Federal Student Jobs in Canada (FSWEP Program) 2026, Imagine that next week a government team needs a student to help them clean up data, do research, write communications drafts, test IT, manage finances, or work on policy projects. Instead of putting up flashy job ads, departments use an internal system to sort applicants by skills, level of study, area, and availability. They then choose from a list of students across the country.
Finding the “perfect job posting” isn’t what makes students successful in 2026. Your first step should be to get into the right pipeline by making sure your profile is full and searchable and has a professional resume that makes hiring managers want to hire you. Students are paid between $16 and $35 an hour, depending on their role and training and how much they know and how hard the job is.
What Is FSWEP? (For Students Who Know Nothing About It)
The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) is the Government of Canada’s main system for hiring students.
You don’t apply to individual jobs. Instead, you apply once, upload your résumé, and your profile goes into a national student inventory that federal departments use all year, including 2026.
When a department needs a student, they search the inventory for candidates who match the skills, education, and availability they’re looking for, then contact those students directly.
This is why it’s so important to create a complete, professional profile that is easy for hiring managers to find and trust.
The FSWEP strategy is simple:
- Be searchable: Make sure your skills and experience are easy to find
- Be credible: Present a professional résumé and accurate information
- Be ready: Be prepared to start a work term when contacted
Why Students Love FSWEP in 2026?
FSWEP is one of the few systems where you apply once and stay “in the running” for multiple opportunities.
If you land a role through FSWEP, you gain:
- Paid federal work experience
- Exposure to professional, structured teams
- Real projects and responsibilities
- Strong references that actually carry weight
It’s also a great way to explore different career paths without locking yourself into one direction too early.
Many students build momentum through FSWEP one good placement can lead to another, simply because you now understand how the federal workplace operates.
What Kinds of Jobs Are Available Through FSWEP?
FSWEP roles span many fields, not just administration. Federal departments regularly hire students for:
- Administrative and program support: (emails, scheduling, records, coordination)
- Policy and research assistance:
(summaries, analysis, briefing notes) - IT and data roles: (testing, reporting, documentation, support tasks)
- Finance and accounting support: (tracking, reconciliations, reporting)
- Science, environment, agriculture, and engineering support: (lab work, projects, and fieldwork in some cases)
- Communications roles: (content writing, drafts, social media, internal communications)
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Benefits of Federal Student Jobs in Canada (FSWEP Program):
- Direct access to paid Government of Canada work experience: Students hired through the Federal Student Work Experience Program get paid work experience with the Canadian government. They work on real projects in federal departments that build their resumes and improve their long-term job prospects.
- Apply once and be considered for multiple jobs: with FSWEP, students only have to fill out one application, which puts them in a national hiring database so that federal companies can contact them about open positions until 2026, without having to fill out multiple applications.
- Flexible work hours that work with school schedules: Federal student jobs can be full-time or part-time, which makes it easier for students to handle work and schoolwork during terms and full-time work during breaks.
- Competitive hourly pay based on education and skill level: FSWEP jobs offer paid work with rates that rise based on level of study and job difficulty, giving students a steady income while they gain work experience.
- Different career paths in different federal departments: Students can work in administration, policy, IT, finance, science, communications, research, and more. This lets them try out different career paths before deciding on one for the long run.
- Better job prospects thanks to recognized federal training: Employers really value the experience you get through FSWEP, and many students use it to get future government jobs or move up in their private-sector careers.
Do I need Canadian citizenship to apply for FSWEP?
Applicants typically must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents to qualify. Students must also meet minimum provincial working-age requirements. Eligibility may vary by department, so it’s important to review specific criteria when submitting an FSWEP application for 2026 positions.
Where Are These Jobs Located?
Jobs can be found across Canada in large cities, regional offices, and specialized locations. Some roles may offer hybrid or remote work, depending on the department and position.
Important to know:
There is no single public list of all FSWEP jobs. Departments pull candidates from the inventory whenever a need arises. That’s why a strong, searchable profile matters so much.
Part-Time vs Full-Time Work:
FSWEP positions can be part-time or full-time, depending on departmental needs and your availability.
A common setup is:
- Part-time during the academic term
- Full-time during school breaks https://www.canada.ca/en.html
Some roles are short-term and project-based, while others may last longer. Clearly stating your availability, start date, and preferred hours makes it much easier for hiring managers to select you.
How Much Do FSWEP Jobs Pay in 2026?
FSWEP does not have a single fixed salary. Your hourly pay depends mainly on:
- Your level of study (high school, college, undergraduate, graduate)
- The complexity of the role (general support vs specialized or technical work)
Here’s what students typically see in 2026:
Early-stage or general support roles: Pay usually starts in the high teens per hour
College or undergraduate roles requiring stronger skills
(Excel, research, reporting, admin coordination, entry-level IT): Many positions pay around $20–$25 per hour
Graduate or specialized roles
(data, engineering, science, advanced analysis): Pay can reach the high $20s to $30 per hour
While online ranges like $16–$35/hour exist, they represent a broad estimate, not a guarantee.
Key takeaway: Higher education level and stronger skills typically lead to higher pay. Focus on showing your skills clearly in writing, Excel, research, data analysis, technical tools, and customer service to position yourself for the best-paying opportunities.
How long do FSWEP work terms usually last?
Work terms can range from a few weeks to several months depending on department needs, project scope, and student availability. Both short-term project roles and longer-term placements are offered, providing flexibility for students to gain meaningful federal experience during 2026.
Who Can Apply for Federal Student Jobs in Canada (FSWEP Program) in 2026?
You can usually apply if:
- You meet the minimum legal working age for the province or territory where the job is located
- You are a full-time student in a recognized secondary or post-secondary program
- You are returning to school after the work term or are in your final year
Apply: https://emploisfp-psjobs.cfp-psc.gc.ca/srs-sre/page01.html?poster=1&lang=en
