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Student Work Placement Program

Subsidies for hiring Canadian post-secondary students

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Last Update: March 4, 2026

Funding available

No Condition

Timeline

Open continuously

Location

Canada

Overview

Receive wage subsidies up to a maximum of $5,000 per placement and up to a maximum of $7,000 per placement for under-represented students including first-year students, women in STEM, Indigenous students, persons with disabilities, and newcomers.

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Opportunity Score

Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Develop a new product or service
Conduct research and development activities
Develop workforce skills

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

Canada

Legal structures

Non-profit
Public or Parapublic institution
For-profit business

Annual revenue

$ 7,000 maximum revenue

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

Indigenous Peoples
Persons with Disabilities
Newcomers to Canada
Other Racialized Persons
Canadians
Women

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Culture and Arts
Higher Education
Environment
Employment and Training
Business Associations
Diversity and Inclusion

Target groups

Indigenous peoples
New immigrants & refugees
People with disabilities
Women & girls
Academia / students
Minority groups

Revenue structures

All structures

Scope

National

Next steps

Determine your project

Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

Hiring post-secondary students for work placements.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Technology sector companies
Information and communications technology organizations
Aviation and aerospace industry businesses
Environmental and clean technology companies
Biotechnology and life sciences organizations
Electricity and energy sector companies
Mining industry businesses
Entrepreneurship-focused organizations
Manufacturing sector firms
Chambers of commerce and associated businesses
Tourism industry organizations
Cultural sector companies
Trucking and transportation businesses
Agricultural sector companies
Food processing organizations
Media production firms
Companies associated with any of the listed funding recipients

Eligible expenses

Wage subsidies for hiring post-secondary students.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies across Canada through the Student Work Placement program. It allows for a broad geographical eligibility as the program is available nationwide.

Companies located anywhere within Canada.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The program supports various industries, ranging from technology and media to agriculture and tourism, offering flexibility in the types of roles that can be funded.
Employers are encouraged to offer meaningful work placements that provide real-world experience to students.
Networking opportunities may be available through participating funding recipients, enhancing potential partnerships.
Emphasis is placed on the development of skills that align with industry needs, ensuring the placements are mutually beneficial.

Documents and links

Student Work Placement Program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Student Work Placement Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the 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.