Government of Ontario (Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development)
Internationally trained professionals in Ontario can get a one-time OBPAP bursary of up to $5,000 for tuition, books and equipment in an approved bridge training program. Apply at the financial aid office of the college or university running it.
Published by G Paul · last checked September 26, 2026
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. To join a bridging program, pick one from the approved list on ontario.ca and register with the organization that runs it. To get the OBPAP bursary, apply to the financial aid office at the approved college or university while you are enrolled in the program.
Internationally trained skilled newcomer; Ontario resident. CLB 6+ language proficiency. Eligible status: permanent resident, citizen, provincial nominee, or refugee claimant with an open work permit.
This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
We don't have a confirmed date for this round. The award's official page will have it.
Use the Apply on the official site button on this page: it opens the official application page in a new tab.
Government of Ontario (Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development) gives the deadline as "Apply while you are enrolled in the bridge training program". Check their page for this year's date.
No. You need to be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person or refugee.
FundMyCourse.ca · checked Sep 26, 2026
Apply while you are enrolled in the bridge training program
fundmycourse.ca/scholarships/ontario-bridge-training-program