How do I apply for Cooperative Education Incentive?

Visit Government of Nova Scotia, Labour and Advanced Education's website for application instructions.

Who administers Cooperative Education Incentive?

This program is administered by Government of Nova Scotia, Labour and Advanced Education.

Are there similar programs to Cooperative Education Incentive?

Yes! Canada Grants Database has similar programs in the Workforce Development & Training category. Browse our database to find more options that match your needs.

How can I improve my chances of getting approved for Cooperative Education Incentive?

Our detailed breakdown covers step-by-step application instructions, required document checklists, and eligible expense breakdowns so you know exactly what to prepare before applying.

Cooperative Education Incentive

Government of Nova Scotia, Labour and Advanced Education

👥 Workforce Development & Training👔 Hiring📚 Training🗺️ Provincial

Wage assistance for university and college co-operative students in Nova Scotia

Funding

$3,120 - $6,080

Deadline

Sep 15, 2026

Status

Accepting Applications

What Is This Program?

Employers that pay a minimum of $18 per hour plus vacation pay can be reimbursed $8 per hour.

What Benefits Are Offered?

grant

Wage subsidy for Nova Scotia employers to hire post-secondary co-operative education students for work placements. Employers receive $8 per hour, up to 640 hours ($9.50 per hour if the student is a member of a designated diversity group). Minimum student work term of 390 hours.

Who Is Eligible?

Region: Nova Scotia

Demographics: youth (for students), designated diversity group (for students, for enhanced subsidy)

Other Criteria: Employer is a private-sector, government-funded, non-profit, charitable organization, social enterprise, or a municipality, Wants to hire a post-secondary co-operative education student, Work term of 12 to 16 weeks (32-week terms available for some programs), Will pay the student at least $18 per hour (plus vacation pay) for full-time work, Student must work at least 390 hours during their work term, Student must be enrolled in a work term as part of a co-operative education program at a Nova Scotia university or college

🏆 Detailed Application Guide

Preview of what's included with full access:

📋What Are the Application Steps & Timeline?

📝Steps to Apply: Develop a position and confirm it meets the requirements of at least one Nova Scotia Co-operative Education Program.
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🌐Application Portal: https://novascotia.ca/programs/co-op-education-incentive/
📤Submission Method: online
📅Key Dates: 1 April to 31 AugustApplication period for summer term
1 September to 31 DecemberApplication period for fall term
1 January to 30 AprilApplication period for winter term
🔄Intake Type: periodic

📄What Documents Are Required?

✅Required Documents: A description of your organization and its mandate
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📐Format Requirements: PDF only, max 10MB
📥Templates Available: Student Information Form
Pay Declaration
✉️Supporting Letters: Endorsement from a Co-op coordinator

💰What Expenses Are Eligible?

🧾Eligible Expenses: wages paid to co-op students
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🚫Ineligible Expenses: other government wage subsidies
project funding for student salary
📏Expense Caps: maximum subsidy of $10 an hour for certain funding recipients
💳Payment Model: reimbursement
⏪Retroactive Expenses Eligible: No

🤝Is Matching Funding Required?

🔀Matching Required: Yes
📊Matching Ratio: 50%
🏦Eligible Matching Sources: cash
in-kind
📚Stacking Rules: Employers may not use any other government wage subsidies to pay the student they hire.
🛡️Proof of Matching Required: Proof of wages paid to the student is required.

📊What Are the Reporting Requirements?

🗓️Reporting Frequency: final only
📑Reporting Requirements: Pay Declaration
Student Information Form
Employee's Record of Employment (ROE) if required
Employer survey
Employee survey
🔍Audit Requirements: Amounts reported on the pay declaration or ROE may be subject to audit by the program.
📢Branding Requirements: Acknowledgment of funding and completion of surveys is required for payment.
🗄️Record Retention Period: 7 years