If you are a business owner or an employer in Canada, here’s something that can help you save money this summer.
The Government of Canada has opened the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) for Summer 2025, and it’s giving employers a chance to get up to $7,000 for every student they hire between May 1 and August 31, 2025.
This is not a loan. It’s a wage subsidy that you can claim after the student finishes the job and all documents are sent.
Let’s explain everything in simple terms.
What is this program?
The Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) helps employers hire students who are studying in college or university. These students want real work experience in their field, and you as the employer will get help with their wages.
You pay them first, and after the job ends, you can claim part of the money back from the government.
How much can you get?
The amount depends on the student:
- If the student is from any normal background: You can get 50% of the wages, up to \$5,000 per student.
- If the student is from a special group: You can get 70% of the wages, up to \$7,000 per student.
This higher amount is for:
- First-year students
- Indigenous students
- Women in STEM fields (science, tech, engineering, math)
- Students with disabilities
- Newcomers to Canada
Who can apply?
You can apply if:
- You run a registered business or not-for-profit in Canada
- You are hiring a student from college or university
- You are paying the student wages from your own money
- You follow all labour and safety laws
- You have insurance coverage like WSIB
It’s important to know that you must pay the student yourself first. The government pays you back after the job ends, when you send all the required papers.
Who cannot apply?
The following employers are not allowed to apply:
- Government departments
- Hospitals and public long-term care homes
- Crown corporations
- Universities and colleges
- Banks and big financial firms
- Religious institutions
Where to apply?
You can start your application online. Just visit: SWPProgram.ca
Why is this good for your business?
This is not just about money. Many employers who joined this program before have seen great results:
- 86% said they were happy with the experience
- 48% hired the student permanently after the job
- Each student added around $400 value per month to the business
Also, hiring students during summer helps in other ways:
- You can grow your team without long-term contracts
- You save costs compared to full-time hiring
- You can test the student’s work before hiring full-time
- The hiring process is simple and fast
This is helpful especially for small and medium businesses in Canada that are still facing challenges to find skilled people.
More programs for hiring students
This is not the only option. The government has also opened the Canada Summer Jobs 2025 program. Some provinces, like Prince Edward Island, are asking businesses to use their Jobs for Youth plans to hire students.
The goal is simple – give students real job experience and help businesses find fresh talent.
What’s next?
If you want to hire students this summer and get help from the government, apply early. The sooner you apply, the better chance you have to get approved and hire students before other businesses do.
Remember, the student must start work between May 1 and August 31, 2025. Don’t miss out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get $7,000 for hiring a student in Canada?
You need to apply under the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP). If you hire a student from an under-represented group or a first-year student, you can claim 70% of the wage, up to a maximum of $7,000, after the work is completed.
Is there a wage subsidy for hiring students in 2025?
Yes. The government will pay up to 50% or 70% of the student’s wages, depending on their background. The program runs from May to August 2025.
What is the deadline for SWPP Summer 2025?
There is no exact deadline mentioned, but the student’s job must begin between May 1 and August 31, 2025. It is better to apply early before funds run out.
Can small businesses apply for student wage support?
Yes. Small businesses and not-for-profit organizations across Canada can apply as long as they meet the eligibility rules.
How to claim 70% wages for women in STEM or Indigenous students?
You must hire students from under-represented groups like women in STEM, Indigenous students, or newcomers. You pay the wages first, and then apply for the 70% wage refund through the SWPP website after the placement ends.