Student Work Placement Program
The Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) offers employers up to $5,000 for each student work placement. You apply year-round through one of 18 organizations funded by the Government of Canada, not through the government directly. You can apply anytime.
Before you spend any money
Applications are open year-round, but each partner organization sets its own steps, timing and payment rules. Confirm them with the organization before you hire.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You are hiring a post-secondary student for a real work placement.
- You can apply through one of the 18 partner organizations, such as Technation, ICT Council, Venture for Canada or the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
- You want help with the cost of a student placement at any time of year.
Probably not the right fit if
- You want help with the wages of existing staff.
- You are not hiring a post-secondary student.
- You need the money in hand before you hire. Each partner organization sets its own payment rules.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $5,000 per student opportunity.
What may be supported
- Hiring post-secondary students for internships or work placements.
- Creating new roles for students in your business.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou pick a partner organization, follow its application steps and keep payroll records for the student.
- 01Choose a partner organization from the official list (for example, Technation, ICT Council or Venture for Canada).
- 02Confirm the organization's eligibility rules and that it still has funding.
- 03Apply for the wage subsidy through that organization.
- 04Hire the post-secondary student and keep payroll records.
- 05Follow the organization's steps to claim the subsidy.
Documents commonly required
- The partner organization's application form.
- Details of the student placement and the student's post-secondary enrolment.
- Payroll records for the student.
- Confirm the full list with the organization you apply through.
What to know before you count on it
- The amount is up to $5,000 for each placement. A higher salary does not raise the cap.
- You apply through a partner organization, not to the Government of Canada directly. Each one has its own rules.
- Payment timing is set by the partner organization. Plan to cover the student's wages yourself at first.
- A wage subsidy is usually taxable income. Ask your accountant.
What are your odds?
You can apply year-round. Each partner organization has its own budget, so confirm it still has room for your placement.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get the money before I hire the student?
The official page does not say. Each partner organization sets its own payment rules. Ask the organization before you hire.
Is the $5,000 taxable?
Usually yes. Ask your accountant.
Who do I apply to?
One of 18 organizations funded by the Government of Canada. Examples are Technation, ICT Council, Venture for Canada, Magnet, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Tourism HR Canada.
When can I apply?
Year-round, according to the official Government of Canada page.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
Ask the partner organization whether you can combine this with other wage subsidies for the same student.
Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.