Hiring students can be costly, especially for smaller arts and culture organizations. The CHRC Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) helps cover wage costs so you can bring in post-secondary students for paid work placements. Delivered by the Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC), this federal program offers up to $7,000 per student for eligible employers across Canada.
The CHRC Student Work Placement Program is part of the federal Student Work Placement Program funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by CHRC for the arts and culture sector.
Its goal is to help employers create paid, real work experience for post-secondary students while reducing hiring costs.
Key program facts:
Employers may qualify if their organization:
Remote and hybrid placements are permitted, which is helpful for organizations without physical offices.
The student you hire must:
Note: The student’s field of study does not need to be related to arts or culture, as long as the role provides meaningful work experience.
Hiring from these groups qualifies you for the higher 70% subsidy:
The application process is employer-led. You apply to CHRC, not directly to the federal government.
Before applying, have:
Applications are submitted through the CHRC SWPP portal. You will need to provide:
Approval is not automatic. Funding is limited and assessed on eligibility and alignment with program goals.
Once approved:
After or during the placement (depending on CHRC’s instructions), you submit a claim to receive the wage subsidy reimbursement.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly confirm whether your organization and role fit CHRC SWPP rules before you apply.
Offering an unpaid or partially paid role
The program only supports paid student placements. Stipends or honourariums are not eligible.
Rehiring an existing employee as a “student placement”
The role must be net new. Existing staff or past student workers usually do not qualify.
Missing priority group documentation
If you are claiming the 70% subsidy, make sure the student self-identifies as part of a priority group.
Underestimating reporting requirements
Payroll records, proof of payment, and placement details are required to receive reimbursement.
Wage subsidies from the CHRC Student Work Placement Program are often considered business income for tax purposes. However, tax treatment can vary based on your organization’s situation. Always check with a qualified accountant or tax advisor to confirm how this subsidy should be reported in your financial statements.
Q: How much funding can I receive per student?
You can receive up to $5,000 (50% of wages) per placement, or up to $7,000 (70%) if the student is from a priority group.
Q: Do students need to study arts or culture?
No. The student’s field of study does not need to be related to arts and culture, as long as the placement offers meaningful work experience.
Q: Are remote student placements allowed?
Yes. CHRC allows remote and hybrid work arrangements under the Student Work Placement Program.
Q: Can for-profit organizations apply?
Yes. Both for-profit and not-for-profit arts and culture employers are eligible.
Q: Is the wage subsidy taxable?
The tax treatment of wage subsidies may differ depending on your organization. These funds are often considered business income, but always confirm with a professional accountant.
The CHRC Student Work Placement Program is one of several wage subsidy options available to Canadian employers. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and wage subsidy programs across Canada, including federal and provincial student hiring incentives. Use GrantHub’s grant finder tool to compare programs and find the best match for your organization, helping you reduce hiring costs and plan smarter student placements.
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