KINGSTON, Ontario, October 14, 2026 — The Ontario government has announced $104 million in funding to create 3,604 additional student seats at Queen’s University, expanding access to programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), education and health care.
The investment forms part of a broader $1.7 billion provincial initiative supporting more than 70,000 additional postsecondary seats in high-demand fields. The government said the expansion is intended to address labour shortages, strengthen Ontario’s workforce and support long-term economic competitiveness.
Students could begin enrolling in the newly funded programs as early as the fall 2026 academic year.
Queen’s University to Expand STEM, Education and Health Programs
The funding will allow Queen’s University to increase enrolment capacity across three priority academic areas identified by the province.
Of the 3,604 additional seats, 2,496 will support STEM programs, 836 will be allocated to education programs and 272 will support health-related studies.
The distribution reflects Ontario’s efforts to increase the supply of qualified graduates in sectors experiencing workforce pressures.
“Our province’s greatest strength is our highly skilled workforce – and those workers are trained at our world-class colleges and universities,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “This investment is supporting the largest seat expansion in Ontario in more than a decade and will ensure more students have the opportunity to train for good-paying careers that protect and strengthen our communities, industries and province.”
University Welcomes Additional Provincial Funding
Queen’s University Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane welcomed the announcement, emphasizing the institution’s role in workforce development and innovation.
“Queen’s welcomes this significant investment to expand access to postsecondary education and prepare more students for rewarding careers in areas critical to Ontario’s future,” said Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Queen’s University. “At Queen’s, we are committed to developing the highly skilled talent our province needs, equipping graduates to make meaningful contributions to their communities, advancing innovation, and contributing to Ontario’s long-term prosperity.”
The additional capacity is expected to provide more educational opportunities for students in Kingston and across Eastern Ontario.
Investment Forms Part of Ontario’s $6.4 Billion Postsecondary Funding Plan
The Queen’s University allocation is included in Ontario’s $6.4 billion postsecondary funding initiative, which the government says will strengthen institutional operations and expand enrolment.
Under the broader plan, $1.7 billion is designated for more than 70,000 additional seats at publicly assisted colleges and universities.
The province announced its initial allocation of 30,000 seats in May 2026 and subsequently invited institutions to submit proposals for the remaining 40,000.
Funding applications were assessed against institutional capacity, regional labour market requirements and student demand.
According to the ministry, more than 1,000 employer letters supported proposed expansions in programs aligned with local workforce needs.
Employers Highlight Skills Shortages
Ontario business representatives have identified workforce availability as an important factor affecting investment and economic growth.
“At the Ontario Chamber, we hear every day from businesses facing skills shortages. Strengthening Ontario’s talent pipeline is critical to our competitiveness and today’s investment will help ensure employers can find the skilled workers they need to grow.”
— Daniel Tisch, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The government has also linked its education investments to broader economic challenges, including international trade uncertainty and tariffs affecting Canadian industries.
Additional Support for Colleges and Indigenous Institutes
Ontario’s new funding model is expected to increase annual operating support for colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes to $7 billion, representing a 30 per cent increase.
The province is also allocating $57 million to Indigenous Institutes, including $33 million intended to support up to 780 additional seats in high-demand programs.
Separately, Ontario’s 2025 budget committed nearly $1 billion to support more than 100,000 additional seats in programs associated with labour market demand.
The newly announced Queen’s University expansion represents another component of the province’s strategy to connect postsecondary education with employment opportunities.
As institutions increase capacity, the initiative will place greater emphasis on preparing graduates for careers in technology, education and health care while supporting workforce development throughout Ontario.
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