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. Unlike many SWPP programs, WIL Digital covers the full digital economy — software, AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, digital marketing, technical sales and business development, and digital transformation roles in non-tech companies (e.g., a manufacturer hiring a software co-op qualifies). The job description must clearly show the digital or technical tools the student will use. Trades, apprenticeships, clinical healthcare hours and articling hours are explicitly ineligible. The pre-screen is quick (~10 minutes) and must be completed and released before you can apply. Do not budget for an enhanced underrepresented-group rate — it no longer exists; the maximum is $5,000 per placement for every 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% reimbursed, up to $5,000 per placement
• 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

Intake for the Fall work term opened July 15, 2026 at 9 a.m. EDT; the Fall 2026 submission deadline is November 15, 2026, subject to available funding and capacity. The previously stored 2026-07-15 was the OPENING date, not the deadline. Verified 2026-07-22.

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.