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Source verified August 11, 2026
Co-op Students Hiring Incentive
Tax credit for hiring co-op students
Latest source updateLast Update: April 10, 2026Latest change: The Co-op Students Hiring Incentive content was reorganized, with updated contact details and a refreshed approved-program registry.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Latest change: The Co-op Students Hiring Incentive content was reorganized, with updated contact details and a refreshed approved-program registry.
Co-op Students Hiring Incentive updated
The page content was reorganized and the employer help contact now points to the Canada Revenue Agency instead of the previous Manitoba Finance contact. The approved co-op program registry and application form remain, but their visible file information and the registry list were updated, including a new April 2026 registry version and additional programs and institutions. The program guidance also appears more focused on claim and approval steps, with refreshed details about how programs are verified and who can use the registry. Overall, the incentive terms still center on the same 15% refundable credit up to $5,000 per student, but the supported program list and guidance now reflect a broader, updated registry.
Funding available
$ 5,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Manitoba, Canada
Overview
Co-op Students Hiring Incentive supports Manitoba employers that hire students in registered co-operative education programs. It offers a refundable tax credit for approved work placements, helping employers fund student wages and salaries while building work experience opportunities.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
- Up to 15% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Manitoba
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Non-financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Other Education
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hiring students for co-operative education work placements.
Documents Needed
- Co-op Program Approval Application Form
- Proof that the co-operative education program is approved
- Student graduation document for graduate-related claims
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Most Manitoba employers.
Who is not eligible
- Provincial and federal government departments.
- Crown corporations and other provincial government entities for the 2017 and subsequent tax years.
Eligible expenses
- Wages and salaries paid to eligible co-op students.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Government assistance already received for the same wages and salaries is deducted from the claim.
Eligible geographic areas
- Manitoba
How to apply
- Establish contact with an approved co-operative education program.
- Claim the refundable tax credit on your corporate income tax return.
Processing and Agreement
- Manitoba Finance deals with cases where the student completes the work term but does not successfully complete the program on an individual basis.
- The employer, not the post-secondary institution, must pursue the matter with Manitoba Finance.
Additional information
- The credit is fully refundable.
- Students do not receive the credit directly; it benefits employers.
- Approved co-operative education programs are listed in the Manitoba registry.
- Applications and tax claims are handled through Manitoba Finance.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Co-op Students Hiring Incentive Program
What is the Co-op Students Hiring Incentive?
Co-op Students Hiring Incentive supports Manitoba employers that hire students in registered co-operative education programs. It offers a refundable tax credit for approved work placements, helping employers fund student wages and salaries while building work experience opportunities.
How much funding can be received?
Co-op Students Hiring Incentive Funds up to 15% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Co-op Students Hiring Incentive program?
To be eligible for the Co-op Students Hiring Incentive program, you must:
The employer must hire a student as part of a registered co-operative education program.
The student must work primarily in Manitoba.
The work placement must count toward the student's degree, certificate, or diploma.
What expenses are eligible under Co-op Students Hiring Incentive?
Hiring students for co-operative education work placements.
Who can I contact for more information about the Co-op Students Hiring Incentive?
You can contact Government of Manitoba by email at tao@gov.mb.ca or by phone at 204-948-2115.
Where is the Co-op Students Hiring Incentive available?
The Co-op Students Hiring Incentive program is available the province of Manitoba.
Is the Co-op Students Hiring Incentive a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Co-op Students Hiring Incentive is a Tax Credits