Winter 2027: Important Updates to Tuition Coverage and Application Dates

As we prepare for the Winter 2027 semester, we are making important changes to how education funding is provided to help ensure available funding can continue to support students and the needs of the sector.

Tuition costs continue to rise, and demand for education and professional development funding is growing. At the same time, the sector continues to need qualified professionals to meet current and emerging workforce needs.

To respond to these pressures, we are focusing available funding on eligible tuition and education costs. This will help available funding go further, support more eligible applicants, and allow us to continue investing in the skilled workforce our sector needs.

These changes will take effect beginning with the Winter 2027 semester.

What is changing for ECE applicants?

Beginning in Winter 2027, changes to funding coverage will apply to all eligible ECE applicants, whether tuition is paid directly by the student or through sponsorship.

Funding will focus on eligible tuition costs. The following expenses will no longer be covered or reimbursed:

• Bus or transit passes
• Health and/or dental insurance
• E-text fees

These expenses are not eligible under the education grant and will therefore be the responsibility of the student beginning in Winter 2027.

We recognize that pursuing education can come with additional expenses. Travel grants will continue to be available to qualifying students, and a training allowance is available to help with incremental costs associated with studies.

What is changing for Leadership Grant applicants?

There will also be a change to funding coverage for students applying through the Leadership Grant program.

Beginning in Winter 2027, for approved part-time programs that qualify under the Leadership stream, funding will cover or reimburse eligible tuition costs only. Ancillary fees will no longer be covered or reimbursed.

Applicants are encouraged to consider these changes when reviewing the total cost of their program and planning for their studies.

Why are these changes being made?

The cost of post-secondary education continues to increase, while demand for funding is also growing.

Focusing available funding on eligible tuition and education costs will help us respond to these pressures and make the best use of the funding available. Importantly, it will help us continue supporting access to education and professional development opportunities that contribute to a qualified workforce and help meet the evolving needs of the sector.

Our goal is to direct available funding where it can have the greatest impact—helping more eligible applicants pursue their education while continuing to strengthen the sector’s workforce.

When can I apply for Winter 2027?

Applications for the Winter 2027 semester will open in two stages:

November 23, 2026
Past ECE applicants can begin submitting applications for the Winter 2027 semester.

December 7, 2026
Applications open to all other applicants, including those applying through the Leadership Grant program and for CECE reimbursement.

Preparing for Winter 2027

Applicants are encouraged to review program requirements, understand which costs are eligible for funding, and prepare the required documentation in advance.

If you are planning to study in Winter 2027, please take these changes into consideration when reviewing your education costs and planning for the upcoming semester.

By focusing funding on eligible education costs, we can respond to rising tuition and growing demand while continuing to invest in the students and skilled professionals who are essential to the future of the sector.