| Administered by | Employment and Social Development Canada, through delivery partners |
|---|---|
| Funding amount | Up to 50 % of wages (max. $5,000) or up to 70 % (max. $7,000) for first-year students and under-represented groups |
| Region | Canada |
| Official page | www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/student-work-p |
Reducing the cost of hiring with wage subsidies
- Up to 50 % of wages ($5,000). Direct reimbursement covering up to 50 % of gross salaries for post-secondary co-op students and interns across all departments.
- Up to 70 % of wages ($7,000). Enhanced subsidy when hiring first-year students, women in STEM, Indigenous youth, visible minorities or persons with disabilities.
- Youth tech internships. Specialized streams covering $15,000 to $25,000 for recent STEM and AI graduates entering permanent full-time roles at innovative firms.
What to know
Applications go through designated delivery partners and must precede the placement start. Rates and caps are set by the program and change.
How we can help
We help identify the relevant delivery partner, prepare the application and coordinate the interaction with SR&ED and other assistance. No funding is guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
How many placements can a business fund per term?
There is generally no cap on the number of placements per semester (fall, winter, summer), provided each student meets the criteria and receives meaningful mentorship.
Can we claim SWPP and SR&ED on the same employee?
Yes, but the portion of salary reimbursed by SWPP is excluded from SR&ED qualifying expenditures. The unsubsidized portion remains eligible.
How fast are applications processed?
Applications submitted through delivery partners (for example Magnet, TECHNATION, BioTalent, ECO Canada) are typically pre-approved within 5 to 10 business days.
Official sources
- Employment and Social Development Canada — Student Work Placement Program — subsidy rates, caps and delivery partners
Canadian Funding Partners Inc. is an independent advisory firm and does not administer this program. Rates, ceilings and eligibility are set by the administering authority and change. Confirm current terms with the official source before relying on them.