Last updated: 20 October 2026
The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) is how the Government of Canada hires students for paid work in the federal public service. Full-time students at accredited schools, colleges and universities can apply online through the Ongoing Student Recruitment Inventory. This inventory is open year-round.
The jobs are full-time or part-time and cover fields such as sciences, trades, administration, information technology and finance. Four specialized programs for 2027 have their own closing dates, and the first one closes on 28 October 2026.
ixjob.pk is not the recruiting authority. The Government of Canada, through the Public Service Commission of Canada, runs this program and makes all hiring decisions. This guide explains the official information.
FSWEP quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program | Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) |
| Employer | Government of Canada, federal public service |
| Who it is for | Full-time students who meet the 3 official criteria |
| Work type | Student jobs, full-time and part-time |
| Where | Across Canada (province or territory of work) |
| How to apply | Online, through the Ongoing Student Recruitment Inventory |
| Ongoing inventory | Open year-round |
| 2027 specialized programs | 4 programs, closing from 28 October 2026 to 4 January 2027 |
| Official contact | cfp.pfete-fswep.psc@cfp-psc.gc.ca |
What is the Federal Student Work Experience Program?
FSWEP is a student employment program of the Government of Canada. It connects students with work terms in more than 200 federal departments and agencies. The official page calls the government the top student employer in Canada.
Students submit one application to a central inventory. Hiring managers then pick applicants whose profiles match their jobs. As a result, you do not apply to each department separately.
Who can apply? FSWEP eligibility criteria
You must meet all three criteria listed by the Public Service Commission:
- Full-time student status. You are registered as a full-time student in a secondary or post-secondary accredited academic institution. This includes persons with disabilities whom their institution considers full-time. It also includes participants in adult secondary-level education and retraining programs run under an accredited institution.
- Minimum age. You meet the minimum age requirement in the province or territory where you will work.
- Return to studies. You will return to full-time studies in the next academic term. If you are in your final year, you must already have worked under FSWEP, the Co-op/Internship Program or the Research Affiliate Program.
The official page also says preference goes to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet the job requirements.
Can international students apply for FSWEP?
Possibly, in some cases. The Treasury Board Secretariat page on Canada.ca says international students with valid visas that permit work in Canada may be considered. This happens when no eligible, qualified Canadian students are available. Canadian students include citizens and permanent residents.
Students from Pakistan who are already studying in Canada should check their study permit conditions on the IRCC website before applying. The official wording covers international students whose valid visa permits work in Canada.
If you want work abroad outside student programs, read our post on work from home jobs in the USA.
How to apply for the Federal Student Work Experience Program
The official page describes the process in these steps:
- Use the Apply Now button below this list to reach the GC Jobs site, then start your application for the Ongoing Student Recruitment Inventory.
- Complete your application. It joins the student inventory.
- Wait for managers to request applications that match their job requirements. This happens throughout the year.
- Watch your email. You will be notified if you are matched with a job opportunity or if your application status changes.
- If a manager selects your application for further consideration, they will contact you for a test, an interview or both.
- Update your application regularly so you keep being matched with the right opportunities.
If you need accommodation for a test or interview, tell the person who invited you as soon as possible. The official page says this information is kept confidential. A security screening process also applies.
Is there an FSWEP deadline?
The Ongoing Student Recruitment Inventory is open year-round, so you can start at any time.
The four specialized programs for 2027 close earlier. The official FSWEP page lists them with these closing dates:
| Program | Organization | Closing date | Work period | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Lakes Area Summer Fisheries Student Program (2027) | Fisheries and Oceans Canada | 28 October 2026 | Full-time, 26 April to 3 September 2027 | Apply |
| Canadian Coast Guard Inshore Rescue Boat student program (Summer 2027) | National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard, Inshore Rescue Boat service | 2 November 2026 | Full-time, end of April to early September 2027 (may vary by location and operational needs) | Apply |
| Fishery Officer Student Program (Summer 2027) | Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Conservation and Protection | 15 November 2026 | Full-time, 3 May to end of August 2027 | Apply |
| Student Guide Program in France (Summer 2027) | Veterans Affairs Canada | 4 January 2027 | Full-time. Guides: 3 May to 20 August 2027. Returning guides: 26 April to 20 August 2027. | Apply |
Jobs for women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and visible minorities
Some student jobs and programs are open only to people who have self-declared as members of an employment equity group. When you apply, you can self-declare as a woman, an Indigenous person, a member of a visible minority or a person with a disability. Learn more at canada.ca/self-declare.
Two national initiatives run under FSWEP:
- Career Pathways for Students with Disabilities supports students who self-declared as persons with disabilities. It includes onboarding, training, activities and support services for students and hiring managers.
- Career Pathways for Indigenous Students supports students who self-declared as Indigenous, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. It includes onboarding, training, mentoring and support services.
The official page asks students to fill out the self-declaration section of the application for both initiatives.
How much does FSWEP pay?
FSWEP jobs are paid student employment. The Treasury Board Secretariat publishes the student rates of pay, and the official FSWEP page links to them. Check that page for current figures.
After you are hired
Student employees in the federal public service can use networking, training, mentoring and tailored support services. To learn how to register, talk to your manager.
The Federal Youth Network is also open to young and new public servants across Canada. It offers engagement, innovation and career development activities and training.
Student bridging
The Public Service Commission describes student bridging as the non-advertised appointment of a student who worked in the federal public service through a student program such as FSWEP, the Co-op/Internship Program or the Research Affiliate Program. Eligibility rules apply, so read the official page for details.
Graduates who want to work abroad can also look at registered nurse jobs at SSM Health in St. Louis.
FAQs
What is FSWEP?
FSWEP is the Government of Canada’s Federal Student Work Experience Program. It offers full-time and part-time student jobs across more than 200 federal departments and agencies. Students apply once to a central inventory, and managers select matching candidates throughout the year.
Who is eligible for FSWEP?
You must be a registered full-time student at an accredited secondary or post-secondary institution. You must meet the minimum age in the province or territory of work. You must also return to full-time studies next term. Final-year students need prior FSWEP, Co-op/Internship Program or Research Affiliate Program employment.
Is there a deadline to apply for FSWEP?
The Ongoing Student Recruitment Inventory is open year-round. The Great Lakes Area Summer Fisheries Student Program closes on 28 October 2026, the Canadian Coast Guard Inshore Rescue Boat student program on 2 November 2026, the Fishery Officer Student Program on 15 November 2026 and the Student Guide Program in France on 4 January 2027.
Can international students apply for FSWEP?
They may be considered. According to Canada.ca, international students with valid visas permitting work in Canada can be considered when no eligible, qualified Canadian students are available. Check your study permit conditions with IRCC before applying.
Is FSWEP full-time or part-time?
Both. The official page says the Ongoing Student Recruitment Inventory offers full-time and part-time opportunities. The type of work depends on the job a manager is hiring for.
How will I know if I am matched with a job?
You will get an email if you are matched with a job opportunity or if your application status changes. If a manager selects you, they will contact you for a test, an interview or both. Update your application regularly to keep being matched.
Where can I find FSWEP pay rates?
The official FSWEP page links to the Treasury Board Secretariat rates of pay for students. Use that page for current figures.
Who do I contact about FSWEP?
Email cfp.pfete-fswep.psc@cfp-psc.gc.ca for more information about the program. Contact the Public Service Commission, not ixjob.pk, for questions about applications or hiring.
Start your FSWEP application
If you meet the three criteria, start your application with the Apply Now button above. The ongoing inventory is open year-round, so you can begin at any time. Keep your profile up to date, and check the closing date of each specialized 2027 program before you apply.
For more overseas roles, browse our security guard jobs in Bahrain.
