New entrance bursaries at St. Lawrence College

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As it struggles with a decline in international students, St. Lawrence College is offering financial help to prospective domestic students.

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The college on Tuesday announced the launch of a new entrance bursary program for domestic students, designed to help people in financial need as they begin their college education. The bursaries are available for incoming students to each of the college’s locations in Kingston, Brockville, and Cornwall.

The program will provide financial support to up to 300 eligible students, with each bursary valued at $1,000, college officials said.

The needs-based bursaries will be available to incoming students coming directly from high school, as well as for mature applicants, and do not require OSAP application for eligibility, they added.

“We’re committed to making education accessible to all students,” St. Lawrence College president and chief executive officer Glenn Vollebregt said in a prepared statement.

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“These entrance bursaries represent our dedication to reducing financial barriers for incoming students who demonstrate need.”

Interested applicants can complete a simple application during the college’s upcoming Spring Open House events. Eligible recipients will be notified by the end of April, with funds being posted to student accounts after the tenth day of the fall 2025 semester.

The news comes in the wake of massive cuts to the college’s programming, which SLC officials blame on federal policy decisions drastically reducing the number of international students.

Also Tuesday, SLC announced it will offer on-the-spot assessment for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and Transfer Credits for select courses at no cost.

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“Prospective students who bring current resumes documenting relevant work and training experience may receive credits for introductory courses, including General Education and Communications courses. This new benefit represents a savings of more than $100 per course assessed,” college officials said.

“This initiative not only provides financial assistance but also recognizes students’ prior learning and work experience,” added Vollebregt. “By potentially reducing course loads through PLAR and transfer credits, students can save money and accelerate their path to graduation.”

The new bursaries are funded by the Tuition Fee Set-Aside Fund, a needs-based reserve fund for student financial assistance.

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SLC students are also eligible to apply for additional donor-funded bursaries and awards in the fall and winter terms. These awards are made possible through the college’s donors, and range in value from $500 to $3,000. More information is available online.

More information about the entrance bursaries and PLAR opportunities will be available at the Spring Open House events, on April 5 in Brockville and Cornwall, and April 12 in Kingston.

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