Yesterday, Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities Ross Romano announced new legislation supporting partnerships between public colleges and private providers.
This legislation is intended to help expand the services of publicly funded colleges. The change will help students study outside of the Greater Toronto Area, and help meet the needs of international students, who represent a significant portion of Ontario’s student body.
Six publicly assisted Ontario colleges already have private partnerships, making their programs more accessible, the colleges more financially competitive, and helping students outside the GTA get an Ontario college credential.
Under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, international students with an Ontario college credential can apply for a three-year work permit.
Minister Romano commented: “these partnerships will strengthen communities across the province by encouraging international students to study at campuses outside the Greater Toronto Area, and to remain there after their studies.”
The program is expected to strengthen Ontario’s communities by providing the right training to help expand the province’s workforce.