How to Apply for the Summer Employment for Nunavut Students Program

Hiring summer staff in Nunavut can be expensive, especially for small businesses and community organizations. The Summer Employment for Nunavut Students (SENS) program helps cover part of a student’s wages. If you plan to hire a student this summer, here’s what you need to know about applying and preparing your organization.

What the Summer Employment for Nunavut Students Program Covers

The Summer Employment for Nunavut Students program is a wage subsidy funded by the Government of Nunavut. It supports employers who hire and train Nunavut students during the summer months.

Here’s what the program offers:

Wage subsidy of up to 50% of a student’s hourly wage
Up to 65% of wages if the student is a person with a disability
Funding applies only to student wages, not training costs or equipment
Subsidy is usually paid after you submit proof of wages paid

The program encourages employers to create meaningful summer jobs. It also gives students valuable work experience in Nunavut communities.

Eligible employers include:

Private sector businesses
Non-profit organizations
Inuit organizations
Industry associations

The program is currently listed as open, but intake is seasonal and funding is limited.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, review the eligibility rules for both employers and students:

Employers must:

Operate in Nunavut
Offer a summer job position
Pay the student directly through payroll
Submit applications before the student starts work

Students must:

Be at least 15 years old
Be legally able to work in Nunavut
Be hired for a summer job position

The subsidy only covers wages paid during the approved employment period. Make sure both your organization and the student meet these requirements.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Summer Employment for Nunavut Students Program

Applying is straightforward, but timing and documentation matter. Most rejections happen because applications are incomplete or late.

1. Confirm Your Student and Job Are Eligible

Check that the job is a summer position and the student meets age and work eligibility requirements. Make sure you will pay the student directly through payroll.

2. Gather Required Employer Information

You will need:

Legal business or organization name
Proof you operate in Nunavut
Job description and expected work hours
Hourly wage you plan to pay
Student details once hired

Having this ready speeds up approval.

3. Submit Your Application to the Government of Nunavut

Applications are submitted through the Government of Nunavut’s Employment, Training and Career Development division.

Important tips:

Apply before the student starts work
Funding is not guaranteed until you receive written approval
Late applications are usually declined

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find programs by territory and hiring type in seconds, so you don’t miss seasonal wage subsidies like this one.

4. Hire the Student and Track Payroll Carefully

Once approved:

Hire the student under the approved terms
Keep clear payroll records
Track hours and wages paid

You’ll need this information when requesting reimbursement.

5. Submit Your Claim for Reimbursement

After wages are paid:

Submit payroll proof and required forms
You will get paid back based on the wage percentage approved
Payments are sent out by the Government of Nunavut after they review your claim

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying after the student starts work
The program does not usually fund retroactive employment.
Assuming 100% of wages are covered
The maximum is 50%, or 65% for students with disabilities.
Missing seasonal deadlines
SENS funding windows are limited and can close early.
Poor payroll records
Incomplete wage documentation can delay or reduce reimbursement.

For more on this, see Common Mistakes Employers Make When Applying for Wage Subsidy Grants.

Program Deadlines

The SENS program is open for applications during the spring and early summer. Deadlines are strict and funding is limited. Apply as soon as possible, since intake windows can close early if funds run out.

Check the Government of Nunavut website for current deadlines and program status. Early applications improve your chances of approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Summer Employment for Nunavut Students program?
It’s a Government of Nunavut wage subsidy that helps employers hire and train students for summer jobs by covering part of their wages.

Q: How much funding can my business receive?
You can receive up to 50% of a student’s wages, or up to 65% if the student has a disability.

Q: Who can apply for the Nunavut summer student wage subsidy?
Eligible employers include private businesses, non-profits, Inuit organizations, and industry associations operating in Nunavut.

Q: Are students under 18 eligible?
Yes. Students must be at least 15 years old and legally allowed to work.

Q: Is the Summer Employment for Nunavut Students subsidy repayable?
The subsidy is tied to approved wage costs. Repayment may apply if funding conditions are not met, such as incorrect use of funds.

After reviewing your questions, GrantHub tracks active wage subsidy programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile so you can plan student hiring with confidence.

Nunavut Summer Student Employment Programs: Employer and Student Eligibility
Federal vs Provincial Wage Subsidy Programs in Canada: Key Differences
How to Use Wage Subsidy and Student Hiring Programs to Reduce Staffing Costs

Next Steps

If you plan to hire students this summer, start early. Wage subsidy programs like the Summer Employment for Nunavut Students program fill quickly and reward organized employers. GrantHub helps you find Nunavut-specific hiring grants and track deadlines so you can focus on running your business, not chasing paperwork.

How to Apply for the Summer Employment for Nunavut Students Program