Passage

Passage

Democratizes education access via partnerships

Overview

Passage helps people access education and career opportunities by building a network of partnerships with schools, employers, and banks. It focuses on immigrants and people with fewer financial resources, and uses technology to lower costs and simplify the process of studying abroad and finding work. The product works by connecting students with educational programs, employers who hire graduates, and financial institutions that offer tailored funding options, creating a funded path from education to employment. Passage sets itself apart by concentrating on mobility for immigrants and low-income individuals, offering a full ecosystem of partners and financial tools to reduce barriers and support long-term sustainability. Its goal is to expand global talent opportunities and enable social mobility by making education and career access affordable and scalable.

About Passage

Simplify's Rating
Why Passage is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Enterprise Software

Financial Services

Education

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Seed

Total Funding

$30M

Headquarters

Toronto, Canada

Founded

2023

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Secured C$40M seed funding from Drive Capital in 2023 for scaling operations.
  • Expands via Ile-Iwe events in Lagos and Abuja on January 29th and 31st 2026.
  • LaborHack partnership funds African construction workers' migration to Canada.

What critics are saying

  • Canadian study permit caps shrink international student pipeline in 6-12 months.
  • Healthcare and STEM loan defaults spike from labor market saturation in 12-24 months.
  • ApplyBoard launches competing finance product using existing networks in 12-24 months.

What makes Passage unique

  • Passage finances Canada-bound students using AI-driven future earning potential evaluation.
  • Partners with George Brown, Niagara, and Bow Valley Colleges for in-demand programs.
  • Targets immigrants from Nigeria and Afghanistan with tailored loans up to C$75,000.

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Funding

Total Funding

$30M

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

1 Rounds

Seed funding is usually the first official round after pre-seed, when a startup has a prototype or concept. It’s typically used to develop the product, test the market, and start building the team. Investors here are often angel investors or early-stage venture capitalists.
Seed Funding Comparison
Above Average

Industry standards

$3.3M
$2M
Netflix
$2.3M
Instacart
$3M
Robinhood
$30M
Passage

Benefits

Health Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Remote Work Options

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Flexible Work Hours

Paid Vacation

Hybrid Work Options

Wellness Program

Mental Health Support

Phone/Internet Stipend

Home Office Stipend

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Stock Options

Company Equity

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-5%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

-1%
Ile-Iwe Education
Jan 16th, 2026
Study in Canada with Funding: How the Ile-iwe Educationx Passage Event Is Changing the Game for Nigerians

Study in Canada with funding: How the ile-iwe educationx Passage event is changing the game for Nigerians. For many Nigerians, to study in Canada with funding has always been a dream, one filled with opportunity, global exposure, and long-term career prospects. However, for just as many people, that dream often ends at one major roadblock: funding. Tuition fees, living expenses, proof of funds, and uncertainty around return on investment have stopped countless qualified students from taking the next step. That is exactly why Ileiwe Education, in partnership with Passage, is hosting a Canada-focused Study Abroad & Funding Event this January in Lagos and Abuja designed to give students real options, real clarity, and real financial pathways. Ile-Iwe Education x Passage event details at a glance. Cities: Abuja & Lagos Focus: Studying in Canada with access to funding Funding: Student loans via Passage (Canada only) Timeline: January 29th and 31st 2026 * Students planning to study in Canada * Parents and sponsors * Professionals seeking healthcare, tech, or skilled trade pathways Why the ile-iwe education x Passage event is Important for Nigerians planning to study in Canada. Canada remains one of the most attractive study destinations globally because of: * High-quality education * Strong post-study work opportunities * Clear Permanent Residency (PR) pathways * Demand for skilled professionals in healthcare, technology, and trades Yet, many students delay or abandon their plans because they believe "I don't have enough money." Funding exists but only for the right schools, programs, and candidates. What is Passage and How does it Help students? Passage provides student loans and financing for international students specifically for Canada focusing on programs that align with Canada's labour market and long-term PR opportunities. * Finances specific, in-demand programs * Works directly with partner Canadian institutions * Supports both tuition and living costs for eligible students * Evaluates students based on future earning potential, not just current finances At the Ileiwe x Passage event, students will learn: * Whether their desired school and program is fundable * How the financing works * What programs give the best long-term outcomes in Canada Key partner institutions you can access through Passage. Some of the Canadian institutions supported through Passage include: George brown college (toronto). * Popular programs: Personal Support Worker (PSW) and other healthcare programs * Strong industry connections in Ontario * Excellent outcomes for healthcare-focused students Niagara college (niagara region). * Programs include Health Care Aide and other applied health programs * Known for practical training and employability * Strategic location with growing labour demand Bow valley college (calgary). * Programs in Web Development, Front-End Design, and other tech disciplines * Ideal for students interested in STEM and digital careers * Located in Alberta, a province with strong PR pathways Important: The list of supported schools and programs is dynamic. Eligibility depends on your chosen program, intake, and personal profile. Programs supported by Passage funding. Passage focuses on programs that match Canada's workforce needs, including: * Personal Support Worker (PSW) * Health Care Aide * Other healthcare-related diplomas STEM (science, technology, engineering & math). * Software & Web Development * Front-End Design * Technology-focused diplomas and degrees Skilled trades. * Programs aligned with Canada's labour shortages * Practical, job-ready qualifications Master's degrees. * Selected universities and programs * Subject to eligibility and career outcomes Why you should attend the ile-iwe education x Passage event. At the Lagos and Abuja events, students will have access to: * On-the-spot consultations with Ileiwe education advisors * Guidance on school applications and admissions * Clear explanations of Passage student loans * Program recommendations based on your goals and background * A realistic timeline from application to travel Ileiwe's role is to guide, structure, and execute your study-abroad journey from school selection to visa readiness while Passage focuses on making funding possible for eligible candidates. Together, the goal is simple: Help serious students move from interest to action. Why Choose ile-iwe education? Ile-Iwe Education is a strategic education partner for Nigerians navigating global education. With years of experience, strong institutional relationships, and a focus on transparency, Ileiwe helps students: * Avoid costly mistakes * Choose programs with real outcomes * Understand timelines, policies, and risks * Make informed, confident decisions Final call to action. If Canada is part of your 2026 plan and funding has been your biggest concern, this event is your clarity point. WhatsApp/Call +2349074899999 to register now to attend the Ileiwe x Passage Study Abroad & Funding Event in Lagos or Abuja. Seats are limited, and consultations are handled on a first-come basis.

LaborHack
Feb 5th, 2024
LaborHack is Empowering Skilled Construction Workers with Educational Loans and Migration Support to Canada

To achieve this, LaborHack has partnered with Passage, a leading provider of education financing solutions, to offer flexible education loans that cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses to African construction workers moving into Canada.

Pink Sheep Media
Dec 28th, 2023
Canadian media: Where are they now?

In April, 2023, Passage, an online publication known for its left-wing opinion articles and essays, announced it had begun the process of merging with The Maple, another Canadian publication.

Looney Tooney
Jul 4th, 2023
Talented students and professionals to get funding support for their Canada move

Passage has secured $40 million in funding, led by Drive Capital, a supporter of ApplyBoard.

Business Wire
Jun 28th, 2023
Passage Lands C$40 Million in Seed Funding to Address Canada’s Skilled Workers Shortage

A new company that seeks to match talented immigrants to life-changing educational and career opportunities led by Canadian tech entrepreneur Martin B

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