Choosing to pursue post-secondary education is an investment in your future but figuring out how to pay for it can be an important part of the decision. To help students meet their career goals, Durham College (DC) offers a range of scholarships, bursaries and awards to help make education more accessible. Some are based on academic achievement, while others consider financial need, personal circumstances, community involvement or other factors. And you may be surprised by some of the opportunities available.
Here are five worth knowing about.
Get up to $40,000 toward a career in the trades
Planning to build a career in the skilled trades? The Schulich Builders Scholarship provides financial support to eligible students pursuing select skilled trades programs at DC.
Scholarships are valued at up to $40,000, with $20,000 available per academic year to help cover tuition, living expenses and tools. Applicants should demonstrate a strong work ethic and character, financial need, and a willingness to act as an ambassador for their career choice in the skilled trades and the Schulich Builders program.
Cover your first-semester tuition with a Whitby Fire award
Two awards are available each year to new students accepted into DC’s Firefighter – Pre-Service Education and Training or Fire Prevention and Technology programs. The award covers first-semester tuition and is open to Durham Region residents who graduated from a Durham Region high school, with preference given to Whitby graduates. Applicants must self-identify as a racialized person or be economically challenged.
A bursary could support your studies for up to four years
The bursary helps cover tuition in a student's chosen entry program and continued studies at DC for up to four years. Up to 10 students are awarded the bursary each year, and recipients participate in mentorship programs at the college as a core component of the award.
The bursary is open to eligible full-time students entering their first post-secondary program. Applicants must live in Durham Region, have graduated from a Durham Region high school within the last three years, demonstrate financial need and have overcome obstacles and adversity.
Passionate about food and farming? There’s a $2,500 scholarship available
If you are studying Horticulture Technician or Food and Farming, your interest in sustainable agriculture and local food systems could open the door to additional financial support.
The Barrett Centre Leader in Horticulture and Farming Scholarship provides two $2,500 scholarships to students who are passionate about sustainable agriculture, horticulture, community resilience, food security and strengthening local food systems.
The scholarship also recognizes students who demonstrate leadership or an entrepreneurial spirit and have community volunteer experience related to horticulture and urban farming.
Enter for a chance to win $5,000 toward your DC tuition
There is another way prospective students can put themselves in the running for financial support: enter DC's $5,000 tuition credit draw.
If you are planning to attend a DC program in September 2027, you can join DC's email subscription for a chance to win a $5,000 tuition credit. The subscription provides information about DC programs, events, and services, and gives eligible participants a chance to win the tuition credit draw.
You can also enter by registering for and attending a DC Open House. All registered attendees at the event are automatically entered to win the tuition credit.
There’s more financial aid to explore These are just five of the scholarships, bursaries and awards available at DC. Explore all available optionsto see which ones might be a good fit for you and learn more about eligibility and application requirements.
A college education is an investment in your future but figuring out how to pay for it can come with a lot of questions. What financial support do I qualify for? How can I stretch my money further? What if my Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) doesn’t cover everything I need?
Durham College’s (DC) team of experts in the Financial Aid and Awards office shared the most common questions they receive from students regarding OSAP — and some helpful tips to know:
OSAP is not enough to cover all of my living expenses and tuition. What can I do?
If your OSAP funding doesn’t cover all of your costs, there may be other ways to help. Financial Aid Coaches can review your application with you, make sure you’re receiving the funding you’re eligible for, and help you explore additional financial aid options.
My OSAP status says they are waiting for the school to confirm my enrolment. What does that mean?
First, make sure the information on your OSAP application matches your student record, including your program and year of study. Once the term begins, DC will automatically confirm your enrolment if you’ve selected your timetable and meet the required course load. Additional information about course load requirements is available online.
My OSAP is expected to arrive after studies begin and I need books before then. How can I manage the cost?
OSAP funds generally arrive within one to three weeks after classes begin. If you need to cover book costs in advance, consider making a short-term plan to manage those expenses. If your funds are delayed for reasons beyond your control, contact Financial Aid and Awards to discuss possible options.
My circumstances have changed since I submitted my OSAP application. What should I do?
Depending on the scenario, you may need to update your OSAP application or provide additional documentation. Check your OSAP account for instructions or contact Financial Aid and Awards for assistance.
From scholarships and bursaries to on-campus employment and financial planning support, there are other ways to build a financial plan that works for you.
Scholarships, bursaries, and awards
DC offers scholarships, bursaries, and awards to help students fund their education, including opportunities based on financial need, academic achievement, leadership, and more. Many do not need to be repaid.
On-campus employment
Working while studying can help you earn income and gain valuable experience. Eligible students can be hired for on-campus employment opportunities while studying at DC.
Financial literacy and planning
Understanding where your money is going can make it easier to plan for your education. Explore financial literacy and planning resources to help you budget, manage your money, and make informed financial decisions.
When it comes navigating your finances, you don’t have to figure it out alone. DC is here to help you understand the supports available and find the right next step. Connect with DC’s Financial Aid and Awards team today to get started.
When it comes to managing money, every dollar counts. A recent survey found that 92 per cent of Ontario post-secondary students feel stressed about their finances. Between tuition, rising living costs, and day-to-day expenses, it’s easy to see why finances can feel overwhelming at times.
At Durham College (DC), we believe financial challenges shouldn’t stand in the way of your goals. That’s why we’ve built a strong network of support to help you find funding, make the most of your resources, and feel confident about your future.
Here are five ways DC can help you manage your budget:
Meet with money mentors
From applying for OSAP and understanding the Ontario Student Access Guarantee, to finding emergency supports if you need a short-term boost – DC’s Financial Aid and Awards Office is your go-to resource for all things money at DC.
“I won’t qualify for OSAP because of my parents’ income,” is a common misconception we hear. OSAP has evolved significantly over the years. Meeting with an advisor can help you get the facts and explore your eligibility.
Every year, DC awards more than $5 million in scholarships and bursaries. These aren’t just for top grades – many are based on need, community involvement, and specific programs. Best of all? We’ve simplified the process with one application that covers most awards, making it easier for you to access funding.
Looking for work that fits your class schedule? DC offers on-campus jobs and work-study opportunities designed with students in mind. Work study roles provide financial support while helping you build valuable skills and connections – all in as little as 12 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 35 hours per week in the summer. These roles not only put money in your pocket but also give you valuable experience to take into your future career.
Budgeting doesn’t have to be stressful. DC offers workshops, online tools, and one-on-one support to help you track spending, balance needs versus wants, and develop healthy financial habits. Small steps today can make a big difference down the road.
Many students combine OSAP, bursaries, and campus jobs to build a financial plan that works for them. Sleiddy-Gerrold Joseph, a graduate from the Fitness and Health Promotion program, did just that.
“A personal challenge that I had to face was juggling basketball, social life, and school life. All that together – it weighs down a person,” he said. “Financial Aid helped me with bursaries, figuring out OSAP, and even grocery cards so I was able to have some food on the table at the end of the night.”
Ready to take the next step?
Don’t let money stress define your college experience. With DC’s financial supports, you can stay focused on what matters most – your education and future.
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:
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 (ECE) 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.
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
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.
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.
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