TORONTO, July 14, 2026 – Applications for Ontario’s Learn and Stay Grant for the 2025–2026 academic year will close on July 31. The program provides funding for eligible students in health-care-related programs, covering tuition, compulsory fees, books and other direct educational costs. However, students who accept the funding must work in the region where they studied after graduation, according to program requirements.
The Learn and Stay Grant is not an unconditional scholarship in the usual sense. Under the program rules, applicants must be enrolled in designated programs, at designated institutions and in designated regions. After receiving the grant, they must complete a service commitment. The program mainly applies to fields such as nursing, practical nursing, medical laboratory technology, paramedicine and other health-care services. Its purpose is to help address health-care staffing shortages in certain parts of Ontario.
For newcomer families and students preparing to enter the health-care field, this type of program can be attractive. On one hand, health-care education can involve high upfront costs, and the grant can reduce the burden of tuition and learning materials. On the other hand, the post-graduation service commitment means students need to seriously consider future work location, family arrangements, commuting costs and career planning.
Before applying, students should first confirm whether their program is on the eligible list for the year, whether their school and campus are in a designated region, and whether their study period meets the 2025–2026 academic year requirements. Eligibility can vary by institution, program and region, so students should not assume they qualify simply because they are studying nursing or another health-related program.
The grant covers tuition, compulsory fees, books and other direct education costs, but living expenses, rent, transportation and daily costs usually still need to be arranged separately. Students with additional financial needs may still explore other student aid options, such as OSAP, depending on their circumstances. Those applying for multiple funding programs should also confirm whether different types of aid may affect one another.
The post-graduation service commitment is the part of the program that requires the most careful reading. Students who accept the Learn and Stay Grant are usually required to work after graduation in a designated region, in a designated sector and in a related position for a certain period of time. If a student is unable to meet the commitment after graduation, they may face repayment requirements or other follow-up measures. Applicants should not focus only on the idea of “free tuition,” but should read the full service commitment agreement.
For Chinese students and newcomer families, the health-care sector may appear stable and in demand, but academic pressure, placement requirements, language communication and work location all need to be assessed in advance. Parents helping their children apply should also avoid judging the program only by the amount of funding, and should consider the student’s interests, career fit and post-graduation work obligations together.
With the application deadline approaching, students who plan to apply should check eligibility through official channels, prepare documents and submit their application as soon as possible. Those with questions about program eligibility, the service commitment or funding amounts should contact their school’s financial aid office or review the Ontario government’s program information to avoid misunderstandings that could affect future study and employment plans.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
