What is Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)?
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) refers to a continuum of paid learning opportunities ranging from structured work experience to instances where the employer engages with the post-secondary education institution. All work-integrated learning must be aligned with the post-secondary education program of the participating student. It can include co-op placements, internships, field placements, or applied projects to solve problems for employers. For the purposes of the program, trades and apprenticeships, clinical hours in healthcare, and articling hours for lawyers are not considered WIL.
Eligible WIL opportunities may include:
- Cooperative education
- Internships
- Field Placements
- Work Experience
- Community Service Learning
- Applied Research Projects
- Entrepreneurial WIL
For more information on the definitions of the different WIL types, please refer to the
CEWIL website
Please note that placements must be recognized as WIL by an appropriate representative at the student’s post-secondary institution in order to qualify for the subsidy.
What is a wage subsidy? How do you define ‘a wage’?
A wage subsidy provides financial reimbursement to eligible employers who hire eligible students. Through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP), employers may receive funding to help cover the cost of hiring post-secondary students in eligible Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements.
A wage is defined as the gross salary. Wages include all remuneration paid before deductions, such as:
- Regular wages
- Overtime pay
- Vacation pay
- Commissions
- Taxable benefits or allowances
Did you previously offer a wage subsidy up to $7000?
Yes. However, as of April 1 2026, Up to 50% of wages to a maximum of $5000 is available for each eligible placement.
Also, please be aware that:
- Details regarding Net New criteria have changed.
- All work-integrated learning must be aligned with the participating student’s post-secondary education program.
How is “net new” calculated?
As of April 1 2026, net new criteria only applies to organizations with 100 or more employees.
Employers with 100 or more employees must demonstrate a projected increase from the number of students hired in their ‘baseline year’ vs the number of students they plan to hire in the current fiscal year.
Net New = Forecast (current fiscal year) – baseline (fiscal year prior to first participating in SWPP)
Example
- Current year hires: 3 students
- Baseline year hires: 2 students
- Net new hires eligible for funding: 1 student
Please refer to our net new calculator for more information.
For a SWPP work placement, can funding be combined with other government funds, including funding from other SWPP Delivery Partners?
- Federal funding: Cannot be combined (e.g., Canada Summer Jobs; funding from other SWPP Delivery Partners).
- Provincial, territorial and municipal funding: May be combined if the total funding does not exceed 100% of wages.
- Tax credits: Employers must follow provincial tax credit guidelines and are encouraged to consult a tax professional.
Do students need to be in a formal WIL role, such as co-op? Do placements have to be for academic credit?
No. Optional or non-credit placements may still qualify. Students do not need to be enrolled in a formal WIL stream, but the placement must be recognized as a valid WIL opportunity by the student’s post-secondary institution.
Are there age restrictions for students?
Are international students eligible?
Can students work part-time, remotely, or hybrid?
Yes. Eligible placements may be:
- Full-time or part-time
- On-site, remote, or hybrid*
If the student is doing a remote or hybrid role, the student must still be located in Canada.
Can an employer receive funding more than once for the same student?
No. Each employer can only receive SWPP funding one time for each unique student.
Are high school graduates or recent post-secondary student graduates eligible?
No. An eligible student must be enrolled and have started in their academic program at their post-secondary institution before starting a WIL placement.
Is my organization eligible?
SWPP funding is available to eligible Canadian employers hiring post-secondary students for work-integrated learning placements.
Please review our eligibility criteria for further details here.
How much funding can I receive?
Eligible employers can receive up to $5,000 per eligible student hire to help cover wage costs for a work-integrated learning placement.
Funding is limited, so employers are encouraged to apply early.
Can I apply before I’ve hired a student?
Yes! You can start your application as soon as the portal opens, even if you haven't selected your student yet.
Once you've made your hire, simply add the student's information to your application.
When should I apply?
As early as possible. Applications are accepted while the portal is open and funding remains available.
Funding is limited and applications are generally processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
How long can a SWPP placement be?
Most SWPP placements are 3–4 months.
Your student can start before or continue working after the eligible funding period, with SWPP funding applied to eligible work completed during the approved term.
Shorter placements may also qualify and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
What happens after I apply?
We'll review your application and contact you with next steps, typically within two weeks.
If we need any additional information, we'll let you know.
When will I receive the wage subsidy?
SWPP is a reimbursement program. Once the placement is complete and the required documentation is approved, the wage subsidy will be paid to your organization.
When can I apply for each funding term?
Applications typically open 1–2 months before each funding term.
Once the funding term opens, we encourage you to apply early. Open funding periods are always posted on this website.
What if my student’s placement spans two funding terms?
If a placement spans two funding terms, such as summer and fall, you'll select one eligible term when applying for SWPP funding.
Is funding guaranteed?
Funding is available to eligible employers while program funds remain available. Applications are generally processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applying early and submitting all required information promptly can help keep your application moving.
