Closed
Source verified July 22, 2026
Cooperative Education Incentive
Wage assistance for co-op student placements
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Latest source updateLast Update: October 1, 2026Latest change: The Cooperative Education Incentive now shows new 2026–2027 intake dates, updated eligibility rules, and revised wage subsidy and documentation requirements.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 1, 2026
Latest change: The Cooperative Education Incentive now shows new 2026–2027 intake dates, updated eligibility rules, and revised wage subsidy and documentation requirements.
Co-op Incentive updated for 2026–2027 intakes
The Cooperative Education Incentive materials now show updated application windows for Winter 2027, Summer 2027, and Fall 2027, and the form deadline moved from May 15, 2026 to September 15, 2026. The program guidance also now requires a $19.50 hourly minimum wage, adds a $1.50 hourly diversity bonus, reserves 40% of funding for priority natural-resource employers, and excludes provincial government reporting entities. Application and post-approval steps were also revised: organizations now need additional setup and proof-of-payment documents, including an Electronic Funds Transfer form for new accounts, a student unofficial transcript, and updated wage proof such as pay stubs and a Record of Employment. The guidance also adds a county-based application rule, a return-to-studies condition for students, and new priority-sector guidance for funding decisions.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
January 15, 2027
Opened December 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.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
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
- A description of your organization and its mandate
- A job description for the position
- Endorsement from a co-op office
- Your organization’s Registry of Joint Stocks number, Canada Revenue Agency charities number or legal documentation regarding the structure of your organization
Official resources
Application form
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
Selection criteria
- Preference is given to employers offering challenging, knowledge-intensive work.
- Preference is given to employers paying above-average wages.
- Preference is given to employers showing innovation and a culture of learning.
- Preference is given to employers in Nova Scotia’s growth sectors.
- Preference is given to employers hiring graduates for permanent jobs.
How to apply
- Create a LaMPSS Account or sign in to apply using the Labour Market Program Support System (LaMPSS).
- If you are registered, click Start Now on the program website.
- If you need to register, use the application links to open an access request form, then proceed to the application form after you provide your organization details.
- If you have created a new account, download the Electronic Funds Transfer Form.
Processing and Agreement
- Once the application period for a term has closed, applications are assessed and decisions are normally communicated at least one month before the co-op term begins.
- If approved, you receive an email confirming funding and a contract.
- You must provide information about the student you hire, including proof that they’re currently enrolled in a Co-operative Education program at a Nova Scotia university or college and a consent form for use of their information.
- Before reimbursement, proof of wages paid must be uploaded in LaMPSS, and reimbursement is made by direct deposit.
- Employer and student surveys must be completed for payment to be issued.
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?
The application deadline for this grant program was January 15, 2027.
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