If you are a student in Canada (High School, CEGEP, College, or University) and you are flipping burgers or working retail, you are missing out on the “Golden Ticket” of student employment: The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP).
This isn’t just a summer job. It is the official pipeline to getting hired by the Government of Canada.
The pay is usually well above minimum wage, the hours are flexible around your classes, and—most importantly—it can lead to a permanent government career after you graduate (through a process called “Bridging”).
The Most Confusing Part: It’s Not a “Job Posting”
Here is where most students get stuck. You won’t find a specific posting for “Social Media Intern” or “Park Ranger” under FSWEP.
It is a giant inventory (a pool).
- You apply to the program generally.
- You upload your resume and list your skills.
- When a government manager needs a student, they search the database for keywords (e.g., “Python,” “French,” “Customer Service”).
- If your name is pulled, then they contact you for an interview.
It is essentially a lottery, but you can’t win if you don’t buy a ticket.
The Quick Details
Here is the snapshot of what you need to know:
| What to Know | The Details |
| Program | FSWEP (Federal Student Work Experience Program) |
| Employer | Government of Canada (Various Departments) |
| Pay Rates | $16.00 – $34.00+ per hour (Depends on education level) |
| Schedule | Full-time (Summer) or Part-time (During School Year) |
| Location | Across Canada (Remote, Office, Field, Labs) |
What Kind of Work Is It?
It is everything. Since the federal government runs the country, they need students for everything.
- Office/Admin: Filing, data entry, answering phones.
- Field Work: Working for Parks Canada, testing water samples for Environment Canada, or working at the Border (CBSA).
- Tech: IT support, coding, web design.
- Policy/Research: Writing reports, researching laws.
- Trades: Assisting mechanics or electricians.
Do You Qualify?
The rules are strict but simple. To apply, you must:
- Be a Student: You must be currently enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary institution (and returning to school in the next term).
- Age: Meet the minimum age to work in your province (usually 15+).
- Citizenship: You must be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or have a Study Permit (if you are an international student).
Why Is This Better Than a Regular Job?
- The Pay: As of 2024/2025, university undergrads can make over $20-$25/hour. Master’s/PhD students make even more.
- “Student Bridging”: This is the secret weapon. If you work a student term, the government can hire you non-competitively for a permanent job once you graduate. You get to skip the massive lineup that outsiders have to wait in.
- Experience: Having “Government of Canada” on your resume looks incredible to future employers.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Since this is an ongoing inventory, you can apply right now.
- Go to the Site: Visit the FSWEP Application Page.
- Create a GC Jobs Account: If you don’t have one, make one.
- Apply to the Inventory: Click “Apply online.”
- Fill Out Everything:
- Locations: Pick every city you are willing to work in. (Don’t just pick Ottawa if you live in Toronto!).
- Skills: This is critical. Check off every single skill you actually have. The more boxes you check, the more searches you appear in.
Pro-Tip: Update your profile every few months. If you learn a new skill in class (like Excel or a new coding language), log back in and add it. It keeps your profile “active” in the system.
Good luck!
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