OSAP & Better Jobs Ontario application support

Support for researching study and apprenticeship programs, and preparing documentation in Ontario. KeyApply discusses your learning goals, personal circumstances, and appropriate documentation pathways before you register for a program.

Service: Consultation needed — 0 CAD. This is an initial consultation request with KeyApply, not an amount the government will grant.

Information updated: 10/12/2026.

New note on OSAP payments at private institutions

On October 6, 2026, Ontario announced a pause on OSAP payments related to private postsecondary institutions during an audit. Before paying tuition or relying on expected support, please confirm the latest status with your school and OSAP.

Read Ontario's official statement

OSAP: grants and student loans

OSAP combines federal and Ontario support. Grants are non-repayable; loans must be repaid. Eligibility includes status as a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person, meeting Ontario residency criteria, financial need, and enrollment in an eligible school/program.

Starting with the study period beginning August 1, 2026, the Ontario portion of OSAP support is shifting more toward loans; career college students receive the entire provincial portion as a loan. Do not use previous years' grant amounts or percentages to estimate for 2026–2027.

New immigrants must have their residency criteria verified based on their specific situation. Being over 19 does not automatically qualify you as an independent student or exempt you from declaring parental income.

Source: Learn about OSAP · OSAP definitions.

Better Jobs Ontario: training support for career transitions

Better Jobs Ontario, formerly Second Career, supports eligible individuals in training for occupations with good job prospects. The program reviews those who have been laid off and are unemployed, or low-income households struggling to find work. The low-income stream has an unemployment criterion of 12 weeks; Employment Ontario assesses all eligibility requirements.

• Courses up to 1 year: maximum support of 28,000 CAD.
• Courses from 1 to 2 years: maximum 35,000 CAD.
• Costs may include tuition, books, transportation, and living expenses; basic living allowance maximum 500 CAD/week.

These are caps, not standard amounts. Your profile and financial need determine the approved amount. Work with Employment Ontario before starting your course.

Source: Better Jobs Ontario · Employment Ontario program guide.

Other apprenticeship support programs in Ontario

Beyond OSAP and Better Jobs Ontario, you may look into the following pathways. Each program has specific conditions regarding your status in Canada, the course, the training provider, and the application process.

1. Pre-Apprenticeship Training

Suitable for those who want to enter a trade but lack the skills or experience to find an apprenticeship job. Ontario-funded programs can last up to 52 weeks, including safety training, academic skill upgrading, basic trade training, and an 8–12 week work placement.

Training costs: free for funded programs. Contact the college or community organization offering the course to ask about intake schedules and eligibility. Not every course titled "pre-apprenticeship" is government-funded.

View Ontario's Pre-Apprenticeship programs

2. Apprentice Development Benefit — support during in-school training

Available to eligible apprentices attending full-time in-school training at a Ministry-approved training provider. Support can help cover living expenses, travel, staying away from home, child care, and disability-related needs.

Upon receiving your class schedule, ask your training provider or Employment Ontario about the application and support suitable for your EI status. This is not an automatic grant for every student in a trade program at a college.

3. Tools Grant — support for purchasing trade tools

A cash grant for eligible Ontario apprentices to purchase tools and equipment for their trade. It is non-repayable but is taxable income. Eligibility and funding levels depend on the trade group and progress in training; verify before applying.

View Tools Grant and Apprentice Development Benefit eligibility

Distinction between apprenticeship and trade courses: apprenticeship begins with a Training Agreement with an employer/sponsor and registration with Skilled Trades Ontario. Merely registering for a trade course at a college does not mean you have become an apprentice.

Learn how to start an apprenticeship

4. Ontario Learn and Stay Grant — study health fields and work after graduation

Supports tuition, books, and direct educational costs for specific nursing, paramedicine, and medical laboratory technology programs at designated schools and regions. Recipients must fulfill a service commitment to work in the designated region, field, and occupation as agreed.

Failure to fulfill the commitment may result in the grant being converted into a loan. You must check the list of fields and schools for the 2026–2027 academic year; it is not assumed that every PSW course or every health school is supported.

Check supported fields, schools, and regions

5. Women’s Economic Security Program — WESP

For low-income women looking to upgrade skills, find employment, or start a business. Free programs may include apprenticeship preparation, employment skills, and business training. Ontario's current list includes hair styling business training.

Register directly with the program provider. Fields of study, locations, capacity, and intake schedules vary by provider; this is not cash awarded for any elective course.

View the list of WESP providers

6. Ontario Job Grant — OJG: employer-led

OJG supports businesses in training current or newly hired employees, up to 10,000 CAD/person for eligible costs. Businesses with under 100 employees that hire and train unemployed individuals may be considered for 100% support, up to 15,000 CAD/person.

Employers must apply and meet requirements regarding cost-sharing, trainees, and training providers. Individuals do not apply for this funding themselves. Eligibility and approval must be confirmed before training commences.

View Ontario Job Grant

Which pathway should you research first?

This table helps select a direction for research, it does not replace eligibility assessment. When receiving other support, declare it fully and ask the responsible agency how to coordinate benefits before registering for classes.

What does KeyApply support?

• Discussing your educational goals and career transition needs.
• Guiding you in preparing a document list regarding residency status, income, family, and your planned program.
• Guiding you on using estimator tools and distinguishing grants from loans.
• Guiding you on contacting school financial aid offices, Employment Ontario, apprenticeship training providers, or program-providing organizations to confirm eligibility.
• Discussing personnel training support pathways for businesses interested in the Ontario Job Grant.

When booking an appointment, provide your status in Canada, place of residence, current job, and the course you are interested in. KeyApply does not determine eligibility or the amount of government funding.