Student Funding
Explore Your Funding Options
Government Programs
Better Jobs Ontario
Better Jobs Ontario is a provincial program that helps unemployed or under-employed people retrain for in-demand careers. It provides funding for short-term training programs plus financial support for tuition, transportation, supplies, and living expenses. The goal is to help people quickly gain new skills and re-enter the workforce.
Ontario Works
Ontario Works provides financial assistance and employment support to individuals and families experiencing temporary financial hardship. The program helps cover essential living costs, such as food and housing, while also offering job-search resources, training, and counselling. Its goal is to help people stabilize their situation and move toward sustainable employment.
OSAP
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) provides federal and provincial financial aid to help Ontario residents fund their postsecondary education. For Crossroads students participating in programs 12 weeks long or longer, funding may be available for individuals who qualify.
Personal Financing
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)
A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a tax-advantaged savings account that allows parents or individuals to set aside money for education. Funds in an RESP can be used to pay for eligible post-secondary programs, including certain accredited career or vocational training programs.
Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
The Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) is a Canadian Revenue Agency Program that allows you to withdraw up to $10,000 annually (max $20,000 total) from your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to fund full-time education or training for yourself, your spouse, or common-law partner, with repayment over a maximum of 10 years. These funds can not be used for children's education and you must meet eligibility criteria and follow repayment rules to avoid adding the withdrawal to your income.
Student Line of Credit
A student line of credit is a flexible borrowing tool for postsecondary education students, letting them draw funds as needed for tuition, books, living costs up to a set limit, paying interest only on what's used, with low minimum interest-only payments during school and a grace period after graduation before principal repayment. It differs from traditional loans by providing ongoing access to funds without reapplying, often requiring a co-signer, and features tailored terms for students' limited income. Student lines of credit are available at most major Canadian banks including RBC, CIBC, Scotiabank, TD, and BMO Bank of Montreal.
Indigenous Funding
Kagita Mikam
Kagita Mikam provides employment and training services to eligible Indigenous peoples in eastern Ontario (from Oshawa to Ottawa). They help registered clients access funding for training programs that match their career goals with qualified training organizations. Contact Kagita Mikam at (613) 962-3103 or visit kagitamikam.com to learn about eligibility and funding opportunities.
Métis Nation of Ontario
The Métis Nation of Ontario represents over 28,000 registered Métis citizens across the province and offers education and training funding to eligible members pursuing post-secondary education and skills development. Registered MNO citizens may qualify for financial support for vocational training and professional certification programs. Contact the MNO at 1-800-263-4889 ext. 7 or visit www.metisnation.org for more information.
Special Circumstances
March of Dimes
March of Dimes Canada is a national charity that provides employment services and skills training support for people with disabilities across Canada. They help individuals with disabilities access funding and resources for job training, career development, and skills upgrading to secure meaningful employment. Contact March of Dimes Canada Employment Services at www.modcemploymentservices.ca or call 1-877-369-4867 to learn about eligibility and available programs.
John Howard Society of Ottawa
The John Howard Society of Ottawa provides employment services and training support to individuals who have been in conflict with the law or are at risk of justice involvement. Their Hire Power program assists eligible individuals with job preparation, employment skills development, career assessments, and job placement services. Contact Hire Power at hirepower@jhsottawa.ca or call (613) 228-6565 to learn about eligibility and available support.
Ready To Start Your Training?
Don’t let funding hold you back. Contact us today and we’ll help you explore all available options to make your career goals a reality. Email us at inquiries@cttca.ca or give us a call to speak with an advisor now!