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 or up to $5,000 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 funding guaranteed?
No, funding is not guaranteed and is generally :
- First-come, first-served
- Dependent on available program funds
- Subject to meeting eligibility criteria
- Conditional on the timely submission of all required documents
How long do placements need to be?
A typical WIL placement is 3-4 months in length. Students can be hired before the funding period and the role can continue after the funding period. However, SWPP funding only covers work done within the eligible funding period.
Typical funding terms:
- Winter: January to March
- Summer: May to August
- Fall: September to December
Placements shorter than one month are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Can we apply before hiring a student?
Yes. Employers are encouraged to apply as soon as the application portal opens, even if student details are pending.
Once you have identified the student, please notify us and update their information within the portal.
What happens after I submit my application?
Your application will be reviewed, and we will notify you of the next steps within two weeks, depending on the volume of applications received.
When does the employer receive the wage subsidy payment?
Funding is reimbursed after the placement ends and once all required documentation has been received and approved.
When does the portal open for each funding term?
The portal usually opens 1-2 months before the funding term starts.
If a student’s placement spans two funding periods (e.g., summer and fall), the employer will need to choose one of those periods to apply for SWPP funding.
The website will be updated once the portal opens for each funding term. Please check our website for more information.
Are there application deadlines?
There are no specific application deadlines. As long as the portal is open, we encourage you to apply. Funding is limited and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying as early as possible is recommended.
