, Ontario is addressing the province’s growing demand for PSWs while ensuring students have the support they need to succeed.

Eligibility Criteria 

To qualify for current PSW funding initiatives, you must:

• Be a resident of Ontario.
• Be enrolled in an approved PSW training program at a publicly assisted college, private career college, or approved institution.
• Be completing a clinical placement in a long-term care home or home and community care organization (for the stipend).
• Meet any additional requirements set by HealthForceOntario or your training provider.

How to Apply

To access financial support for Personal Support Worker (PSW) training, you need to apply through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) when you submit your application for a PSW program at a college or training institution. Some supports, such as clinical placement stipends or recruitment incentives, are coordinated directly through your school or employer after graduation.

Be sure to check with the admissions office of your chosen program for details on available supports, and prepare the required documents for your OSAP application, including your (or your parents’/spouse’s) income and tax information if applicable. You’ll find the necessary steps to apply for OSAP here.

How much can you get? 

Here’s where the good news is. Students in PSW training may now receive up to $5,440 to help with living costs during mandatory clinical placements. On top of this, graduates can qualify for a $10,000 incentive when starting a full-time PSW role in Ontario, with an additional $10,000 if they choose to work in a rural or remote community.

This funding is designed to make training more accessible, support students while they complete their placements, and ensure that new PSWs are encouraged to join the health-care workforce across Ontario.

Note – The provincial government continues to fund thousands of training spots and provide targeted financial supports to expand Ontario’s PSW workforce, particularly in high-demand regions and long-term care.

Other Ontario Student Aid Programs 

Afraid you do not fulfill the eligibility criteria to receive financial aid from the Personal Support Worker Training Program? Don’t worry, you’re not out of options. You can take your pick from a host of funding programs to speed up your educational and career goals. These include OSAP for Full-time Students, OSAP for Part-time Students, Better Jobs Ontario Program, Ontario Graduate Scholarships and more.