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ONCAT Resource Grants

ONCAT Resource Grants

ONCAT collaborates with external partners to pursue research activities that contribute to a greater understanding of Ontario’s postsecondary education sector. 

Focus and Activities

ONCAT Resource Grants support the identification and collection of new information related to learner mobility that can enrich ONCAT’s ongoing research activities. 

For the context of ONCAT Resource Grants, “learner mobility” includes students transferring from one institution to another, as well as learners who have previously earned at least one course credit from two or more postsecondary institutions or via other sources, such as Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), Ontario Micro-Credential (OMC), etc.  

In alignment with ONCAT’s 2023–26 Strategic Plan , we welcome applications for projects that investigate learner mobility in relationship to the following topics: 

  • Academic achievement
  • Labour market outcomes
  • Academic and/or non-academic services, supports, or programs
  • Indigenous learners
  • Underrepresented groups in Ontario’s postsecondary sector, including, but not limited to, mature students, francophone learners, learners living in rural areas, newcomers, and learners with disabilities
  • Datasets and data linkages
  • Surveys, interviews, and focus groups

ONCAT values diverse and innovative approaches to research activity; to that end, we welcome applications for projects that use qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, experimental, and/or non-traditional methodologies.  

Eligibility

  • Researchers affiliated with not-for-profit organizations or incorporated businesses are eligible to apply for ONCAT Resource Grants. 
  • Faculty members affiliated with a publicly assisted college, university, or Indigenous Institute in Ontario are eligible to apply for ONCAT Research Grants. 

Funding and Budgets

  • You can request a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $140,000 in funding for the project.  
  • Review the Budget Guidelines for information about eligible expenses. 

Funding opportunities for research projects

ONCAT conducts original research programs that investigate learner mobility, student transfer experiences, academic achievement, equity, labour market outcomes and related topics.

In addition, ONCAT collaborates with external partners to pursue research activities that contribute to a greater understanding of Ontario's postsecondary education sector.

As a guiding principle, ONCAT prioritizes funding for research projects that can inform and inspire learner-centric improvements to policies, practices and pathways at publicly assisted colleges, universities and indigenous institutes in Ontario.

 

During the 2025–26 year, ONCAT’s research activities will focus on producing various publications and presentations, as well as supporting numerous ONCAT-funded projects led by external partners.

In 2025–26, ONCAT does not expect to announce a call for funding opportunities related to research projects.

Updates about ONCAT’s 2026–27 funding opportunities for research projects will be posted in June 2026.

Contact Us

If you have questions about the application process or online grant portal, contact Inna Yeranosyan, Grants and Projects Specialist.  

If you have questions about project eligibility or details, contact Jeffrey Napierala, Research Manager. 

 

ONCAT is funded by the Government of Ontario. All programs and details are subject to change without notice.