St. Lawrence College launches new entrance bursaries for domestic students – Kingston News

St. Lawrence College (SLC) has announced approximately $300,000 in new entrance bursaries for incoming students at all three of its locations.

In a press release on Tuesday, Mar. 18, 2025, the college said the new $1,000 bursaries will be available through its “new entrance bursary program for domestic students,” which is “designed to assist those with financial need as they begin their college education.”

According to SLC, the bursaries will be available for incoming students at the Kingston campus, or at the Brockville or Cornwall learning centres. Each bursary is valued at $1,000, and bursaries will be available for up to 300 eligible students on a needs-based basis. The bursaries will be available for students coming to SLC directly from high school, as well as for mature applicants. Students are not required to apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) in order to be eligible, the college explained.

SLC said that those interested in applying for the new entrance bursaries can do so at the college’s Spring Open House events, which are taking place at all SLC locations. Kingstonist has inquired with SLC as to whether attending one of the Open House events is the only way incoming students can apply for the bursary program. No response was received by time of publication, however, this article will be updated if/when that information becomes available.

In terms of how the bursaries will be awarded, SLC said that applications “will be assessed” and eligible recipients will be notified by the end of April. Bursary recipients will have the funds “posted to student accounts” after the 10th day of the fall 2025 semester, the college said.

SLC also announced they will offer “on-the-spot assessment for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and Transfer Credits for select courses at no cost.” PLAR processes and credit transfers makes it easier for students to transfer or attain credits from other schools and/or work experience.

“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,” the college said.

It is believed the PLAR and Transfer Credits assessments are being offered at the Open House events. Kingstonist has requested confirmation of this, as well as whether the college will offer the PLAR and Transfer Credits assessments though other means.

“This initiative not only provides financial assistance but also recognizes students’ prior learning and work experience,” SLC President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Glenn Vollebregt said in the release.

“By potentially reducing course loads through PLAR and transfer credits, students can save money and accelerate their path to graduation.”

According to SLC, the new bursaries are being funded by the Tuition Fee Set-Aside Fund, which the college described as “a needs-based reserve fund for student financial assistance.”

The college also pointed out that students are eligible to apply for other donor-funded bursaries and awards in the fall and winter terms, ranging in value from $500 to $3,000. The college said students can find out more on the SLC website, however, it appears that students will not be able to apply for these bursaries and awards until the fall. Kingstonist has requested confirmation of this from SLC, as well as what dates students can begin to apply for the donor-funded awards.

“We’re committed to making education accessible to all students,” said Vollebregt.

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

SLC suggested that prospective and incoming students attend their upcoming Open House events to learn more about their new entrance bursary program and PLAR opportunities. The Open Houses in Brockville and Cornwall will take place on Saturday, Apr. 5, 2025, and the Open House in Kingston will take place on Saturday, Apr. 12, 2025. More information on the Open House events can be found on the SLC website.

As previously mentioned, this article will be updated when further information from SLC becomes available.