The Ontario government is investing $1.7 billion to add 70,000 new postsecondary seats aimed at training students for in-demand careers across health care, STEM, education and skilled trades.
The announcement was made Wednesday by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security in Oshawa.
The province said the funding is part of a broader postsecondary funding model valued at $6.4 billion, which it says is designed to strengthen Ontario’s workforce and improve access to education aligned with labour market demand.
“In the face of economic uncertainty, Ontario is moving quickly to build a resilient, highly skilled, future-ready workforce to supply our critical industries with the talent pipelines they need to compete on the global stage,” said Nolan Quinn.
“This investment will prepare tens of thousands of new students for the in-demand jobs of tomorrow that strengthen local workforces and protect Ontario’s economy for generations to come.”
The province said the new funding will build on an earlier $975 million investment that created 30,000 postsecondary seats in health care, STEM and education programs.
Officials said an additional $730 million will be allocated through a call for proposals to create 40,000 more seats across priority programs, bringing the total expansion to 70,000 seats.
Colleges and universities will be required to submit “Priority Growth Plans” outlining how new program seats align with regional labour market needs and industry demand. The first of the expanded seats are expected to be available for students in fall 2026.
“Economic growth depends on talent,” said Daniel Tisch.
“That’s why the Ontario Chamber continues to champion investments like this one, expanding capacity in high-demand fields such as health care, STEM and the skilled trades to build a competitive, future-ready workforce.”
The province said programs in health care, STEM, education and skilled trades tend to produce higher employment rates and stronger earnings outcomes for graduates.
It added that the funding model is part of a broader effort to increase annual postsecondary operating funding to $7 billion, the highest level in the province’s history, alongside additional investments in Indigenous Institutes and program expansion across Ontario.
