Find a job? Discover the possibilities in the federal public service. Discover the wide variety of career paths that the Government of Canada has to offer across the country.

Gain meaningful experience working on projects and initiatives that impact your life as a student.

“Join Canada’s leading employer of students. We are committed to diversity and inclusion!”, as published in the Federal Student Work Experience Program.

These are currently the most in-demand professional profiles in Canada and the United States

There is a wide variety of jobs from coast to coast, in various fields such as administration, agriculture, communications, compliance, finance, IT, politics and many more.

Students can work in offices and laboratories, on ships and farms, at historic sites and national parks in more than 300 cities and towns across Canada, among others. Photo: Dan Dalton

How do you gain work experience while studying in Canada?

You are eligible to apply for the FSWEP (Federal Student Work Experience Program) if:

Canada offers jobs for the communications, tourism, hotel and culinary industries

Students who are in their final year of academic studies and do not return to full-time studies in the next academic semester may still work part-time until they graduate.

This includes students with physical or emotional disabilities who are considered full-time by their academic institution.

Adult students participating in secondary level education and retraining programs may also be eligible for student work programs.

After you submit your application, you will be included in the federal government’s student inventory. When vacancies are available, the inventory will be searched and if you meet the criteria, you may be contacted for an interview.

Work in Canada: This is the minimum hourly and annual wage you can earn by working in the different provinces

Not only does the Canadian government hire students for paid jobs during their studies, but there are also many supports available for students in Canada. Photo: Istock

Available wages

The FSWEP (Federal Student Work Experience Program) allows you to find full-time or part-time jobs, and rates for students are $16 to $34.59 per hour, as supported by the Canadian government’s page.

The jobs pay $16 an hour for high school students and $16 to $21.24 for college students. Salaries range from $16.99 to $25.52 for undergraduate students, $22.71 to $28.57 for master’s students, and $26.72 to $34.59 for doctoral students.

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Support available from the federal government

Not only does the Canadian government hire students for paid jobs during their studies, but there are also many supports available for students in Canada.

That includes help repaying student loans with interest waiver, a higher income threshold for zero payments, and more.

Federal benefits are available to students, as well as the Canada Housing Benefit to help pay rent and the Canada Learning Bond, which provides up to $2,000 to help pay for post-secondary education.