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Thinking about returning to school? Here’s how Durham College empowers mature learners

At Durham College (DC), we understand that the decision to return to school is not taken lightly. Finances, academic performance and employability are all likely on your mind. But know that you’re not alone – more than 60 per cent of DC students come with work and life experience and not directly from high school – so we know exactly what you need to succeed.

We’re here to support you and want to address three of the most common concerns we hear about most from mature learners to put your mind at ease and inspire you to take action toward this exciting new chapter.

  • “I don’t know if I can afford to return to school.”

    We know that one of the biggest worries for mature learners is the cost of returning to school. You might wonder how you’ll manage tuition, books, and other expenses. Finances shouldn’t be a barrier to education, so at DC, we’re proud to offer more than $5 million in scholarships, awards, and bursaries to our students each year, based on factors such as academic performance and financial need. Many mature learners are eligible for specific support, and our team will work with you to create a financial plan that fits your budget.

    Our Financial Aid and Awards office is here to help you navigate your options and find a solution tailored to suit your individual needs. From finding and applying for bursaries and scholarships to gaining flexible on-campus employment, their guidance and support is invaluable.

    Looking for inspiration? Check out this mother-daughter duo, who together, found Financial Aid to be a cornerstone of their time at DC.

  • “I’m worried I won’t be able to keep up with my studies.”

    If it’s been a while since you last stepped into a classroom, lab, or shop, you might be concerned about meeting academic requirements or keeping up with coursework. Don’t worry — DC offers several options to help you succeed, including a free Academic Upgrading program, which is designed to help mature learners refresh their skills in subjects like math, English, and science.

    In addition, our Student Academic Learning Services (SALS) team is comprised of dedicated on-campus professionals who are ready to assist you through one-on-one appointments, group tutorials, workshops, and online resources to help boost your grades.

    Read more about how SALS is ready to support you from your first day of class to graduation.

  • “I want to know I’ll get a job in my field after graduation.”

    Employability is often top of mind for mature learners. You want to know that your investment in education will lead to tangible career opportunities.

    Our data tells us that nearly 90 per cent of DC grads are employed within six months of graduation. This is because our programs are developed with employability in mind and to ensure students graduate career ready. We work directly with industry partners to ensure that our curriculum reflects the skills and knowledge employers are looking for. With experiential learning opportunities infused within program learning outcomes, you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience that sets you apart in the job market.

    DC provides on-campus Job Fairs, program-specific networking opportunities with employers and alumni events tailored to assist you in landing your dream job. Also, the Career Development office offers workshops, resume writing assistance, and access to a free online job portal, exclusive to DC students and alumni.

At DC, we believe that it’s never too late to pursue your goals – and we’re here to help you reach them. Connect with our Student Recruitment team today to launch your future career!

Fund your future: three ways to access financial aid as a mature learner

A college education is an investment in your future, but returning to school may feel overwhelming. We are here to help ease any financial concerns or questions you may have and help you navigate all the financial support options available to students and set you up for success.

Apply for OSAP

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program. It is available to full-time students as well as part-time students who are enrolled in an OSAP-approved program. More information about how to apply, deadlines to apply and options for part-time student, is available online.

Access scholarships, bursaries and awards

There is a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and awards available to help students fund their education. Scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved academic or personal excellence or both. Bursaries are based on financial need. Neither require repayment.

Criteria for bursaries vary and students may qualify for some bursaries without receiving OSAP. Students can apply for all bursaries and awards using the General Bursary Application form. For students starting in January, applications open in the second week of January and close February 20. For more information about applying, contact Financial Aid.

Get hired on-campus

Whether it’s working part-time during the school year or full-time during the summer, on-campus jobs are designed to support students in financial need while providing career-related opportunities.  Options include the DCWorks program for domestic students who show financial need, IWorks for international students, summer employment programs and Peer Tutoring for students who excel in their programs.

Students who work on campus receive a competitive wage and valuable work experience. They must apply and go through the hiring and interview process to be selected for a job. Email DCstudentemployment@durhamcollege.ca with any questions about on-campus employment.

Not sure where to start? Reach out to the Financial Aid and Awards Office and take the next step to achieving your educational goals.