Hiring a post-secondary student can help manage hiring costs for small businesses. The Magnet Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) reimburses a portion of student wages through a federal wage subsidy. SWPP is delivered by Magnet and funded by the Government of Canada. It supports thousands of paid student placements every year across all industries.
This guide explains how to apply to the Magnet Student Work Placement Program, who is eligible, how much funding you can receive, and what to prepare before you start.
The Magnet Student Work Placement Program is part of Canada’s federal Student Work Placement Program. It provides wage subsidies to employers that offer paid, quality work-integrated learning opportunities to post-secondary students.
According to Magnet’s program details:
Under-represented groups include:
Funding is provided as a wage reimbursement after you submit proof of payment and required reporting.
Eligibility applies to both the employer and the student.
To apply, your organization must:
Businesses of all sizes can apply, including startups and SMEs.
The student you hire must:
Participating in the Magnet SWPP offers several advantages for employers and students:
Employers can use Magnet SWPP to test new roles, fill temporary gaps, or build long-term talent pipelines.
The Magnet SWPP application process is employer-driven and completed online.
Register your organization on the Magnet SWPP portal at swpprogram.ca.
You will be asked for:
You can apply after identifying a student or while recruiting. You’ll need to provide:
Placements can be full-time or part-time, as long as they are paid and meet program minimums.
Once submitted, Magnet reviews your application for eligibility and funding availability. Intake is typically rolling, but funding is limited and can fill quickly.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you confirm whether SWPP and similar wage subsidies fit your province, industry, and hiring plans in minutes.
After approval:
Wage subsidies are paid after the placement, once you submit:
Using resources like GrantHub can help you stay organized and compare multiple wage subsidy programs for your hiring needs.
Q: Is there a deadline to apply for Magnet SWPP?
There is no single annual deadline. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis while funding is available.
Q: Can small businesses apply for the Magnet Student Work Placement Program?
Yes. Small businesses, startups, and not-for-profits are all eligible if they meet program criteria.
Q: Is the SWPP wage subsidy taxable income?
Wage subsidies are generally considered business income and should be reported accordingly. Speak with your accountant for guidance.
Q: Can I combine Magnet SWPP with provincial wage subsidies?
In some cases, stacking is allowed, but you cannot exceed 100% of wage costs. Each program has its own rules.
Q: Do remote or hybrid placements qualify?
Yes, as long as the placement meets quality learning requirements and employment standards.
The Magnet Student Work Placement Program is one of the most accessible ways to reduce student hiring costs in Canada. If you’re planning to bring on student talent this year, timing and eligibility details matter.
GrantHub helps you discover hundreds of active wage subsidy and hiring grant programs across Canada. Checking which ones match your business profile can help you plan placements, funding, and hiring with confidence.
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