Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Important Update for 2025–2026:
Better Jobs Ontario funding has increased to up to $35,000 as of August 2025, with eligibility expanded to include gig workers, youth, and low-income households — not just laid-off workers. The PSW Training Program continues with a clinical placement stipend of up to $5,440 plus post-graduation incentives of up to $20,000 for qualifying graduates.
Ontario offers one of the most extensive student aid systems in Canada — and for students pursuing certificate and diploma programs at private career colleges, two provincial programs stand out above the rest: Better Jobs Ontario and the Personal Support Worker Training Program. Both are designed specifically to support Ontarians returning to school for in-demand careers.
Beyond those flagship programs, Ontario students can also access OSAP, the Student Access Guarantee, and a range of bursaries and special circumstance grants. Federal funding options are available alongside all provincial programs.
Let’s get into the details of Ontario’s provincial funding programs.
What Kind of Funding Is Available?
Students in Ontario may be able to access several different types of financial support depending on their income, employment history, study status, and personal circumstances.
- Employment-linked grants like Better Jobs Ontario that fund training for laid-off or low-income Ontarians re-entering the workforce
- Sector-specific incentives like the PSW Training Program that combine training support with post-graduation employment incentives
- Student loans and grants through OSAP, which covers full-time, part-time, and micro-credential students
- Bursaries for students with disabilities, Indigenous students, and first-generation learners
- Special circumstance grants for students with specific needs or backgrounds
Pro Tip:
Better Jobs Ontario and OSAP are separate programs with different eligibility criteria. You cannot receive both at the same time for the same training. If you qualify for Better Jobs Ontario, it is generally the stronger option for certificate and diploma programs — but it is worth comparing both before you apply.
Featured Programs
These two programs are the most significant provincial funding options for Ontarians pursuing certificate and diploma training at private career colleges. If you think you may qualify for either, explore them first before looking at other options.
Better Jobs Ontario
Formerly known as Second Career, Better Jobs Ontario helps Ontarians who are unemployed or underemployed get the skills training they need to land an in-demand job. Covers tuition, books, and living costs. Eligibility has been expanded to include not just laid-off workers but also gig workers, youth, new immigrants, and low-income households.
PSW Training Program
Ontario continues to invest in training new Personal Support Workers through a combination of tuition support, a clinical placement stipend, and post-graduation employment incentives. Funding is tied to completing an approved PSW program and committing to work in Ontario’s long-term care or home and community care sector.
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
OSAP is Ontario’s main student financial aid program. It combines provincial and federal grants and loans into a single application, assessed based on your financial need, family income, and program type. OSAP is the right starting point for students who don’t qualify for Better Jobs Ontario or need additional funding on top of it.
OSAP for Full-Time Students
Provides a mix of grants and loans to eligible Ontario students enrolled full-time in an approved program. Grant portions do not need to be repaid. The amount depends on your family income, tuition, and living costs.
OSAP for Part-Time Students
For students enrolled part-time in an approved Ontario program. Provides grant funding for eligible low- and middle-income students. A separate assessment from full-time OSAP applies.
OSAP for Micro-Credential Students
OSAP now extends to students enrolled in approved micro-credential programs — short, focused training in specific skills. Particularly relevant for students upgrading a specific skill set rather than completing a full diploma.
OSAP for Students with Permanent Disabilities
Students with a permanent disability may qualify for additional OSAP funding and a reduced course load requirement. Supports are designed to make post-secondary education accessible regardless of disability status.
Student Access Guarantee (SAG)
The Student Access Guarantee ensures that eligible Ontario students have access to enough funding to cover tuition and book costs, even if their OSAP package falls short. If your assessed OSAP funding doesn’t fully cover those costs, your school is required to provide additional support to make up the difference — through bursaries, work-study opportunities, or other institutional aid.
Learn more about the Student Access Guarantee →
Ontario Bursaries
Ontario offers non-repayable bursaries for students in specific circumstances. These are separate from OSAP and target students with disabilities, Indigenous students, and first-generation learners.
Bursary for Students with Disabilities
Provides additional non-repayable funding to help students with disabilities cover disability-related education costs not covered by OSAP — such as specialized equipment, tutoring, or note-taking services.
Indigenous Student Bursary
Non-repayable financial support for Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education in Ontario. Helps reduce the financial barriers that can prevent Indigenous learners from completing their studies.
Métis Nation Student Bursary Program
Dedicated bursary support for Métis Nation students in Ontario pursuing post-secondary education. Administered in partnership with Métis Nation of Ontario.
Ontario First Generation Bursary
For students who are the first in their family to attend post-secondary education and who demonstrate financial need. Helps reduce the cost burden for students navigating post-secondary for the first time without the benefit of family experience.
Ontario Out-of-Country Bursary for Deaf Students
For deaf Ontario students who need to travel outside of Canada to access post-secondary programs or services that are not available in Ontario. A specialized bursary for a specific circumstance.
Grants for Special Circumstances
Ontario also offers targeted grants for students whose personal circumstances create additional barriers to completing post-secondary education.
Living and Learning Grant
Provides additional financial support to students who are or were Crown wards or in the care of a Children’s Aid Society. Helps young people who have aged out of the child welfare system access and complete post-secondary education.
Ontario Indigenous Travel Grant
Helps Indigenous students cover the cost of travelling to and from their home community to attend post-secondary education. Recognizes that many Indigenous students face significant travel costs that other students do not.
Pro Tip:
Don’t assume you only qualify for one program. Ontario students can potentially combine OSAP with bursaries, special circumstance grants, and the Student Access Guarantee. Talk to your school’s financial aid office — they can help you identify every program you’re eligible for.
Other Financial Aid Options
In addition to provincial funding, Ontario students may also qualify for federal programs such as Canada Student Grants, Canada Student Loans, Federal Student Scholarships, and Federal Student Bursaries.
Take the time to explore your options, compare schools, and speak with an advisor if you are unsure where to begin. The right mix of funding can make a significant difference in what you pay out of pocket.
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