Real-Life Support While You Learn: Academic Upgrading Funding For Childcare, Transit & More

Need help with childcare or transportation while studying? If you’re pursuing Academic Upgrading at Durham College, you don’t just get tuition-free courses, you may also qualify for financial support that makes attending class possible. This blog explains the Training and Support Allowance (TSA) funds designed to help with real-life expenses while you upgrade your education.

Durham’s Academic Upgrading program (providing ACE/C-level equivalency) is funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development through Employment Ontario, making it accessible for adult learners who need to complete prerequisites for college or apprenticeships.

What childcare and transportation support is available for academic upgrading students?

At Durham College, the TSA funds are designed to reduce money stress so you can attend in-person classes and finish your upgrading. TSA is a targeted, needs-based support that can help offset essentials tied to school attendance. While amounts vary, the support typically focuses on costs directly connected to being in class and making steady academic progress. TSA does not replace full-time income or cover unrelated household expenses, but it can meaningfully reduce out-of-pocket costs during your study period.

Childcare/daycare help: Support so parents/guardians can be in class. For many learners, this may mean help covering weekday daycare hours during scheduled classes, labs, or advised study blocks.

Transportation/transit help: Support with commuting costs to the Oshawa campus. Depending on your situation, this can include part of a monthly transit pass or assistance with driving and parking where transit isn’t practical.

These funds are limited and for qualified learners, so apply early and ask about it during intake.

Childcare funding options for full-time and part-time upgrading students

Academic Upgrading is flexible and adult-friendly. Whether you’re taking one course or a few, ask the AU office about TSA eligibility for your situation. Funding isn’t guaranteed, but the team will walk you through what’s possible based on your course load and need.

Many learners balance classes with caregiving. TSA can help offset daycare during scheduled class. The AU team will work with you to document your typical class hours so your application reflects real needs.

Eligibility quick checks:

Are you the parent or legal guardian responsible for childcare during your class times?
Do your requested childcare hours align with your class schedule?
Can you provide simple proof like invoices, receipts, or a letter from your provider?

Common scenarios include single parents arranging coverage during morning classes, guardians with rotating shifts who need flexible hours, or families using a mix of licensed daycare and trusted home care. A full-time course load isn’t necessary either. As all of our Academic Upgrading students are considered part-time, you may still qualify for help that matches your actual schedule.

Transit and transportation assistance for students attending in-person courses

Because Academic Upgrading runs in person at the Oshawa campus, TSA funds can help offset bus fare, gas, or parking (where applicable). Be ready to discuss your commute and costs at intake so the team can assess your situation.

Support can reimburse you per trip when you take public transit to attend courses, or help with driving costs where transit isn’t practical.

Bring a simple estimate of your door‑to‑door route, including transfers or parking, so staff can align supports with your actual commute.

Beyond local bus service, some learners use GO Transit, carpooling, or a personal vehicle when schedules or routes are limited. If you have accessibility needs that affect your commute, mention them at intake as this helps the team understand your real-world options and costs. A quick way to estimate your monthly commute cost is to total either the price of a monthly pass or your average weekly round trips multiplied by the number of class weeks.

Am I eligible for academic upgrading financial aid?

TSA funds are for qualified learners in Academic Upgrading. That means you must be enrolled in AU and meet program criteria; availability is limited. The AU team will explain what’s required during intake. In general, supports are reserved for learners who face real barriers to attending in-person classes—like childcare coverage during class or regular transportation costs.

Income requirements and financial need assessment for eligibility

Financial supports like TSA are meant to help reduce real barriers (childcare and transit). Expect to discuss your household situation and costs and provide simple proof (like childcare receipts or a transit pass).

You should be prepared to provide your notice of assessment to demonstrate what your income is. This will be reviewed to confirm that the request aligns with your course schedule and that funds will directly support your ability to attend and complete classes.

Special eligibility considerations for adult learners and continuing education

Academic Upgrading is built for adults 18+ who are missing courses or need equivalencies for college or apprenticeship. It’s tuition-free for eligible learners, and support funds focus on helping you attend and succeed in an in-person setting. If you have unique circumstances, like shift work, caregiving for multiple children, or accessibility needs, share those details at intake so the team can help you plan a realistic schedule and documentation.

Step-by-step guide to complete the funding application process

Email the AU office: Ask about academic upgrading funding, childcare funding for students, and transportation support. We can help to answer your questions about the eligibility criteria.

→ academicupgrading@durhamcollege.ca
Apply to Academic Upgrading: Complete the AU application and short assessment. You must be enrolled to be considered for TSA.
Ask about TSA at intake: The team will explain what’s available, what you qualify for, and how to submit your childcare and transit details. Funding is limited and not guaranteed, so apply early.
Confirm your start date: Pick your in-person courses and plan your routine, including childcare hours and commute plans.

What to prepare before you email:

Any questions about eligibility, timelines, or documentation.

Expected timelines: Most learners complete the initial intake in a couple of weeks, depending on start dates and how quickly documents are provided.

Required documentation and proof of financial need

Bring (or be ready to provide) simple proof of what you’re asking help with.

For example:

Childcare: an invoice/receipt or letter from your provider that reflects hours during class.

Transit/transportation: a transit pass receipt, a quote for a monthly pass, or a simple written estimate of weekly driving costs and parking.

To avoid delays, make sure names, dates, and amounts are clear and legible. If documents include sensitive information that isn’t needed, you can redact those sections.

Application deadlines and program start dates

Upgrading courses run each semester in person at the Oshawa campus. Seats fill, and TSA is limited, so it’s smart to contact the AU office 3–4 weeks before your target start date. You can check upcoming course start windows on the AU Courses page or ask the AU office for the next intake dates.

Quick Recap: What is Academic Upgrading?

Academic Upgrading gives you Grade 12-equivalent (ACE/C-level) courses — like Communications, Apprenticeship Math, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Foundations, and Self-Management — to meet college admission requirements or prepare for an apprenticeship. It’s tuition-free for eligible learners and in person at Durham’s Oshawa campus. Expect a predictable weekly schedule with comfortable class sizes and instructor support designed for adult learners returning to school.

FAQ: Funding and Eligibility

Can I receive both childcare and transit support? Yes, if your situation and documentation support both needs.

How long does approval take? Timelines vary by intake volume and how quickly you share documents. Reach out early to stay on track for your start date.

Do I need to reapply each term? You’ll typically confirm details each term or when your circumstances change.

What if I’m on a waitlist for childcare? Share this at intake. You may be able to submit proof of waitlist status and update once placement is confirmed.

Is TSA the same as OSAP or Better Jobs Ontario? No. TSA supports AU learners with specific costs like childcare and transit. OSAP and Better Jobs Ontario cover different situations and programs.

One more tip about what grants are available for students

If you’re exploring other funding for longer, full programs (not AU), Better Jobs Ontario is a separate provincial program that can help with things like tuition, books, and living costs for approved training. This is different from Academic Upgrading’s TSA. Once you’re enrolled in the program, your AU advisor can point you to the right place if that path fits your goals later on for other college programs.

Reach Out Now

Have questions about academic upgrading funding, childcare funding for college students, or transit help?

Email: academicupgrading@durhamcollege.ca – be sure to include any details that you have about your situation based on the eligibility criteria and ask about the next intake dates ahead of your enrolment period.

Note: Supports are limited, reviewed individually, and subject to change. Final eligibility and amounts are determined during intake based on documentation and available funding.