New Bursary Announced for Durham College Preparatory Program Students

Durham College will introduce a new bursary for students entering preparatory programs, funded by a $1.5 million donation from The Joyce Family Foundation. According to the college, applications for The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary will open in January 2026, and up to 10 students will be selected each year. The bursary can be used for tuition in both the initial preparatory program and any continued studies at Durham College for up to four years, the college said.

The announcement provides information about financial assistance specifically aimed at students pursuing foundational or preparatory studies at Durham College. Local residents considering these programs may benefit from knowing about this application period and eligibility.

Eligible preparatory programs include Trades Fundamentals, Business Fundamentals, Foundations in Art and Design, Culinary Skills, and General Arts and Science, according to Durham College. Maureen O’Neill, Executive Director of The Joyce Family Foundation, said the foundation’s primary focus is to provide access to education for young people with significant financial need or facing other socio-economic barriers. O’Neill toured Durham College’s Oshawa campus, visiting labs such as the Nursing Teaching Lab, Paramedic Lab, and Dental Clinic, and discussed program pathways.

The college states that preparatory program graduates may continue into further areas of study, such as Practical Nursing, Paramedic, or Dental Hygiene, or apply their credential to applications for university-level Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs. The college also said bursary recipients will be eligible to participate in the Alumni Mentorship Program, which pairs students with a mentor during their studies.