Hiring summer students in Nunavut can be expensive for small employers. At the same time, many students struggle to find paid work that builds real skills. The Nunavut Summer Student Employment Programs, most notably the Summer Employment for Nunavut Students (SENS) program, are designed to close that gap by subsidizing student wages during the summer months.
The Summer Employment for Nunavut Students (SENS) program is a wage subsidy offered by the Government of Nunavut. It helps eligible employers hire and train Nunavut students for summer jobs by covering a portion of their wages.
The subsidy is designed to reduce the financial risk for employers while giving students meaningful work experience in their home communities.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly check whether your organization and student hires meet Nunavut program requirements before you apply.
To access funding under the Nunavut Summer Student Employment Programs, employers must fall into one of the approved categories and operate in Nunavut.
Eligible employers include:
Government departments are generally not eligible under this program, as it focuses on supporting community and private-sector employment.
The Nunavut Summer Student Employment Programs are designed to support young people who live in the territory and are building early work experience.
Students must:
Students do not need to be enrolled in post-secondary education. High school students are eligible as long as they meet the age requirement and employer expectations.
The SENS program runs on a seasonal intake, typically opening in advance of the summer hiring period. Exact deadlines can vary from year to year.
General process:
Because funding is limited, applying early improves your chances of approval.
Assuming all wages are covered
The program only covers up to 50% (or 65% for students with disabilities). Employers must budget for the remaining wages.
Hiring before approval
Wages paid before funding approval may not be eligible for reimbursement.
Missing intake deadlines
The program is seasonal. Late applications are often declined once funding is allocated.
Overlooking student eligibility rules
Students must meet age and residency requirements. Hiring an ineligible student can void the subsidy.
Q: What is the Summer Employment for Nunavut Students program?
It is a Government of Nunavut wage subsidy that helps employers hire and train students during the summer by covering part of their wages.
Q: Who can apply for the Nunavut summer student wage subsidy?
Private businesses, non-profits, Inuit organizations, and industry associations operating in Nunavut can apply.
Q: How much funding does the program provide?
The program covers up to 50% of student wages, or up to 65% for students with disabilities.
Q: Are students under 18 eligible in Nunavut?
Yes. Students must be at least 15 years old to qualify for subsidized employment.
Q: Is the SENS wage subsidy repayable?
The subsidy is intended to offset wages. Repayment may apply if program terms are not met, such as improper use of funds.
If you’re planning to hire summer students in Nunavut, wage subsidies like SENS can make a real difference to your budget. GrantHub tracks active student employment grants across Canada, including territorial programs, so you can quickly see which options match your organization and hiring plans before the next intake opens.
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