A financial investment is a reality of post-secondary education, but it should not be a barrier to you achieving your future goals. There are so many options available to help ease your financial stress and at Durham College (DC) we are here to help you navigate all the opportunities available to support your education.

Learn more about four of the ways you can help finance your DC education:

1. Apply for scholarships, bursaries, and awards

Every year, DC offers more than $5 million in scholarships, bursaries, and awards to help students fund some, or even all, of their education. There are many different types, including entrance awards, merit awards, program and faculty-specific scholarships, and even some based on financial need or demographic.

For example, students in the Early Childhood Education program should check out the Government of Ontario’s new Early Childhood Education Grant, which awards successful applicants with full tuition funding.

Or, the Schulich Builders Scholarships which provides ten scholarships per year, valued at $20,000, to students in the skilled trades to help pay for their tuition, living expenses, and on-the-job tools.

2. Get hired on campus

DC’s on-campus employment programs are specifically for full-time students with a demonstrated financial need and are designed to be flexible with your class schedule.

On-campus employment offers competitive wages and provides useful career-related experiences that can help you achieve your personal and academic goals. Some on-campus employment opportunities include:

• IT analyst for the IT Service Desk
• Social media content creator, event planner, or web developer in the Communications & Marketing Department
• Outreach assistant in the Career Development office
• Member of the urban field crew in the Faculty of Hospitality & Horticultural Science
• Flex Centre monitor in the Athletics & Recreation Department
• Lab attendant in the Faculty of Science, Engineering & Information Technology
• Web design and social media assistant in the Student Development office

3. Explore Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

OSAP is a financial aid program that provides financial assistance to Ontario residents to help pay for college. There are two types of funding available through OSAP: loans and grants. Loans are required to be paid back after you finish school, while grants are not.

When you apply for OSAP, you’re automatically considered for both. Our Financial Aid and Awards office can help you navigate your OSAP application and help answer your questions about the OSAP process.

4. Boost your financial literacy

We understand this may be your first experience managing such a large personal investment. But you don’t have to do it alone.

Knowledge is power, and at DC, we offer free online modules which feature a series of videos, quizzes, and tools to help you improve your financial literacy skills and develop confidence in handling your personal finances that will support you now and in the future.

You can also schedule a one-on-one appointment with a financial aid coach to help you effectively prepare a budget and overcome financial hurdles during the school year. Through financial coaching, you can learn to keep your finances in order so you can focus on what matters most — your college experience!

Your potential should not be limited due to the costs of post-secondary education. To learn more about how we can help support your financial needs while attending DC, visit Financial Aid and Awards.