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By Ryan Remati-Paquette
December 4, 2025

Who Can Apply for the Riipen Level UP Program: Eligibility Guide

The Riipen Level UP program presents a unique opportunity for Canadian businesses and non-profit organizations to engage with top student talent through fully subsidized internships. This guide will help you determine if your organization qualifies to participate in this program and leverage the benefits of work-integrated learning.

Program Overview

Riipen Level UP is funded in part by the Government of Canada's Innovative Work-Integrated Learning (I-WIL) Initiatives program. It offers 60-hour student internships that are fully subsidized, allowing organizations to address business challenges with the help of talented students from across Canada. The program supports remote and hybrid project setups, making it accessible to a wide range of employers regardless of location.

Applicant Type Requirements

To be eligible for Riipen Level UP, your organization must meet the following criteria:

  • Registered Canadian Business or Non-Profit Organization: Your entity must be officially registered in Canada.

  • Exclusions: Organizations that are part of the House of Commons, Senate, or engage in partisan political activities are ineligible. Additionally, federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal government entities, as well as publicly funded post-secondary institutions, cannot apply.

Size & Scale Criteria

The program does not impose specific size or revenue requirements, making it accessible to small, medium, and large organizations. This inclusivity allows a diverse range of businesses to benefit from student internships.

Geographic Eligibility

Riipen Level UP is open to organizations across all provinces and territories in Canada. The program supports remote work, enabling collaboration with students from anywhere in the country.

Project & Activity Requirements

Eligible projects should be designed to provide meaningful work experiences for students. Projects must be clearly defined and capable of completion within the 60-hour timeframe. Innovative or skill-enhancing projects are encouraged to maximize the learning experience for students.

Financial & Operational Criteria

While the program provides full subsidies for student stipends, organizations are responsible for ensuring that projects are well-structured and provide genuine learning opportunities. Financial stability is recommended to maintain project continuity and support student engagement.

Ineligible Applicants

Organizations involved in political activities or those constituting government bodies are not eligible. Additionally, educational institutions that are publicly funded cannot participate.

Special Cases & Exceptions

The program encourages applications from a broad spectrum of organizations, including indigenous businesses and social enterprises. However, specific exceptions are not detailed, and interested parties should verify eligibility directly with Riipen.

Self-Assessment Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist to determine your eligibility:

  • Is your organization registered in Canada?

  • Are you a non-profit or for-profit business?

  • Do you have a defined project suitable for a 60-hour internship?

  • Can you provide a remote or hybrid work environment?

Conclusion

The Riipen Level UP program is designed to help Canadian organizations access top student talent while providing students with valuable work-integrated learning experiences. If your organization meets the eligibility criteria, consider applying to take advantage of this unique opportunity. For more details, reach out to Riipen directly to ensure all criteria are met.

About the author

Ryan Remati-Paquette - Canadian grants specialist

Ryan Remati-Paquette

Canadian grants specialist
Working at helloDarwin for some time now, I'm in charge of providing you with the information you need on government aid. Dedicated to helping companies in Quebec and Canada reach their full potential, I write on the helloDarwin blog about the various programs, allowances and funding available to enable organizations to make their digital transformation through access to federal and provincial support.

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