News

Applications Open! Free Tuition for Nurses and Paramedics

Students enrolled in eligible nursing, paramedic or medical lab-tech programs could receive free tuition, books and other supplies

NORTH BAY – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that beginning today, students can apply for the newly-expanded Learn and Stay Grant. The grant provides full, upfront funding for tuition, books and other costs for students who enroll in an eligible nursing and paramedic programs and agree to stay in the Nipissing region to work after graduation. The program is designed to encourage students to learn and stay locally, helping to bring in-demand health care workers to communities that need them most across the province.

“The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant not only offers a sizable financial contribution for students, but also has the power to make a significant impact in our community,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “After they graduate, the additional nurses and paramedics will make an immediate difference in local facilities, such as North Bay Regional Health Centre, or one of our local long-term care homes, helping to connect people to care, closer to home.”

“Applications are now open for the Learn and Stay grant, marking an exciting milestone in our government’s plan to deliver more convenient and connected care for people in every corner of the province,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “This grant is a win-win for postsecondary students and communities across Ontario, ensuring our future health care workers get the world-class training they need to give a much-needed boost to local health care facilities in the communities that need it most.”

For the 2023-24 school year, the grant will be open to eligible students entering their first year in the following programs in North Bay:

• Practical Nursing program at Canadore College
• Paramedic program at CTS Canadian Career College Inc, North Bay
• And, undergraduate programs for Bachelor or Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Canadore College and Nipissing University

QUICK FACTS

• The government has dedicated $61 million over the next three years for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant.
• Students can apply up to 60 days before the end of their study period, meaning they can apply for the grant well after they’ve started their eligible 2023-24 program.
• To be eligible for the grant, students must:
  • be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person and live in Ontario
  • enrol in the first year of an eligible diploma, advanced diploma, undergraduate, masters or post-graduate program in a priority region
  • commit to work in the region where they studied for a minimum of six months for every year of study funded by the grant.
• For the 2023-24 academic year, only first year students may apply. After 2023-24, the grant will continue to be available to these students as they move into their second year and beyond.
• Students can also apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) to help pay for other costs, such as living expenses.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Ontario Expanding Learn and Stay Grant to Train More Health Care Workers
• About the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant