Introduction:
The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) is your opportunity to get real work experience in the Government of Canada while you’re still in school. Whether you’re a high school, college, or university student, FSWEP offers a path to gain valuable knowledge, build your resume, and earn money during your studies. From coast to coast, thousands of students are hired each year for positions in administration, research, IT, communications, finance, and more.
If you’re looking to kickstart your career, the FSWEP in Canada is one of the best ways to get a foot in the door with the public service. The jobs are available across the country and vary from entry-level office work to highly technical research-based positions. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know — responsibilities, benefits, qualifications, and how to apply.
Key Responsibilities of FSWEP Students
Your tasks as an FSWEP student will depend on the department you’re placed in, but here are some common responsibilities students often have:
1. Administrative Support
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Filing documents, managing records, and organizing data
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Responding to emails, phone calls, or public inquiries 📞
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Preparing reports, spreadsheets, and presentation material
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Scheduling meetings and maintaining calendars
2. Research and Analysis
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Assisting with data collection and analysis for various projects
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Supporting research teams with documentation and fact-checking 📊
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Contributing to policy reviews and departmental studies
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Writing summaries or briefing notes for internal use
3. IT and Technical Support
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Helping IT teams with system maintenance or tech troubleshooting 🖥️
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Supporting software testing and development
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Assisting with website updates or database management
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Ensuring cybersecurity procedures are followed
4. Communications and Marketing
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Drafting newsletters, social media posts, or internal messages
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Supporting events, campaigns, and outreach programs 📢
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Designing visual content like posters, infographics, or web banners
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Editing and proofreading public communications
5. Finance and HR Assistance
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Processing invoices, reimbursements, or payroll entries
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Organizing HR files or assisting with onboarding new employees 💼
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Conducting surveys or compiling feedback reports
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Supporting workplace wellness and diversity programs
Benefits of Joining FSWEP Canada
Joining the FSWEP doesn’t just offer a paycheck. It also comes with a long list of benefits designed to give students a head start in the working world.
Hands-On Government Experience
You’ll get a real look at how federal departments operate, making your resume more competitive for future opportunities.
Networking Opportunities
Working with professionals gives you access to mentors, future job references, and insider career tips.
Nationwide Opportunities
From Ottawa to Vancouver to remote positions, students across Canada can apply regardless of where they live.
Flexible Work Terms
FSWEP offers full-time summer jobs, part-time work during school, and even co-op placements.
Diverse Fields of Work
Whether your background is in science, arts, business, or trades, there’s likely an FSWEP role for you.
Inclusive Hiring
FSWEP encourages applications from Indigenous students, visible minorities, students with disabilities, and newcomers.
Who Can Apply for FSWEP Jobs in Canada?
To be eligible for the Federal Student Work Experience Program, you must meet the following requirements:
Be a Current Student
You must be registered as a full-time student in a recognized academic institution (high school, college, or university). Part-time students who have a disability are also eligible.
🇨🇦 Be Legally Allowed to Work in Canada
You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person with refugee status in Canada.
Be Returning to Studies
You must be returning to full-time studies in the next academic term following your FSWEP job.
Maintain Good Academic Standing
While you don’t need a perfect GPA, many departments prefer students with a strong academic record.
Job Titles You May Find in FSWEP
Here are a few examples of job titles you might come across in the FSWEP Canada listings:
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Student Administrative Assistant
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Junior Policy Analyst
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Research Assistant
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Communications and Media Intern
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Web Design Student
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Human Resources Support
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Laboratory Assistant
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Student Finance Clerk
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Technical Support Student
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Environmental Field Assistant
Each title comes with different responsibilities, but all help you build real-world skills while making a meaningful impact.
How to Apply for FSWEP (Step-by-Step)
Getting started with FSWEP is easy. Here’s how to apply:
1. Create a GC Jobs Account
Visit the Government of Canada’s GC Jobs website and register.
2. Search for “FSWEP”
Search for open student jobs under the FSWEP program.
3. Fill Out the FSWEP Inventory
This is like a big resume pool. Departments search this inventory to find candidates for upcoming positions.
4. Upload Your Resume
Make sure to upload a polished resume tailored to student work.
5. Check Your Email
Departments will contact you if you’re selected for an interview. Be ready to respond quickly.
6. Interview & Background Check
If selected, you may have to go through an interview and basic security screening.
Tips for Getting Hired Through FSWEP
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Apply early: Many summer positions fill up by March or April.
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Tailor your resume: Highlight your academic background, technical skills, and interests.
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Get references: A teacher or previous employer can make your application stand out.
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Check frequently: New jobs are added all year, not just in summer.
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Use inclusive hiring options: There are dedicated streams for Indigenous, visible minority, and disabled students.
Why Choose a Government Student Job in Canada?
Student jobs with the Government of Canada provide more than just a salary. They give you a chance to make real contributions to Canadian society, gain professional experience, and open doors to future full-time federal employment through programs like Post-Secondary Recruitment (PSR) or the Federal Internship for Newcomers Program.
Popular Departments Hiring Through FSWEP
These federal departments often hire large numbers of students every year:
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Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
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Environment and Climate Change Canada
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Department of National Defence (DND)
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Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
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Global Affairs Canada
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Parks Canada
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Public Health Agency of Canada
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Statistics Canada
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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Opportunities for Growth After FSWEP
Your student job can lead to:
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Bridging into full-time government work
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Rehiring in the next school term
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Co-op or internship credits toward your degree
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Professional development training during your placement
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Letters of recommendation and strong resume experience
Opportunities Available Through FSWEP
The FSWEP includes thousands of roles in departments across the country. Some of the most common job categories include:
Administrative Support
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Filing, data entry, answering calls
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Supporting internal office operations
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Great for students in business or social sciences
Information Technology (IT)
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Helping with networks, software, or digital transformation
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Ideal for computer science and IT students
Science and Research
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Working in labs or conducting fieldwork
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Opportunities with Environment Canada, Health Canada, and more
Finance and Accounting
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Assisting in budgeting, payroll, and financial reports
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Relevant for students in accounting, finance, or economics
Communications and Marketing
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Creating content, managing social media, or internal communication
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Perfect for journalism, media studies, or marketing students
Policy and Program Support
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Contributing to government policies or evaluating programs
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Ideal for political science, public policy, or sociology students
Law Enforcement and Security
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Working with RCMP, CBSA, or correctional services (in admin roles)
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Suit students interested in criminology or law
FSWEP Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a job through the Federal Student Work Experience Program, you must meet the following criteria:
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Be a full-time student in a recognized high school, CEGEP, college, or university
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Be returning to full-time studies in the next academic term
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Be legally allowed to work in Canada (citizen or permanent resident)
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Meet any additional requirements posted in the job ad (e.g., security clearance, specific skills)
Note: Students with disabilities or from employment equity groups (Indigenous, visible minorities, women) are encouraged to apply, and support programs are available.
How to Apply for FSWEP Canada Jobs
Applying to FSWEP is easy and completely online. Here’s how:
Step 1: Create an Account
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Visit https://www.jobs.gc.ca
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Create your Government of Canada GC Jobs account
Step 2: Register for FSWEP
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Go to the FSWEP portal
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Complete your profile and upload your resume
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Indicate your interests, education, skills, and preferred location
Step 3: Wait for Matches
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Your application goes into a database
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Departments search the database to find qualified students for jobs
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If selected, you’ll be contacted for an interview or job offer
Tip: Apply early in the year (January–March) for the best chance at summer jobs!
Start Your Journey Today
The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) is one of the best student job opportunities in Canada. Whether you’re looking to pay for tuition, explore your career options, or build government experience, FSWEP can open doors.
Apply now at jobs.gc.ca
Don’t wait—these opportunities are in high demand!
