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Source verified March 17, 2026
ECO Canada — Student Work Placement Program
Wage support for student environmental placements
Latest source updateLast Update: May 27, 2026Latest change: The Student Work Placement Program page now reflects updated eligibility guidance, application steps, and participant details, with a minor funding display change elsewhere on the site.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 27, 2026
Latest change: The Student Work Placement Program page now reflects updated eligibility guidance, application steps, and participant details, with a minor funding display change elsewhere on the site.
Student Work Placement Program content updated
The Student Work Placement Program content was updated with clearer eligibility rules for employers and students, including participant status, work-permit and exclusion details, and placement-related criteria. The application guidance was also reorganized with more explicit steps, document expectations, and support links. A small funding display change was also visible on the program site, but the core dates, portal access, and contact information remain largely the same.
Funding available
$ 5,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Opened April 1, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
This program supports employers hiring post-secondary students for environmental placements and offers wage reimbursement of up to $5,000 per student. Eligible placements must last 6 to 16 weeks and relate to STEAM or Business studies.
/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
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
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.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses and non-profits of all sizes
- Canadian-owned businesses and Canadian subsidiaries
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
- Canada-wide
How to apply
- Step 1: Sign in to SurveyMonkey Apply and choose the program.
- Log in or register for an account.
- Complete the eligibility quiz and application.
- Set up an organization profile if applying as an employer.
- Step 2: Get approved and confirm the placement.
- Wait for approval from ECO Canada’s Employment Programs team.
- Have the candidate submit a participant application for review.
- Sign the funding agreement once the match is confirmed.
- Step 3: Complete reporting and receive funding.
- Attend onboarding and complete progress reports.
- Submit pay statements as required to receive wage funding.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after the eligibility quiz and pre-qualification form.
- Applicants receive approval by email if they can continue.
- A funding agreement must be signed before funding is secured.
- Reports must be completed during the placement to receive funding.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ECO Canada — Student Work Placement Program Program
What is the ECO Canada — Student Work Placement Program?
This program supports employers hiring post-secondary students for environmental placements and offers wage reimbursement of up to $5,000 per student. Eligible placements must last 6 to 16 weeks and relate to STEAM or Business studies.
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:
Canadian-owned business or subsidiary
6 to 16 week student placement
STEAM or Business-related role
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)