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Cooperative Education Incentive
Wage assistance for co-op student placements
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : August 15, 2026
- Closing date : September 15, 2026
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
The Co-operative Education Incentive provides wage assistance to employers hiring co-op students in Nova Scotia. It supports approved co-op placements and reimburses wages for eligible work terms.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : August 15, 2026
- Closing date : September 15, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Social economy enterprise
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Employment and Training
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Young adults
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hiring a post-secondary co-operative education student for a work placement.
- Providing career-related on-the-job experience linked to the student’s field of study.
Documents Needed
- Organization registration or legal documents.
- Organization description and job description.
- Student information form and proof of enrollment.
- Payroll declaration form and record of employment.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Private-sector organizations
- Government-funded organizations
- Non-profit and charitable organizations
- Social enterprises
- Municipalities
Who is not eligible
Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant. Eligibility criteria exclude the following types of organizations:
- Public-sector organizations
- Businesses not willing to hire a co-operative education student for a work term of 12 to 16 weeks
- Entities that do not pay the student at least $18 per hour (plus vacation pay) for full-time work
Eligible expenses
- Wages paid to hired co-op students.
- Vacation pay and other mandatory employment costs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Positions not endorsed by a Nova Scotia co-operative education program.
- Placements outside the required work-term length.
- Wages below the minimum amount stated in the program requirements.
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after the application period closes.
- Decisions are usually communicated at least one month before the co-op term begins.
- If approved, an email confirmation and contract are issued.
- The agreement becomes active only after the contract is signed and student eligibility is confirmed.
Additional information
- The program provides a higher wage subsidy of $9.50 per hour for students in designated diversity groups.
- Separate applications are required for positions in more than one county.
- The student must complete an end-of-term survey for the employer to receive payment.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cooperative Education Incentive Program
What is the Cooperative Education Incentive?
The Co-operative Education Incentive provides wage assistance to employers hiring co-op students in Nova Scotia. It supports approved co-op placements and reimburses wages for eligible work terms.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications will open on August 15, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Cooperative Education Incentive program?
To be eligible for the Cooperative Education Incentive program, you must:
Eligible organizations must be in approved sectors.
The placement must be a 12- to 16-week co-op term.
The student must be enrolled in a Nova Scotia co-op program.
What expenses are eligible under Cooperative Education Incentive?
Hiring a post-secondary co-operative education student for a work placement.
Providing career-related on-the-job experience linked to the student’s field of study.
Who can I contact for more information about the Cooperative Education Incentive?
You can contact Government of Nova Scotia by email at yepinfo@novascotia.ca or by phone at 902-424-6000.
Where is the Cooperative Education Incentive available?
The Cooperative Education Incentive program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Cooperative Education Incentive a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Cooperative Education Incentive is a Wage Subsidies And Interns