From Ontario student loans and grants to college scholarships and bursaries, there are four main ways to pay for trades training in Ontario. Here's what each source of student financial aid is and who it's for, so you can find the mix that fits your situation.
From the Ontario Student Assistance Program to college scholarships and bursaries, here is what each source of student financial aid in Ontario is and who it is for.
OSAP is Ontario's main funding program. It combines grants you don't repay with loans you pay back after you finish your studies. The amount you receive is based on your income, family situation, and living costs. Many pre-apprenticeship and trades programs are OSAP eligible, and there's no cost to apply and check what you qualify for.
Apply for OSAP on ontario.caOntario Learn and Stay Grant eligibility is limited to specific health programs such as practical nursing, paramedic, and medical laboratory technology in designated northern, eastern, and southwestern regions. It's a non-repayable grant that covers tuition, fees, and books. This grant isn't available for skilled trades programs — it's listed here so you know what it is and who it's for.
Check eligibility on ontario.caMany schools offer their own bursaries, scholarships, and work-study placements, plus short-term emergency loans (for example, a 90-day loan to cover tuition while you wait for OSAP to arrive). If you're comparing financial aid for Ontario colleges, start with the financial aid office to find out what support is available to you.
Money you don't pay back, awarded based on financial need, academic record, or background. Free Ontario scholarship and bursary directories list awards from many sources in one place. Directories such as StudentAwards and ScholarshipsCanada help you find awards you may qualify for.
The Ontario Student Assistance Program is the starting point for most students. Applying is free, and you can find out what grants and loans you qualify for before you commit to a program.
Create or sign in to your OSAP account on ontario.ca and start an application for your school and program.
Enter your income, family situation, and living costs — these determine how much funding you receive.
Submit the required documents and your signature pages, then track your application status online.
Confirm your enrolment with your school so your grant and loan funding can be released for the term.
For the official application and current deadlines, visit the Ontario Student Assistance Program page on ontario.ca.
OSAP is not the only way to fund your training. When you compare financial aid for Ontario colleges, layer in support from your school and from college scholarships and bursaries in Ontario — together these can close the gap OSAP leaves.
Bursaries, entrance scholarships, work-study placements, and short-term emergency loans (for example, a 90-day loan to bridge tuition while you wait for OSAP). Your financial aid office is the place to start.
Non-repayable awards based on financial need, academic record, or background. Free directories such as StudentAwards and ScholarshipsCanada list college scholarships and bursaries in Ontario from many sources in one place.
You apply for OSAP online through the Government of Ontario at ontario.ca/osap. Create or sign in to your OSAP account, complete the application for your school and program, and submit the required documents. There is no cost to apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program, and you can apply to find out what grants and loans you qualify for before you enrol.
A grant is money you do not repay — it is awarded based on financial need or eligibility. A loan is borrowed money you pay back, usually after you finish or leave school. OSAP combines both: the grant portion is non-repayable, while the loan portion is repaid after your studies.
Ontario Learn and Stay Grant eligibility is limited to students in specific health programs — such as practical nursing, paramedic, and medical laboratory technology — in designated northern, eastern, and southwestern regions. It is not available for skilled trades programs. Check current eligibility at ontario.ca.
Start with your school’s financial aid office, which administers its own bursaries, scholarships, and work-study placements. Free directories such as StudentAwards and ScholarshipsCanada also list scholarships and bursaries from many sources in one place so you can find awards you may qualify for.
Compare Ontario's best skilled-trades colleges, read verified student reviews, and choose the program that fits your goals.