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Deadline: constant intake; apply soon!
Program Summary:
The Student Work Placement (SWP) program supports partnerships between arts and culture employers and post-secondary education (PSE) institutions to create paid quality work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for students so that they can develop the work-ready skills that are required to secure meaningful employment upon graduation.
Jan 6, 2026 Update: Culture Works Canada has received an increase in available funds for the Student Work Placement (SWP) program and we are accepting new applications. Dates of placements must fall between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027.
Aug 14, 2026 Update: Culture Works Canada is now offering online drop-in information sessions for the Student Work Placement program every weekday, Monday to Friday, from 1pm to 1:30pm EDT. SWP information session link (Google Meet): http://meet.google.com/yis-xzwy-ciz
Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program, the Student Work Placement (SWP) program provides post-secondary students across Canada paid work experience.
Culture Works Canada is a national not-for-profit arts service organization working with all cultural industries and disciplines in the sector including Digital Media (Content Creators); Film and Television; Live Performing Arts; Music and Sound Recording; Visuals Arts and Crafts; Writing and Publishing; and Heritage.
The Student Work Placement (SWP) program supports partnerships between arts and culture employers and post-secondary education (PSE) institutions to create paid quality work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for students so that they can develop the work-ready skills that are required to secure meaningful employment upon graduation.
Remote work is allowed
Cultural sector employers include Digital Media (Content Creators); Film and Television; Live Performing Arts; Music and Sound Recording; Visual Arts and Crafts; Writing and Publishing; and Heritage. The student’s field of study does not have to be related to arts and culture. For example, if a Canadian cultural sector employer requires assistance in developing its website, a computer science student could be hired.
Grant Amount:
SWPP reimburses eligible employers up to 50% of the student’s wages (maximum wage subsidy: $5,000 per placement), and up to a maximum 70% wage subsidy (maximum $7,000) for students confirmed to be part of a priority group.
Eligible Applicants:
Employer Eligibility:
- Canadian cultural sector employers – not-for-profit and for-profit.
- Canadian government institutions (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal)Â are not eligible.
Student Eligibility:
Post-secondary students are the future of the Canadian labour force. It is important to prepare them and help them develop professional skills while they are completing their studies. The SWP program creates paid quality work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for students so that they can develop the work-ready skills that are required to secure meaningful employment upon graduation. There is no age limit.
The student must be a post-secondary student enrolled in a recognized Canadian PSE institution (university, college, CEGEP, polytechnic); a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.
Under-represented Groups:
Cultural diversity is of great importance to CWC and the SWP program. Employers are encouraged to give priority to hiring students from under-represented groups including Indigenous, BPOC, newcomers, persons with disabilities, women in STEM and first-year students.