Get Full Funding to Study Nursing, Paramedicine, or Medical Lab Programs in Ontario: What the Learn and Stay Grant Means for You
- Mati Lio
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 12
Are you considering a career in healthcare? Ontario’s Learn and Stay Grant could help you graduate debt-free.
The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant is a targeted provincial initiative offering full, upfront funding for tuition, books, and other education costs to eligible students enrolled in select nursing, paramedic, and medical laboratory technology programs. This financial support is designed to address critical labour shortages by encouraging healthcare graduates to live and work in underserved communities after graduation.
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🔍 Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, you must:
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
Be a resident of Ontario
Enroll in an eligible program and school
Commit to working in the region where you studied for at least 6 months for each year of funding received
Important: This grant is only available to students starting an eligible program in Fall 2023 or later.
🎓 What Programs Are Covered?
As of 2025, the Learn and Stay Grant supports specific healthcare programs offered at approved institutions in underserved areas. These include:
✅ Eligible Programs:
Nursing (Diploma, Bachelors, Postgraduate Diploma, and Masters)
Paramedicine
Medical Laboratory Technology/Medical Laboratory Science
⚠️ Note: Programs like Diagnostic Imaging are not currently included under the Learn and Stay Grant.
You can check the full list of eligible schools and programs here:
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💡 What Does the Grant Cover?
If you qualify, the grant will fully cover the following costs:
Full tuition
Compulsory fees
Books
Other educational costs as assessed by OSAP
This is upfront funding, meaning you don’t pay out of pocket first — the government pays directly to your school on your behalf.
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📍 Where Can You Study?
The Learn and Stay Grant focuses on areas in Ontario that face healthcare staffing shortages. This includes colleges and universities in communities across:
. Northern Ontario
. Eastern Ontario
. Rural and remote regions
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🤝 What’s the Catch?
You must agree to work in the region where you studied for a set time after graduation — typically 6 months for each academic year funded. If you break this agreement, you may have to repay the grant.
🚀 Impact So Far
Since launching in 2023, over 8,000 students have benefited from the grant.
For the 2024–25 academic year, nearly 3,800 students have already applied in priority health programs.
The government has committed $261.7 million over three years to further expand the program and medical student support beginning in 2026.
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✅ Why It Matters
This initiative helps fill critical healthcare staffing gaps in underserved communities, connects students to professional opportunities, and supports Ontario’s long-term goal of increasing access to care and retaining local talent in the healthcare sector.
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📌 How to Apply
1. Visit ontario.ca/learnandstay to explore program details and eligibility.
2. Create or log into your OSAP account and start your application.
3. Submit the Learn and Stay Grant application alongside your OSAP submission.
4. Apply up to 60 days before the end of your study period—even if classes have started already.
🔗 Ready to Apply or Learn More?
Visit the official page:
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🔖 Quick Facts Snapshot
Program Scope: Nursing, Paramedicine, Medical Laboratory Technology/Medical Laboratory Science programs
Eligible Regions: Northern, Eastern, Southwestern Ontario
Tuition Coverage: Full tuition, textbooks, fees, and supplies
Service Requirement: Work locally for 6 months per year of study funded by the grant, at eligible location
Funding at Risk: Grants convert to loans if service not completed
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💬 Final Thoughts
The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant is more than just financial support — it's a pathway to a meaningful healthcare career with zero tuition debt and guaranteed impact in communities that need you most.
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