'This investment will prepare tens of thousands of new students for the in-demand jobs of tomorrow'
Ontario is investing $1.7 billion to create 70,000 additional post-secondary seats in high-demand sectors including health care, STEM, education and skilled trades.
The investment is part of a broader $6.4-billion post-secondary funding model that will raise annual operating funding to $7 billion — a 30-per-cent increase and the highest level in the province's history, according to the government. The first new seats will be available to students in Fall 2026.
The province said it has moved in two stages since launching the new funding model in February: an initial $975-million investment to fund 30,000 seats, followed by a further $730-million call for proposals to create an additional 40,000 seats.
As part of that process, colleges and universities will be required to submit Priority Growth Plans reflecting regional economic trends, local labour market needs and student demand.
In-demand ‘jobs of tomorrow’
Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security Nolan Quinn framed the investment as a response to economic uncertainty. "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," he said.
Ontario Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Daniel Tisch welcomed the announcement.
"Economic growth depends on talent," he said. "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 government noted the investment builds on nearly $1 billion committed through Budget 2025 to fund over 100,000 postsecondary seats in teaching, nursing, STEM and skilled trades. The new funding model also includes a historic $57 million for Indigenous Institutes, including $33 million to expand up to 780 seats in in-demand programs.
In its February 2026 announcement, the Ontario government said its plan to build a stronger postsecondary sector is based on three principles:
- Preparing students for rewarding, in-demand careers that meet labour market needs
- Preserving Ontario students’ ability to access high-quality postsecondary education, while supporting their ability to appropriately invest in their education and success
- Providing Ontario’s postsecondary sector long-term sustainability, while continuing to ensure funding for the sector is being used to further Ontario’s position as a centre for world-class research excellence while meeting student and labour market needs
