ICTC — WIL Digital Program (Tech Sector Student Work Placement)

Insider Tip

Apply at the very start of each semester intake — WIL Digital funding is first-come, first-served and routinely sells out. The $7,000 underrepresented-group tier (women in STEM, Indigenous students, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, first-year students) is particularly valuable for tech startups hiring diverse talent. Unlike many SWPP programs, WIL Digital covers the full digital economy — software, AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, digital marketing, UX design, and even digital transformation roles in non-tech companies (e.g., a manufacturer hiring a software co-op qualifies). Tourism Nova Scotia and other non-tech bodies have used WIL Digital — confirm with ICTC if your sector qualifies. The pre-screen is quick (~10 minutes) and should be completed before hiring the student.

Rejection Pitfalls 6

• Employer is a government body, Crown corporation, hospital, or post-secondary institution
• Position is not in the digital economy — role must involve technology, ICT, software, data, AI, or digital services
• Position is not net-new (existing role or position already funded by another federal program)

Success Profile

Any Canadian digital-economy employer — software companies, tech startups, AI firms, digital agencies, cybersecurity companies, and even non-tech companies undergoing digital transformation — that wants to hire qualified co-op or internship students at a reduced net cost. Most valuable for startups and SMEs that cannot afford a full-time hire but need technical talent for growing operations.

Evaluation Criteria

ICTC evaluates WIL Digital applications on: (1) employer eligibility — does the organization offer genuine digital-economy placements?; (2) placement quality — is it a meaningful WIL experience aligned with the student's field of study?; (3) net-new requirement — would this position exist without the subsidy?; and (4) student eligibility — enrollment, citizenship, legal work status. Applications are processed in order received with no competitive scoring against other employers.

Application Steps

Required Documents 7

Eligible Expenses 2

• Student gross wages for the placement period — 50% or 70% reimbursed depending on student profile
• Mandatory payroll costs (CPP contributions, EI premiums) on student wages may be included — confirm with ICTC

Ineligible Expenses 4

• Non-salary costs (equipment, software licenses, training materials, travel)
• Positions funded simultaneously by another federal or provincial wage subsidy
• Administrative overhead, supervisory costs, or employer HR time
• Bonuses, commissions, or non-wage compensation beyond base salary

Intake Periods

Three intakes per year aligned with academic semesters: Winter (January–April), Summer (May–August), Fall (September–December). Summer 2026 intake deadline is July 15, 2026. Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 intakes expected to follow. Apply at the start of each intake window — funding is first-come, first-served.

Deadline Notes

Summer 2026 deadline is July 15, 2026, for placements between April 1 and August 31, 2026. Each semester has its own intake window and funding pool. Apply early — funding is first-come, first-served and may be exhausted before the nominal deadline. Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 intakes expected to follow.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• Federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments
• Crown corporations, hospitals, public long-term care facilities
• Public or private schools and post-secondary institutions (as employers)
• Organizations with no connection to the digital economy or ICT sector

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk

If a placement ends prematurely or ineligible costs were claimed, ICTC may claw back overpaid reimbursements. Risk is low for placements that complete as planned. Maintain accurate timesheets and payroll records throughout the placement.