Ontario — Bridge Training Program (OBPAP bursary)

About this award

Internationally trained professionals in Ontario can get tuition, exam fees, and bridging-program costs covered through OBPAP — apply through whichever provider runs the bridging program for your field.

Ontario's Bridge Training Program is a network of 40+ approved bridging programs that help internationally trained skilled newcomers get their credentials recognized and find work in Ontario in their field. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development funds it because Ontario absorbs more skilled-worker permanent residents than any other province, and matching their existing training to local licensing is faster and cheaper than retraining from scratch. Programs run across healthcare, STEM, skilled trades, education, business, and aerospace — delivered by partners like ACCES Employment, McMaster University, George Brown College, and other public colleges and universities. Tied to the bridging programs is the Ontario Bridging Participant Assistance Program (OBPAP) — a one-time bursary of up to $5,000 that helps with direct training costs like tuition, books, and equipment. OBPAP is needs-based, not first-come-first-served, so you have to demonstrate financial need on the application form. For the 2026-27 cycle, bursary support covers eligible programs commencing between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027. The bursary is one-time per applicant, not renewable across multiple programs. To qualify you must live in Ontario, hold relevant international training and work experience in a high-skilled occupation, and meet Canadian Language Benchmark 6 or higher. Eligible immigration statuses include permanent resident, naturalized citizen, Ontario provincial nominee (excluding the International Student Stream), refugee claimant with a 900-series SIN and open work permit, and certain temporary work permit holders confirmed by IRCC. Apply by selecting an approved program from ontario.ca and registering directly with that delivery organization.

Can you get it?

• ✓ Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident or Protected Person or Refugee — citizenship requirement
• ✓ Certificate, Professional, College, Graduate — study level
• ✓ Resident of ON — provincial eligibility
• ✓ Studying health-medicine, trades, engineering, information-technology, education, all — field of study

How to apply

1. 1

   Review eligibility and gather your documents~1 hour

   Read the official award page end-to-end. Confirm you meet every requirement before you start.

2. 2

   Submit before the posted deadline~1 hour

   Check the official source for the current deadline — save a copy and submit at least 24 hours early.

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