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The International Student Summer Employment Program (ISSEP) offers employers a wage subsidy which they can use to provide full-time undergraduate international students with meaningful employment and experience over the summer.

This program can help international students develop their career skills, learn how to navigate the Canadian job market, and gain valuable knowledge and competencies which can be applied both in and out of the classroom, better preparing them to transition into the workforce after graduation.

This program posts non-credit job opportunities and is not a formal Co-op or Internship program.

Students

ISSEP jobs are available for the summer only and are posted on the ISSEP job board on beginning late March. Please note, the job board is only visible to eligible students during the hiring period (March-May).

Eligibility

To access the ISSEP job postings on campusBRIDGE you must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

• Currently registered full-time in a 51ÁÔÆæ undergraduate degree program, and:
  • Must be taking a scheduled break from classes for the Spring and Summer terms
  • Will be returning to school the following academic year in an undergraduate program (Fall Semester).
  • Must have been registered as a full-time student in the preceding Winter term.
  • Must be an undergraduate international student (Permanent Residents, Canadian citizens, exchange students and graduate international students are not eligible to participate in this program).
• Must have a valid study permit that allows work in Canada.
• Must have a SIN card or be eligible to get one.
• Must be available to work from May to August.

If you meet all the above requirements, have registered for Fall classes, and still do not have access to the job postings by early April, please email issep.questions@ualberta.ca.

Further resources for international students

• Working in Canada

How to Participate

All eligible students can access the ISSEP job board directly to apply for positions using their student accounts. No registration in ISSEP is required for eligible students to participate.

Tips:

• Make sure to pay close attention to each job posting’s application instructions. Incomplete or late applications may not be considered.
• The types of positions and duties are varied; students with a variety of educational backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.
• The U of A Career Centre offers and for writing , as well as preparing for .

The U of A Career Centre also regularly shares new job opportunities for all students on the Student & Alumni job board in from a wide variety of employers. To learn more and for further information, visit the .

Transitioning to the Canadian Workplace

How you present yourself in the workplace speaks volumes. People often form first impressions about others within seconds of first meeting them. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you are properly prepared to present yourself as a professional. This resource outlines some key considerations to help you make a positive impression as you begin your new role.

Employers

Employer subsidy applications for Summer 2025 are now closed.

Summer 2026 applications will open in December 2025.

Every winter, the International Student Summer Employment Program (ISSEP) accepts applications from employers looking to hire a student for the summer (May to August) and provide subsidized wage funding under the ISSEP.

Requirements of all ISSEP positions

• Students hired must be full-time undergraduate international students at the 51ÁÔÆæ.
• Approved positions will receive a subsidy of $7.00 per hour, up to a maximum of $4,000 per position.
• Approved positions must comply with and be hired at Alberta's minimum wage or higher.
• All recruitment and the hiring process are at the employer's discretion. The Career Centre is unable to assist with any hiring matters and will only provide the job posting platform and wage subsidy reimbursements.
• Participating employers must post approved positions on the ISSEP online job board found onOnly students who meet the program’s requirements are able to apply through the ISSEP job board

Application Process and Criteria

Positions must be located within the greater Edmonton area or Camrose, Alberta.

All applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to an approval process based on several factors, including:

• The quality of work experience
• Potential learning outcomes

The length of employment offered (number of weeks and hours per week)

Applications should include as much detail as possible about the position summary, duties and career-related skill information. Approved positions must be posted on . Deadlines for positions should be no longer than 2 weeks from the posting date.

Employers will be notified of the status of their application(s) in mid-March. Successful applicants will be provided with further information upon approval. Please note, while the Career Centre can provide resources for effective recruitment practices and strategies, the hiring process is the employer’s responsibility.

• Once hires are made, employers must provide signed offer letters/paperwork to the ISSEP administration.
• Reimbursements are processed in the Fall after the student has completed their work term, and upon receipt of a completed reimbursement form (and other relevant documentation as required) by ISSEP administration.