Nova Scotia Cooperative Education Incentive: How to Apply

Hiring a co‑op student can expand your team. Wages can add up quickly. The Nova Scotia Cooperative Education Incentive (CEI) helps by reimbursing part of a student’s wages when you hire an eligible co‑op student for a full work term. If you operate a business, non‑profit, or municipality in Nova Scotia, this program can return thousands of dollars per placement.

How the Nova Scotia Cooperative Education Incentive Works

The Cooperative Education Incentive is a wage reimbursement program from the Government of Nova Scotia, managed by Labour and Advanced Education.

Funding Amount

$8 per hour reimbursement for each eligible co‑op student
Applies to full‑time work terms of 12 to 16 weeks
For a 35–40 hour work week, this equals $3,360 to $5,120 per student per term
Reimbursement is paid after the work term ends, once you submit the required documents

Minimum Wage Requirement

To qualify, you must pay the student:

At least $18 per hour, plus vacation pay
For full‑time hours during the approved work term

If wages fall below this amount at any time, the placement may be ineligible.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

Both employers and students must meet certain rules.

Eligible Employers

You can apply if your organization is one of these and operates in Nova Scotia:

Private‑sector business
Government‑funded organization
Non‑profit or charitable organization
Social enterprise
Municipality

Eligible Students

The student you hire must:

Be enrolled in a recognized co‑operative education program
Attend a Nova Scotia university or college
Complete a 12–16 week co‑op work term with your organization

Students in internships or casual placements not part of a formal co‑op program do not qualify.

How to Apply for the Nova Scotia Cooperative Education Incentive

The application process is simple, but timing is important.

Step 1: Hire an Eligible Co‑op Student

First, make sure the student is officially registered in a co‑op program at their school. Most schools provide an employer confirmation form.

Step 2: Submit the Employer Application

Apply through the Government of Nova Scotia’s CEI application portal
Share details about your organization, the student, wage rate, and work term dates
Applications are usually submitted at the start of the work term

Step 3: Complete the Work Term

Employ the student full‑time for the approved 12–16 week period
Pay at least $18 per hour plus vacation pay
Keep payroll records and proof of employment

Step 4: Submit Post‑Placement Documents

After the work term ends, you must:

Confirm hours worked
Submit payroll documentation
Complete any required employer feedback forms

When your documents are approved, the reimbursement is paid.

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher lets you filter programs by province and hiring type in seconds. This can help you compare CEI with other student wage subsidies.

Is the Funding Repayable?

The Cooperative Education Incentive is repayable if you do not follow program rules. This means:

You do not repay the funds if you meet all requirements
You may have to repay if wages, hours, or term length do not meet the rules

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Paying below $18 per hour
Even a small wage shortfall can cause you to lose the reimbursement.
Hiring a student not in a formal co‑op program
Internships and summer students outside co‑op streams are not eligible.
Missing post‑term paperwork
Reimbursements are only processed after you submit all documents.
Assuming approval without confirmation
Always wait for program confirmation before counting on the reimbursement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much can my business receive through the Cooperative Education Incentive?
You can receive $8 per hour for each eligible co‑op student. Over a 12–16 week term, this usually totals $3,000 to $5,000, depending on hours worked.

Q: Can non‑profits and municipalities apply?
Yes. Non‑profits, charities, social enterprises, and municipalities are all eligible employer types.

Q: What happens if the student leaves early?
If the full 12‑week minimum is not completed, the placement may be ineligible, and reimbursement may be reduced or denied.

Q: Is the reimbursement considered taxable income?
Wage reimbursements are usually treated as business income. Ask your accountant how to report it for your organization.

Q: Can I combine CEI with other wage subsidies?
Stacking is sometimes restricted. Always check program rules before combining CEI with other wage subsidies.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and wage subsidy programs across Canada. You can see which ones fit your business profile and hiring plans.

Next Steps

If you plan to hire co‑op students often, the Nova Scotia Cooperative Education Incentive can help lower your staffing costs. GrantHub lets you compare this program with other provincial and federal wage subsidies, so you can plan your hiring with clear numbers and rules.

Nova Scotia Cooperative Education Incentive: How to Apply