About LearnOntario
Clear, student-first guides for studying, working, and living in Ontario.
LearnOntario exists for one reason: to make Ontario feel less confusing.
Whether you’re applying to college, planning your move, or already juggling classes, rent, and part-time work, our guides turn complicated systems into simple, practical steps you can actually follow.
We focus on Ontario only, use official sources first, and write the way a helpful upper-year student would explain things over coffee—not like a policy document.
What LearnOntario.ca covers
Most of our content is written for:
- future students considering Ontario
- current students (local and international)
- newcomers and young workers trying to understand basic rules and services
You’ll find guides on:
Education paths and programs
How to compare community college vs university, certificates vs diplomas, PGWP-eligible programs, transfer credits, and high-demand careers and trades.
Applications and timelines
Step-by-step help with things like OCAS/OUAC basics, program research, deadlines, required documents, offer types, deferrals, and common mistakes to avoid.
ID, services, and paperwork
Plain-language explanations of things like SIN, Ontario photo ID vs driver’s licence, health coverage basics (OHIP eligibility where it applies), OSAP overviews, and student bank accounts.
Housing and everyday life
Renting your first place, reading a lease, utilities, transit passes and discounts, phone plans, cost of living snapshots, and simple student budgets.
Money and benefits that affect students and families
OSAP, student-friendly banking, EI in limited situations, child-related benefits, and other supports that show up in a student or newcomer’s life. When we talk about money, we always point back to official calculators, forms, and updated rules.
Checklists, templates, and examples
Printable to-do lists, packing and moving checklists, sample emails, and budget examples that make it easier to take action—not just read about it.
We keep LearnOntario focused on Ontario-specific education, early-career, and everyday life topics. Deep immigration strategy, complex tax planning, or broad investment advice are outside the scope of this site.
News and policy changes that affect Ontario
From time to time, we also publish short news and explainer pieces when a change clearly affects people studying, working, or raising a family in Ontario.
Typical examples include:
- updates to OSAP and other student assistance rules
- changes to student discounts, transit programs, or housing protections
- new funding, incentives, or pilot projects for apprenticeships and in-demand careers
- federal or provincial policy shifts where the impact on students or newcomers isn’t obvious
These pieces are written in an explainer style, not as opinion or commentary. We focus on:
- what has changed (based on confirmed information)
- who is affected
- what practical steps readers may want to consider
Our coverage is non-partisan and informational. We don’t publish political endorsements or hot-take commentary.
How we write our guides
We want you to feel like you’re getting help from someone who’s already been through the process, not from a chatbot or a brochure.
Official-source first
We start with college/university websites, government pages, handbooks, and official fee schedules. When we mention numbers, dates, or rules, we aim to trace them back to an original source you can check yourself.
Actionable and step-based
We break big processes into small, doable steps, with plain-language headings, checklists, and “what to do next” suggestions. Wherever possible, we use real-world examples and ballpark numbers so you can sanity-check your own situation.
Time-stamped and reviewed
Every guide shows a “last updated” date. Policies change, so we review high-impact pages regularly and revise when official rules, fees, or forms are updated.
Accessible and student-friendly
We aim for clear language, short paragraphs, mobile-friendly layouts, and good contrast. We keep accessibility in mind and welcome suggestions to improve how people with different needs experience the site.
Independence, ads, and disclosures
LearnOntario is an independent website based in Ontario.
- We are not affiliated with the Government of Ontario, any ministry, or any college or university.
- We earn revenue primarily through Google AdSense and may occasionally use clearly labelled sponsorships or affiliate links if we ever accept them.
- Advertising and sponsorships do not control our editorial decisions. We don’t sell rankings, “favourite” labels, or positive coverage.
Our news and explainer coverage is non-partisan. We summarise confirmed information from official sources and avoid sensationalism, rumours, or commentary on political parties or campaigns.
Connect
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learnontario/
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/LearnOntario
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LearnOntario
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/learn-ontario-58b2646b/
Email: support@learnontario.ca
What we can—and cannot—do
We can:
- clarify how Ontario processes work in everyday language
- walk you through typical steps, timelines, and ballpark costs
- point you to the correct official forms, calculators, and contact pages
- share examples and checklists to help you feel more prepared
We cannot:
- give individual legal, immigration, or personalized financial advice
- handle applications, forms, or appeals on your behalf
- guarantee outcomes (admissions, visas, funding approvals, etc.)
- review or fix specific visa files, tax returns, or legal documents
For immigration, visas, legal questions, or complex financial decisions, we always recommend speaking directly with a licensed professional or the appropriate government office.
Who’s behind LearnOntario
LearnOntario is maintained by a small Ontario-based team that has:
- studied at Ontario colleges and universities
- worked in student-facing and newcomer-support roles
- spent years translating dense government and institutional information into something students and families can actually use
We combine those experiences with careful research so you get Ontario-specific guidance you can double-check and trust. Our content is edited for clarity and accuracy, and we invite readers to let us know when something needs to be updated or clarified.