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Ontario Learn and Stay Grant

The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant provides funding for students studying in priority programs in priority communities in Ontario. Eligible students will receive full, upfront funding for tuition, books and other direct educational costs in return for working and caring for people in the region where they studied for a term of service after they graduate.

Applications for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant for the 2023-2024 school year can be submitted until 60 days before the end of your study period if you are enrolled in an eligible program and have not yet applied for an Ontario Learn and Stay Grant. Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are open now.

ELIGIBILITY AND PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for this grant, you must:

  • Successfully apply to and enrol in an eligible program in a priority community.
  • Be an Ontario resident who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person.
  • Commit to work in the region where you studied when you graduate.

Eligible Programs

Practical Nursing

  • Eligible intakes: 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years
  • Program start date: September
  • Campus: This program is available in our Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall campuses
  • Credential: Ontario College Diploma
  • Program length: 2 extended years

Highlights:

  • Placements in a variety of health care settings including a 400-hour clinical consolidation placement in semester 5.
  • Hands-on simulated learning experiences in a simulation lab.
  • Graduates are eligible to write the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Registration Exam.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

  • Eligible intakes: 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years
  • Program start date: September
  • Campus: This program is available in our Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall campuses
  • Credential: Degree
  • Program length: 4 years

Highlights

  • Students will have placements in a variety of clinical settings.
  • Strong ties with local health care agencies that support student and new graduate employment.
  • Graduates from these programs are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse in Ontario.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In addition to providing free tuition, the funding will cover the cost of:

  • Compulsory fees
  • Books
  • Other direct educational costs (for example, supplies, equipment)


You can also apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) to help pay for other expenses, such as living costs.

To be eligible for this grant, you must successfully apply to and enrol in one of the eligible programs. 

Visit the program pages of the programs that are eligible for this grant at St. Lawrence College to learn more about admission requirements, information about the campus of your choice and program highlights:

Applications for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant for the 2023-2024 school year can be submitted until 60 days before the end of your study period if you are enrolled in an eligible program and have not yet applied for an Ontario Learn and Stay Grant. 

Applications for for the 2024–2025 school year will be available in Spring 2024.

For further information on the application process, click here

If you apply online, you will be able to check the status of your application as soon as you submit it.

You'll find out:

  • If your application has been processed
  • If you have any documents you need to provide
  • If you or your school have to provide information
  • How much money you'll receive
  • When your money will be available

If you apply with a paper application, the ministry will mail you information about the status of your application.

To receive the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, you are required fulfill a service commitment. For every year of study funded by this grant, you must work for a minimum of six months in the region you studied.

For example, if your program of study is four years long, and you received the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant for each year that you studied, you must work in the region for 24 months (two years) after graduation.

If you choose not to fulfill the service commitment, your funding will be converted to a loan that must be repaid.

Have Questions? Have Questions? Apply to the Practical Nursing Program Apply to the Practical Nursing Program Apply to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Apply to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program