Student Payment and Funding Support
- Compensation for internships is not required; however, employers who pay interns typically are more successful in recruiting students.
- Compensation varies widely and can be hourly or in the form of a stipend
- $16.65 is the federal minimum wage—which we recommend following as the minimum range.
- Eligible students can apply for wage subsidies and/or financial assistance through McGill University.
- Internship hosts can apply for wage subsidies through government programs.
Wage subsidy programs for students (Canadian/permanent residents/refugees):
1. Cooperative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada)
Eligible U2 EDGC students doing an unpaid internship can apply for a wage subsidy for unpaid internships. Internship hosts are not able to apply for this funding.
Eligible Students:
Students must meet ALL the following criteria:
- Full-time or part-time (no age limit) registered students in the B.A.(Education) program,
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and,
- Are legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with the relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
- Must have secured an UNPAID internship. Underpaid internships are not eligible.
Eligible Internship Hosts:
- Canadian community or industry partner in the private, non-profit or public sector,
- If the partner is an international organization, they must have a Canadian office to be eligible,
- The internship must take place in Canada.
Ineligible Internship Hosts:
- Post-secondary institutions;
- Federal, Provincial, Territorial and Municipal Government;
- Members of the House of Commons and the Senate;
- Organizations that engage in partisan political activities;
- Financial sector employers with 500 or more employees (includes all branches);
- Organizations for which you are paying for a service (i.e., software or training) are typically not considered as eligible partners.
For all students requiring financial support during internship:
If students are facing financial challenges at any time during their degree or internship, the first step is applying for government assistance, which is typically available to students from North America, for International Students and for semesters of full-time study. The Scholarships and Student Aid Office (SSAO) offers an In-Course Financial Aid Program of bursaries and interest-free loans to supplement existing financial resources including government aid and/or band funding, parental resources, and part-time work.
Applying for In-Course Financial Aid
Students are encouraged to apply for in-course financial aid through Minerva. Just filling it out lets the Scholarship and Student Aid Office (SSAO) know what you need and they will follow up with you more quickly to meet and tailor a financial aid package that works best for you.
In Minerva go to: Financial Aid & Awards Menu > Financial Aid Menu > Apply for McGill Financial Aid > apply for in-course financial aid.
You will need to apply for the Winter or Summer term (depending on your internship work term) and not for the entire year. If you can’t complete an application, your application will be flagged by SSAO and you will be asked to schedule an appointment. You could also get in touch with SSAO directly before and after filling out your application. Just start the process!
Wage subsidy programs for employers in Quebec and Canada:
1. Accueillez un stagiaire Program
Funded by the Government of Canada as part of the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) and in collaboration with the province's colleges and universities.
The subsidy:
- Up to 50% of the gross salary of each eligible trainee, to a maximum of $5,000 per student
- Up to 70% of the gross salary for each first-year intern or an intern from a diverse background, for a maximum of $7,000 and benefit from personalised coaching offered to companies and trainees.
Subsidy application periods:
- Winter 2025: From January 1 to April 30, 2025
- Summer 2025: From April 1 to August 31, 2025
For more information and for employers to apply for the subsidy:
FRANÇAIS - https://pratiquesrh.com/services/accueillez-un-stagiaire
ENGLISH - https://pratiquesrh.com/en/services/accueillez-un-stagiaire
2. Young Canada Works -Government of Canada
Eligible employers may benefit from wage subsidies for full-time or part-time job/internship positions positions last from 6 to 16 weeks. Priority will be given to employers that submit applications for full-time jobs. To determine if your organization is eligible to apply, please read the eligibility criteria specific for internship programs.
YCW offers two internship programs:
- YCW at Building Careers in Heritage (in Canada and abroad)
- YCW at Building Careers in English and French (in Canada)
The subsidy:
- approximately 50% of total eligible employment costs (wages, benefits and other eligible expenditures), and may, if justified, contribute up to 75% of eligible employment costs.
Subsidy application periods:
- January and February, depending on the program you are applying to