Open
ECO Canada — Student Work Placement Program
Money to hire students for an environmental co-op
Last Update: March 17, 2026
Funding available
$ 5,000
Timeline
- Open Date : April 1, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
If you’re working on an environmental project, you could get connected with a post-secondary student in STEAM or business and a subsidy to cover 50% of their salary up to $5,000 for a maximum of 16 weeks.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : April 1, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Environment
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Young adults
- New immigrants & refugees
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Placement of post-secondary students in work positions related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM), or Business fields.
- Facilitation of real-world, on-the-job learning experiences for students in environmental sectors while they are still enrolled in post-secondary education.
- Collaboration between Canadian businesses and post-secondary institutions to offer meaningful work placements of 6 to 16 weeks duration.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses of all sizes that are Canadian-owned or Canadian subsidiaries (excluding municipalities, governments, and post-secondary institutions)
Who is not eligible
- Municipalities
- Government entities
- Post-secondary institutions
Eligible expenses
- Salary expenses for students hired for full-time or part-time placements (6 to 16 weeks, minimum 180 hours), covering 50% of wages up to a maximum of $5,000 per student.
Eligible geographic areas
- Businesses located anywhere in Canada
Additional information
- The French version of the website is under development and will be available soon.
- The program offers access to a job board for recruitment support.
- Both employers and students are required to complete periodic reporting during the placement.
- Funding is secured only after a contract is signed and returned within 15 days of issue.
Documents and links
Frequently Asked Questions about the ECO Canada — Student Work Placement Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the ECO Canada — Student Work Placement Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the ECO Canada — Student Work Placement Program?
If you’re working on an environmental project, you could get connected with a post-secondary student in STEAM or business and a subsidy to cover 50% of their salary up to $5,000 for a maximum of 16 weeks.
How much funding can be received?
ECO Canada — Student Work Placement Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the ECO Canada — Student Work Placement Program program?
To be eligible for the ECO Canada — Student Work Placement Program program, you must:
The employer must be a Canadian-owned business or a Canadian subsidiary (municipalities, governments, and post-secondary institutions are excluded).
Placement must be a new full-time or part-time position lasting 6 to 16 weeks with a minimum of 180 hours.
What expenses are eligible under ECO Canada — Student Work Placement Program?
Placement of post-secondary students in work positions related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM), or Business fields.
Facilitation of real-world, on-the-job learning experiences for students in environmental sectors while they are still enrolled in post-secondary education.
Collaboration between Canadian businesses and post-secondary institutions to offer meaningful work placements of 6 to 16 weeks duration.
Where is the ECO Canada — Student Work Placement Program available?
The ECO Canada — Student Work Placement Program program is available across Canada.
Is the ECO Canada — Student Work Placement Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
ECO Canada — Student Work Placement Program is a Wage Subsidies And Interns
Who are the financial supporters of the ECO Canada — Student Work Placement Program?
ECO Canada — Student Work Placement Program is funded by ECO Canada (ECO)