Hiring post-secondary students can help address talent shortages, but wages can be costly. The Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) helps Canadian employers reduce wage costs with federal subsidies of up to $7,000 per student placement. To apply, you need to understand how SWPP works, which delivery partner suits your business, and what documents to prepare before hiring.
The Student Work Placement Program is a federal initiative managed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Employers do not apply directly to the federal government; instead, they use approved delivery partners such as industry associations and chambers of commerce.
Across SWPP streams, the main funding rules are:
Funding amount
Cost coverage
Eligible employers
Eligible students
Eligibility matchers, such as GrantHub, can help you quickly filter which SWPP delivery partners match your province and industry.
One of the most widely used SWPP delivery partners is the Talent Opportunities Program — Student Work Placement Program, administered by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC).
Key details include:
Confirm eligibility
Ensure your business and the student meet SWPP requirements. International students are not eligible under this program.
Apply before or shortly after hiring
Most delivery partners require approval before the student starts or within a short window after the start date.
Hire and onboard the student
The student must be added to payroll and work in a safe, harassment-free environment.
Submit proof of wages paid
You will need to provide pay stubs and payroll records to receive reimbursement.
Funding is non-repayable, as long as you meet all program conditions and reporting requirements.
Depending on your sector, you may apply through a different partner. For example:
Each partner sets its own intake periods and documentation rules, even though the federal funding framework is the same.
Hiring the student before applying
Many SWPP partners will reject applications if the student has already started work.
Trying to stack federal wage subsidies
SWPP placements cannot be funded by another federal hiring grant at the same time.
Paying students as contractors
Students must be on payroll. Contractor arrangements are not eligible.
Assuming international students qualify
International students are explicitly excluded, even if they study in Canada.
Q: How much funding can my business receive through the Student Work Placement Program?
Most employers receive up to $5,000 per student, or $7,000 for under-represented students, depending on the delivery partner.
Q: Can small businesses apply for SWPP?
Yes. Small and medium-sized businesses are eligible as long as they are registered in Canada and meet the partner’s criteria.
Q: Do I apply directly to the federal government?
No. You must apply through an approved SWPP delivery partner such as the Ontario Chamber of Commerce or a sector association.
Q: When do I get reimbursed?
Reimbursement usually happens after you submit pay stubs and required reports showing wages paid to the student.
Q: Can I use SWPP with provincial hiring incentives?
In some cases, yes. Provincial programs may be allowed, but federal programs cannot be stacked. Always confirm with the delivery partner first.
The Student Work Placement Program is a reliable way to reduce student hiring costs, but choosing the right delivery partner is important. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active wage subsidy and hiring grant programs across Canada, including SWPP partners, so you can quickly see which options match your business before you apply.
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