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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.

Level up your career and earning potential with a graduate certificate

Whether you’re seeking to enhance your current skill set or to pivot into a new industry, a Durham College (DC) graduate certificate offers a path to success by empowering you with skills tailored to today’s job market.

They’re designed for students who have a university degree or a college diploma, or in some cases relevant industry experience, and want to find a focused career path or advancement in their current field.

Explore DC’s wide-range of graduate certificates that provide a concentrated and in-depth exploration of specialized subjects with programs in the areas of health and social services, business, IT, science and engineering and media and communications.

Programs with January start dates include Addictions and Mental Health, Autism and Behavioural Sciences, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics for Business Management and Human Resource Management. Some programs may be waitlisted. For opportunities to start in May or September, check out our full list of programs.

As the world of work changes, DC continues to respond by launching new programs based on real-world demand and the jobs of tomorrow.

Explore new programs like Clinical Bioinformatics which meets the rising demand for specialized professionals in the fields of genomics and proteomics who can use industry-based software to analyze biological data to identify disease-related biomarkers and assess drug effectiveness.

Our new Public Relations graduate certificate is accessible to students from a broad range of academic backgrounds who are interested in learning how to share critical messages through engaging writing, online content creation, special events and fundraising campaigns. Whether you’re interested in working in sports, fashion, music, healthcare or the non-profit section, succeed by mastering the art of communicating in today’s digital age.

Learn more about all of the graduate certificates offered at DC or connect with our recruitment team to explore all of your options.

New year, new you: Some of our most popular programs are accepting students for January

The best time to move forward towards a new or upgraded career is now. Durham College (DC) is ready to support you in the New Year with more than 60 career-driven programs in IT, science and engineering, business, hospitality, culinary, healthcare, social work, community services, skilled trades, media, art and design and more.

What are some of the programs available in January?

Are you business-focused or entrepreneurial? Programs like Accounting, Finance and Human Resources are open to new students. Check our joint diploma-to-degree programs where students earn a diploma in programs like Entrepreneurship and Small Business and Supply Chain Operations and then transfer to Ontario Tech to complete a Bachelor of Commerce.

Consider combining your creativity with technology in our Interactive Media Design program or with business in Marketing. Or explore the art of food in our Culinary Management program!

Interested in being a first responder? Consider 911 Emergency and Call Centre Communications and Police Foundations. The Protection, Security and Investigation program prepares students for careers in border security, bylaw enforcement and corrections.

Trying to decide what to take? Our fundamentals programs, such as Business Fundamentals, are two-semester certificates which give you a solid foundation in the field while exposing you to a variety of career pathways and further areas of study.

Where should I start?

Explore all of DC’s market-driven programs to narrow your focus based on your interests. Connect with our student recruitment team, who will help you learn more about DC programs, show you around campus with a tour or arrange a virtual appointment.

What if I don’t have the right qualifications?

Find out more about academic upgrading so you can pursue the career of your dreams. Upgrading courses are tuition-free, and qualified learners can access funding for daycare and transportation costs. Learn more about registering and speak to one of our student advisors during a Steps to Success webinar.

Commit to yourself in the New Year and join us on campus! You belong at DC.