[EARN $34/HR 🇨🇦] FSWEP Student Jobs in Canada | Hiring Now, Apply Now

Want real Canadian work experience while you study and earn strong pay? The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) lets you work part-time during classes or full-time in breaks across Government of Canada departments nationwide. It is open year-round, pays up to $34 per hour, and helps you build in-demand skills that employers love.

If you are in secondary school, college, or university for the 2026/2027 academic year, this is one of the fastest ways to get your foot in the public sector. You create one profile in the GC Jobs portal and get matched to roles as departments hire. Many roles are entry-level and do not require prior experience.

Below is everything you need to know to decide fast, apply correctly, and get shortlisted.

Why these student roles are in demand

Canada’s federal departments run year-round and need extra hands during peak seasons and projects. FSWEP gives managers a quick way to hire students for real work while building a future talent pipeline. For you, that means constant openings, flexible schedules that respect your classes, and hands-on projects that turn into strong resume bullets and references.

Thousands of students are hired through FSWEP in a typical year across IT, policy, labs, enforcement, communications, finance, HR, and more. You will learn how the public service works from the inside and position yourself for post-graduation opportunities.

FSWEP at a glance

What you will do day to day

• Support real government projects in your field of study or interest
• Collect, clean, and analyze data for reports and policy briefs
• Assist with client service, case processing, or program delivery
• Help design web content, social posts, or internal communications
• Test and document software, troubleshoot user issues, or manage IT tickets
• Conduct literature reviews, draft summaries, and prepare presentations
• Contribute to lab work, field inspections, or research support
• Coordinate events, meetings, and logistics with internal stakeholders

Duties vary by department. Every role is paid, supervised, and designed to help you grow.

Salary and benefits

• Flexible schedules that work around classes and exams
• Work that aligns with your studies and builds your portfolio
• Mentorship from federal professionals and access to training
• Experience in a recognized, stable employer environment
• Potential student bridging opportunities after graduation, subject to departmental needs

Rates align with Government of Canada student pay scales. Actual pay is confirmed in your specific offer.

Requirements and eligibility

• Enrolled full-time in secondary school, CEGEP, college, or university for 2026 and returning to full-time studies in 2027
• Meet the legal working age for your province or territory
• Legally entitled to work in Canada at the time of employment
• Language: proficient in English or French. Bilingual ability may be required for some roles
• Availability: part-time during terms or full-time during breaks, as agreed

Many roles are entry-level with no prior experience required. Some positions may ask for specific coursework, software skills, or clearances. Always read the job notice.

Visa, LMIA, and work authorization

FSWEP does not provide Visa Sponsorship or LMIA. You must already have the right to work in Canada.

• Canadian citizens and permanent residents can apply if they meet student criteria
• International students in Canada can be considered if their study permit allows on-campus or off-campus work under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada rules
• Some roles may require a reliability or security clearance. You will receive instructions if needed

If you are outside Canada or do not hold valid work authorization, apply only after you obtain status that lets you work.

Where you can work: 200+ departments and fields

• Information Technology and Cybersecurity
• Policy, research, and data analysis
• Communications, marketing, and digital content
• Finance, procurement, and administration
• Healthcare, laboratories, and public health support
• Law enforcement support and border services
• Agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and environmental monitoring
• Aviation, transportation, and infrastructure
• Human resources and client service

Chances are high you will find a role that matches your program, whether you study STEM, business, social sciences, arts, or trades.

How to apply for FSWEP jobs

1. Create your GC Jobs account: go to the FSWEP page on GC Jobs and select Apply
2. Build your profile: add education level, languages, location preferences, and availability
3. Upload a targeted resume: include key courses, projects, software tools, and any volunteer or part-time experience
4. Submit to the FSWEP inventory: your profile goes into a central pool used by hiring managers across departments
5. Watch your email: if matched, you will be contacted for testing, a phone screen, or an interview
6. Complete any checks: be ready for reference checks and security or reliability screening if required
7. Receive an offer: review pay, hours, start date, and work location before accepting

Applications are accepted all year. For seasonal peaks such as summer 2026 and early 2027, submit early to maximize matches.

Pro tips to get selected

• Use keywords from common federal role descriptions such as data analysis, Excel, GIS, Python, policy research, customer service, SharePoint, and communications
• Show proof of skills: link to a GitHub, portfolio, design sample, report, or presentation
• Select multiple locations and work types (on-site, hybrid, remote) to increase your chances
• Keep your availability updated at the end of each term so you remain matchable in the inventory
• Tailor your resume for public service: quantify results, highlight teamwork, and note security-conscious or client-facing experience

FAQs

Are international students eligible?

Yes, if you are in Canada, enrolled full-time, and your study permit allows you to work in Canada under IRCC rules. You must meet all program conditions. Read each job notice, as some roles may give preference to Canadian citizens.

Do I need prior experience?

Not necessarily. Many FSWEP roles are entry-level. Strong coursework, software skills, clear communication, and a professional resume make a big difference.

Will I need a security clearance?

Some positions require reliability status or a higher clearance. If selected, the department guides you through the process. Having government-issued ID and references ready speeds things up.

Can I work remotely?

It depends on the department and role. Many teams use hybrid models. The job notice or hiring manager will confirm whether the work is on-site, hybrid, or remote.

How long are the contracts?

Assignments vary from a few weeks to several months. Part-time roles often run through the academic term. Full-time roles are common in summer. Extensions are possible based on performance and budgets.

Why FSWEP is worth it

• High pay for students, up to $34/hour depending on your level
• Real projects that build your resume fast
• Flexible hours that fit your academic load
• Nationwide opportunities across 200+ departments
• Pathways to future federal jobs through student bridging after graduation

If you want meaningful, paid experience that complements your studies in 2026 and sets you up for 2027 and beyond, this is it.

Apply now

It takes 15–20 minutes to set up your profile. Put yourself in front of hiring managers across the federal government today. Start here: Apply to FSWEP on GC Jobs. Do it now and be ready for upcoming 2026/2027 intakes.