Hiring students can stretch a small business budget. The Talent Opportunities Program (TOP) wage subsidy helps Canadian employers cover part of the cost when they bring on post-secondary students for co-ops, internships, and other work‑integrated learning (WIL) roles. The program is delivered by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC). TOP pays up to half of a student’s wages. This support makes it easier to grow your team without taking on all the payroll risk.
The Talent Opportunities Program (TOP) is a federal wage subsidy funded through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) and delivered nationally by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
TOP is designed to help businesses and not-for-profits hire students for meaningful work experiences. The program supports co-op terms, internships, and project-based roles. This helps students gain hands-on skills while employers get extra support.
Before you apply, check if your organization and student placement qualify for TOP.
You can apply if you are:
Not eligible:
TOP supports work‑integrated learning placements, such as:
Remote and hybrid placements are allowed if all other criteria are met.
The student must be a registered Canadian post-secondary student. International students do not qualify.
The subsidy is paid to the employer after the student is hired and the placement is approved.
Applying for the Talent Opportunities Program (TOP) wage subsidy is straightforward, but timing matters.
Confirm student eligibility
The student must be a registered Canadian post-secondary student. International students are not eligible.
Create a net new role
The position must be incremental compared to your baseline year staffing levels.
Submit the application through OCC
Applications are submitted online through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s TOP portal.
Receive approval before or shortly after the start date
Late applications risk being declined if funding is fully allocated.
Hire the student and track wages
Keep payroll records. Wage subsidies are usually reimbursed after documentation is reviewed.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter wage subsidy programs by province, industry, and student type, especially if you are comparing TOP with other student hiring incentives.
Hiring before confirming eligibility
If the student or role does not meet SWPP rules, the subsidy can be denied.
Misunderstanding “net new” requirements
Replacing an existing student or staff role usually does not qualify.
Assuming international students are eligible
TOP only supports eligible Canadian post-secondary students.
Missing funding cut-offs
TOP is funded in cycles. Waiting too long can mean the budget is already allocated.
For more details, see Common Mistakes Employers Make When Applying for Wage Subsidy Grants.
Q: What is the Talent Opportunities Program (TOP)?
TOP is a wage subsidy that helps employers hire post-secondary students for paid work‑integrated learning placements. It is delivered by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce under the federal Student Work Placement Program.
Q: How much funding does the TOP wage subsidy provide?
Employers can receive up to 50% of wages, capped at $5,000 per student. Higher subsidy levels may be available for first-year and under‑represented students.
Q: Can remote student placements be funded?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles are eligible as long as the placement meets all other program requirements.
Q: What does “net new student placement” mean?
The role must be incremental to your organization’s baseline year. You cannot replace an existing role and claim the subsidy.
Q: Is the TOP wage subsidy taxable?
Wage subsidies are generally considered taxable income and reduce your deductible wage expenses. Your accountant can confirm how this applies to your business.
The Talent Opportunities Program (TOP) wage subsidy is one of the most accessible ways to reduce the cost of hiring students in Canada. If you are also considering stacking programs or comparing federal and provincial options, see Federal vs Provincial Wage Subsidy Programs in Canada: Key Differences and How Student Work Placement Wage Subsidies Stack With Provincial Hiring Incentives.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active wage subsidy and hiring grant programs across Canada. Check which ones match your business profile before you hire.
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