Province supporting the sector with new funding model to equip postsecondary students for rewarding, in-demand careers
News June 17, 2026
Peterborough — The Ontario government is taking decisive action to protect postsecondary students’ access to the education they need to launch successful careers by investing $57.7 million over four years at Trent University. This investment is part of the government’s new funding model, which will bring an additional $6.4 billion to universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes across the province to build long-term sustainability in the sector.
“Investing in Trent University is a direct investment in the future of Peterborough and the Kawarthas,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. “This new funding model is a huge win for our community. It gives Trent the stability it needs to keep delivering top-tier programs in high-demand fields like healthcare and technology. For local families, it means our young people can get a world-class education right here in their own backyard, graduate with the skills our local workforce needs, and step straight into good-paying careers without having to look outside our region.” MPP Smith added.
This investment will ensure that Trent University can keep preparing students for rewarding, in-demand careers that meet labour market demands for generations to come. Operating funding for the sector will increase by 30 per cent to $7 billion in fall 2026, with a focus on delivering programs that align with student demand as well as regional and provincial labour-market demands. The model also includes specialized funding for small, rural, northern and French institutions, so that students in all corners of the province have access to a world class education.
“In order to protect our province, it is imperative that we continue to train a strong, highly skilled workforce for Ontario for decades to come,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Through these changes, including $6.4 billion in new funding for the postsecondary sector, our government is not only ensuring the sustainability of our colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes, but also preparing our graduates with the in-demand skills they need to meaningfully find good-paying, rewarding careers, while continuing to keep education accessible and keep costs down for students and their families.”
Through this new model, the government is investing $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 in-demand seats across the province. This investment will expand enrollment in health care, skilled trades, teaching and STEM programs to build the highly skilled workforce businesses and communities depend on. A call for proposals to access this funding will launch this spring, with seats opening in fall 2026.
“It is more important than ever that we manage Ontario’s finances responsibly – to build a more resilient and self-reliant economy to secure long-term prosperity,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Postsecondary education is one of Ontario’s most important long-term investments – and this announcement helps ensure that investment remains strong, responsible and sustainable for years to come.”
“Trent is preparing the highly qualified graduates that become the skilled professionals and leaders Ontario needs. Our students are working alongside leading experts and partners to address challenges across a variety of sectors, including health care, education, business and artificial intelligence,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “This funding provides greater stability for long-term planning and helps ensure we continue delivering exceptional teaching, research and student experiences that contribute to healthy and sustainable communities here in Ontario.”
This historic funding will protect student access to the education they need to land rewarding, in-demand careers that strengthen communities across the province.
Quick Facts
- Since 2024, the government has invested over $2 billion in additional funding for colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes, which is on top of the $5 billion Ontario invests in the sector every year.
- Under the new funding model, base per student funding at colleges and universities will increase by 6 per cent for full-time students and 30 per cent for college part-time students.
- The province is making its own administration more efficient by streamlining over 400 transfer payment agreements into 45, five-year Strategic Mandate Agreements with colleges and universities, saving institutions time and money.
Additional Resources
- Ontario Investing $6.4 Billion to Support Postsecondary Sector’s Long-Term Success and Sustainability | Ontario Newsroom
- Learn about colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes in Ontario
Media Contact
Dave Smith Action Centre
705-742-3777