LONDON, Ontario — The Ontario government is investing $205 million to create 6,437 additional postsecondary seats at Western University and Fanshawe College, expanding access to education and training in high-demand fields as the province works to address labour shortages and strengthen economic competitiveness.
Announced on November 6, 2026, the funding forms part of a broader $1.7-billion provincial initiative supporting more than 70,000 additional seats at publicly assisted colleges and universities. The expansion targets science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), health care, education, skilled trades and other programs aligned with labour-market needs.
The new seats could become available as early as the fall 2026 academic year.
Western University Receives Funding for 5,013 Additional Seats
Western University will receive funding for 5,013 new seats, with the largest allocation directed towards STEM programs.
The university’s expansion includes 3,515 STEM seats, 1,117 health-care seats, 298 education seats and 83 seats in other labour-market-driven programs.
The investment is expected to strengthen Western’s capacity to prepare graduates for careers in engineering, science, technology, health services and teaching.
“Western University welcomes the Ontario Government’s investment in the next generation of leaders announced by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security,” said Alan Shepard, President and Vice-Chancellor, Western University, “This funding responds to the needs of our region and will help ensure Western can continue delivering exceptional education in health care, education, engineering, science and technology, preparing the skilled professionals Ontario needs to strengthen its economy and serve communities across the province. Ontario’s universities have the talent, drive, and capacity to shape the future of the province through our graduates, researchers, and close partnerships with community and industry. We look forward to continuing to work together to build a stronger Ontario.”
Fanshawe College to Expand Health Care and Skilled Trades Training
Fanshawe College will receive funding for 1,424 additional seats, supporting workforce development in sectors facing recruitment pressures.
The allocation includes 591 health-care seats, 360 skilled trades seats, 341 education seats and 132 STEM seats.
The expansion is intended to help local employers recruit qualified workers while giving students greater access to career-focused training.
“Colleges are a critical talent pipeline for the sectors driving Ontario’s economy, training more than half of workers in areas facing labour shortages,” said Peter Devlin, President, Fanshawe College. “Our employer and community partners are counting on Fanshawe to help meet their growing workforce needs. This investment gives us an opportunity to expand access to programs that will help protect Ontario’s future by ensuring we have the skilled workforce we need to build, care for and grow our communities.”
Ontario’s $1.7-Billion Expansion Targets Workforce Shortages
The London funding represents part of Ontario’s larger $6.4-billion postsecondary investment strategy, which includes $1.7 billion for more than 70,000 additional seats.
The government announced its first allocation of 30,000 seats in May 2026 before inviting institutions to submit proposals for the remaining 40,000.
Applications were assessed according to institutional capacity, regional workforce requirements, industry demand and student interest.
More than 1,000 employer support letters accompanied proposals submitted by publicly assisted institutions.
“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.”
Additional Funding for Indigenous Institutes and Postsecondary Operations
Ontario’s revised funding model will 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 to support up to 780 additional seats in high-demand programs.
The government says the broader investments will help institutions respond to changing economic conditions, including trade uncertainty and workforce shortages.
Business Community Welcomes Investment in Skilled Workers
Ontario business representatives have identified access to qualified workers as an important factor in maintaining productivity and supporting 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
For London and the surrounding region, the additional capacity at Western University and Fanshawe College is expected to support workforce development across health care, technology, education and skilled trades.
The investment also reinforces the province’s strategy of connecting postsecondary education with employer requirements, positioning institutions to support regional economic development and Ontario’s long-term competitiveness.
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