How much funding can employers get for student and youth internships in Ontario?

Hiring students and young workers can help lower your labour costs. In Ontario, internship and youth hiring programs can cover 30% to 90% of wages. The amount depends on the program, the type of role, and where your business is located. Some programs may also help cover training and equipment costs.

Below you’ll find a simple breakdown of how much funding employers can get for student and youth internships in Ontario, with real numbers from active programs like OVIN — TalentEdge Internship.

OVIN — TalentEdge Internship (Ontario)

The OVIN — TalentEdge Internship helps employers working on advanced vehicle and mobility technologies. It supports high-skilled interns who work on research and development projects.

Funding amount

Up to $45,000 per internship
Covers a part of intern wages and related costs

Who this is for

Ontario-based employers in:
- Connected and autonomous vehicles
- Electric vehicles and batteries
- Metallurgical and advanced manufacturing technologies
Interns must be:
- Final-year undergraduate students
- Master’s or PhD students
- Graduates within the last three years

Key details

Internships must support industry-led R&D projects
Funding is paid as a reimbursement
Employers must also pay part of the wages

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs like OVIN TalentEdge by industry and intern type in seconds.

Ontario Youth Jobs Strategy (OYJS)

The Ontario Youth Jobs Strategy is a group of programs that help young people find jobs. Funding levels change based on the stream and delivery partner.

Typical funding range

Covers 30% to 50% of wages
Some streams also help with training and onboarding costs

Who this is for

Ontario employers hiring youth, usually ages 15–29
Both for-profit and non-profit employers may be eligible, depending on the stream

Important to know

Programs open and close at different times during the year
Funding limits and job lengths change by stream
You usually apply through a third-party service provider, not directly to the province

Northern Ontario Youth Internship Program (FedNor)

If your business is in Northern Ontario, you may get more support from federal programs.

Funding amount

Pays up to 90% of salary and benefits, to a maximum of $35,000 per year
Up to $5,000 for training or equipment
Maximum total funding: $52,500 per intern

Intern requirements

Age 30 or under
Graduated within the last three years
Must be legally allowed to work in Canada
Cannot have already completed a long-term paid internship

Employer requirements

Both the intern and employer must be in Northern Ontario
Intern cannot be related to company leadership

How funding is usually calculated

Most Ontario internship and youth hiring programs use these factors to decide funding:

Hourly wage or annual salary
Length of internship (usually 4 to 18 months)
Cost-sharing ratio (for example, 50% funded and 50% employer-paid)
Eligible expenses, which may include:
- Wages
- Mandatory benefits
- Training costs
- Equipment (sometimes)

You cannot claim two grants for the same wage costs, even if you qualify for more than one program.

Common mistakes to avoid

Thinking funding covers all wages
Most Ontario programs require employers to help pay wages. Full wage coverage is rare and usually only for special groups or places.
Hiring the intern too early
Most programs only pay for costs after you get written approval.
Choosing the wrong intern
Programs like OVIN TalentEdge have strict rules about education and graduation dates.
Trying to double up on wage subsidies
You can apply for more than one program, but you cannot claim the same wage costs from both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much funding can employers get for student internships in Ontario?
Most programs cover 30% to 50% of wages, with caps from $15,000 to $45,000 per intern, depending on the program and role.

Q: Is OVIN TalentEdge only for automotive companies?
No. It also supports battery technology, advanced manufacturing, and metallurgical innovation related to vehicle systems.

Q: Can small businesses apply for internship funding in Ontario?
Yes. Small and medium businesses are often a main focus, especially for innovation and youth employment programs.

Q: Are internship grants taxable income?
Usually, wage subsidies count as business income. Ask your accountant for advice about your situation.

Q: Can nonprofits get youth internship funding in Ontario?
Some programs allow nonprofits and social groups, but it depends on the stream and funding source.

Next steps

Internship funding in Ontario can reduce your hiring costs by thousands of dollars — if you pick the right program and follow the rules. GrantHub tracks hundreds of grant and wage subsidy programs across Canada, including youth and student internships. Check which ones fit your business before you hire.

How much funding can employers get for student and youth internships in Ontario?