Two new postsecondary programs in Northern Ontario are being added to the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, a funding program that covers education costs for students who commit to working in high need regions after graduation.
Starting in fall 2026, students in the medical laboratory technology program at Canadore College in North Bay and the medical laboratory science program at Confederation College in Thunder Bay will be eligible to apply. If approved, the grant can cover tuition, books, and other eligible educational expenses.
The Learn and Stay Grant is designed to address health care staffing shortages by linking financial support for education with a service commitment. Students who receive funding agree to work in Northern Ontario following graduation, helping communities retain trained professionals close to home.
Medical laboratory professionals play a critical behind the scenes role in the health care system, supporting diagnosis and treatment through testing and analysis. Industry groups note that the majority of clinical decisions rely on lab results, making workforce stability especially important as testing demands continue to grow.
Since the program launched in 2023, thousands of nursing, paramedicine, and laboratory students across Ontario have received support through the Learn and Stay Grant. In Northern Ontario alone, several thousand learners have participated, with many already completing their service commitments in local communities. As part of the agreement, students commit to working in the same service region where they studied for at least 180 days (6 months) for every full year of study funded by the grant.
Applications for the next intake of the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant are expected to open in spring 2026 for the 2026 to 2027 academic year. Additional information on eligibility, participating programs, and service requirements is available through the province’s Learn and Stay Grant website.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
