Hiring students for the summer can stretch a small business budget. The Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program helps by paying a large share of student wages. This makes it easier for employers to add extra help during busy months. The amount you receive depends on your organization type, wage rate, and how many jobs are approved.
Canada Summer Jobs is a federal wage subsidy program run by Service Canada. It supports employers in creating paid summer jobs for young people aged 15 to 30.
The amount of funding you can get depends on your employer category:
If you pay more than minimum wage, you must cover the extra cost.
Canada Summer Jobs funding covers the approved job duration and hours, not a set lump sum.
Most approvals include:
For example, if a not-for-profit in Ontario hires a student at the 2025 minimum wage of $16.55/hour for 35 hours per week over 12 weeks, the maximum CSJ contribution could be more than $6,900 for that one position (calculation based on program rules; Source: Employment and Social Development Canada).
No. Canada Summer Jobs is a non-repayable wage subsidy if you:
If you do not follow the rules, Service Canada may ask for repayment. For more details, see: Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada.
To qualify for Canada Summer Jobs funding, you must:
Jobs must be full-time (at least 30 hours per week) and last between 6 and 16 weeks. You must also follow all workplace laws and pay at least the minimum wage in your province or territory.
Covered:
Not covered:
If you want to compare CSJ with other wage subsidy programs, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you see options by province and employer type.
Expecting full wage coverage as a small business
Private sector employers can get up to 50% of minimum wage only, even with few staff.
Budgeting before approval
Funding is not guaranteed until you get a signed agreement from Service Canada.
Paying above the approved rate without planning
You must pay any amount above the funded wage.
Missing reporting deadlines
Late or missing payroll reports can delay payments or cause repayment requests.
Q: How much does Canada Summer Jobs pay per student?
The program pays a portion of the student’s wages. Depending on your employer type, this is up to 50% or 100% of the minimum hourly wage for the approved weeks and hours.
Q: Is there a maximum dollar amount per employer?
There is no set public cap. Your total depends on how many positions are approved and for how long, within the program’s budget.
Q: Can I apply for more than one student?
Yes. You can request multiple positions, but approval depends on local job needs and funding.
Q: Can Canada Summer Jobs be combined with other wage subsidies?
Usually, you cannot receive two federal wage subsidies for the same wages. Stacking rules apply, so double funding is not allowed.
Q: When are employers paid?
Payments are made after you send in payroll documents. Some employers may get several payments during the work term.
Canada Summer Jobs can pay thousands of dollars toward student wages each summer. The exact amount depends on your employer type, wage rate, and approved positions. GrantHub tracks hundreds of wage subsidy and hiring programs across Canada, making it easier to compare CSJ with other supports for student and youth hiring that match your business needs. If you want to stay updated on wage subsidies and deadlines, consider signing up for GrantHub’s free newsletter.
Was this article helpful?
Rate it so we can improve our content.
Canada Proactive Disclosure Data
The Canadian government has funded over 400,000 businesses through 1.27 million grants and contributions. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.