Free Tuition for Medical Laboratory Technologists
January 20, 2026NORTH BAY — Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is continuing to build a highly skilled health care workforce in Northern Ontario by approving a new Ontario Learn and Stay Grant (OLSG) program at Canadore College. Following the success of OLSG in Nipissing, students in the medical laboratory technologist program may be eligible to have their tuition, books, and other educational costs fully covered if they commit to working in Northern Ontario after graduation.
“Through the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, our government is ensuring that Northern Ontario communities will benefit from a strong, home-grown pipeline of health-care professionals,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “As Canadore College looks to open their medical laboratory technologist program later this year, this grant will play a vital role in supporting the next-generation of health-care workers that are needed to protect our regional health-care system and provide exceptional care close to home after graduating.”
“The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant plays a critical role in training health-care professionals in Northern Ontario and supporting their retention in the region to meet workforce demands. Canadore College welcomes this funding for our Medical Laboratory Technology program, as it strengthens our ability to prepare skilled health-care workers who are essential to meeting the needs of our communities.”- George Burton,
President and CEO of Canadore College.
The medical laboratory technologist program at Canadore is planning to open in Fall 2026. This expansion will build on the thousands of health care workers who have been added to the workforce with the support of OLSG. To date, the government has funded 12,400 learners through OLSG with over $157 million in financial support.
The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant is a critical part of the Ontario government’s plan to protect the province’s highly skilled workforce and ensure people and their families have access to high-quality health care, close to home.
Applications for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant will open in Spring 2026 for the 2026-27 academic year. Students can learn more about the grant application, as well as information about eligible programs and regions, at ontario.ca/learnandstay.
Quick Facts
- Since 2023, the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant has supported over 11,100 students in nursing programs, over 900 students in paramedicine programs, and over 290 students in MLT programs.
- Through the Ontario 2025 budget, the government investment $261.7 million into the Ontario Learn and Stay program to continue supporting nurses, paramedics, and lab techs who commit to working in high need regions of the province.
- Through Budget 2025, the government is investing $160 million to cover the educational costs of 4 cohorts of medical students who agree to practicing family medicine anywhere in the province.
Additional Resources
- About the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant
- About the Ontario Student Assistance Program
- Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care