Ontario Learn and Stay Grant

Ontario’s healthcare system faces persistent workforce shortages in smaller cities and rural areas, particularly in Northern, Eastern and Southwestern Ontario. The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant (OLSG), launched in the 2023–24 academic year, funds 100% of tuition, books and direct education costs for students enrolling in nursing, paramedicine and medical laboratory technology programmes at colleges and universities in shortage regions.

Recipients commit to working at least 180 days per year in the region where they studied for each year of funded study — creating an enforceable link between publicly-funded training and local retention. By March 2026, more than 12,700 learners had been supported with over C$171 million, including C$53 million+ for Northern Ontario training 3,850+ healthcare workers. By early 2026, 260 recipients in Eastern Ontario and 200 in Northern Ontario had completed or were actively completing their regional service commitments.

Participating institutions include Lakehead University, Northern College, Sault College, St. Clair College, Mohawk College and others. The 2025 provincial budget added C$261.7 million in new funding, demonstrating sustained political commitment. No post-graduation longitudinal retention study has yet been published; the early service-commitment completions represent initial proof-of-concept rather than definitive retention evidence.

Read the full analysis: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-learn-and-stay-grant