A new wave of healthcare professionals is emerging from Northern Ontario, thanks to a provincial initiative that removes financial barriers for aspiring nurses.
As healthcare systems across Ontario, especially in Northern Ontario, work to address ongoing workforce shortages, a new generation of nurses is stepping forward.
At Sault College, a provincial funding program is helping make it easier for more students to step into one of the region’s most in-demand careers — without the added financial burden.
Returning for September 2026, the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant (OLSG) was introduced by the Ontario government in 2023 to strengthen health care in underserved communities.
The program provides full, upfront funding for tuition, books, and other direct educational costs for eligible students enrolled in select healthcare programs — including two nursing programs at Sault College.
For students in the Bachelor of Science – Nursing (Honours) or Practical Nursing programs, that means less time worrying about costs, and more time focusing on learning, training, and preparing for their future career.
Learning with purpose
Funding programs like the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant are designed with both students and communities in mind. By supporting learners who want to study and work in the regions that need them most, the grant helps strengthen local health care systems while creating meaningful career paths.
As part of the grant, Sault College students commit to working in the North after graduation, with a service commitment of six months for each year of funding received. Graduates gain hands-on experience and stable employment — while communities receive quality, timely health care from skilled professionals.
The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant is announced annually. As long as funding continues, students can apply each eligible year of their program, including second, third, and fourth years.
For the 2025-26 academic year, more than 150 students in Sault College’s nursing programs benefited from OLSG, allowing them to focus on gaining a high-quality education and preparing to support local healthcare needs.
Who is eligible
To qualify for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, students must:
enrol in an eligible nursing program
be an Ontario resident and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
commit to working in the same region of study after graduation
not be receiving funding from select other provincial programs
Full eligibility details and conditions are available online.
A barrier-free career path
If you’re considering health care as a first career, or looking for a fresh start, the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant makes nursing education more accessible than ever.
Sault College supports students with every step. Prospective students can connect with the College’s recruitment team to learn more about OLSG, eligible programs, campus life, and student supports.
With tuition and core education costs covered, students can focus on what matters most — like building the skills, experience, and confidence needed to succeed in their studies — and making a difference in the communities they serve.
Explore the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant and Sault College’s eligible nursing programs at saultcollege.ca/learnandstay.