Riipen for students and learners

Before you graduate, turn your education into real experience.

Go from learning to earning through paid, real-world projects. Gain hands-on experience, build a professional portfolio, and stand out to employers.

Join Riipen as a student

Step 1: Prepare

Prepare with Riipen Labs Discover your interests and career paths.

Step 2: Practice

Practice with Level UP Build foundational experience.

Step 3: Prove

Prove with FuturePath Work on real industry projects.

Step 4: Achieve

Achieve your career Gain experience that leads to employment.

HOW IT WORKS

Your student journey.

With Riipen's student journey, you build real skills and earn money by working on projects with real employers. All students start with Riipen Labs, then move into more advanced programs. If you are already on the path, you can continue progressing from your current program.

START HERE

Start building experience with Riipen Labs.

Riipen Labs is the starting point for students to gain hands-on experience through real projects.

Details

• 30 hours of project-based learning.
• Earn a $600 stipend.
• Work on guided, real-world projects.
• No prior experience required.

Why it matters

This is where experience turns into employment opportunities.

Outcomes

• Practice your foundational skills.
• Gain employer references.
• Access a career-ready portfolio.

Learn more

This program is funded in part by the Government of Canada.

Step 2

Work directly with employers through Riipen Level UP.

Grow your skills and portfolios by working on real projects with real impact.

Details

• 60 hours of industry-engaged projects.
• Earn a $1,400 stipend.
• Collaborate directly with employers.
• Solve real business challenges.

Why it matters

Show employers what you’re capable of—not just what you’ve studied.

Outcomes

• Prove your real employer experience.
• Gain a strong portfolio of projects.
• Demonstrate job-ready skills.

Learn more

This program is funded in part by the Government of Canada.

Step 3

Launch your career with FuturePath micro-internships.

Advanced opportunities to work on projects with top employers.

Details

• 10–420-hour internships
• Work in real professional environments.
• Flexible and remote opportunities.

Why it matters

This is where experience turns into employment opportunities.

Outcomes

• Achieve real work experience.
• Gain employer references.
• Access a career-ready portfolio.

Learn more

This program is funded in part by the Government of Canada.

One platform. Three programs. A clear path to employment.

You don’t need to wait until graduation to be job-ready. Riipen’s student journey is designed to help you graduate with real experience and a competitive edge.

Industry skills
Professional references
Get paid to learn
No experience needed
Portfolio ready
Real employer projects

Step 1

Create account.

Set up your profile and showcase your interests in minutes.

Step 2

Join Riipen Labs.

Your starting point to join Riipen as a student to find your projects.

Step 3

Build experience.

Collaborate with companies and start your professional journey.

Your career starts before you graduate.

Join thousands of students gaining real experience and getting job-ready through Riipen’s student journey—starting with Riipen Labs.

Join Riipen as a student

Cierra Hart • University of Victoria

“This experience has been invaluable, offering me a unique opportunity to apply and refine my skills in a real-world context, thereby giving me a competitive edge in my career path. I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity and highly recommend it to anyone looking to develop practical skills in their field.”

The ideas, views, and opinions in this publication belong to the author(s). They may not reflect those of the Government of Canada.

Frequently asked questions.

Everything you need to know about Riipen's student programs.

Am I eligible?

Eligibility requirements to join Riipen Labs, your starting point in the Riipen student journey. You're eligible for Riipen Labs if you meet the following requirements:

- I am currently enrolled at an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution or approved institution and will maintain this status throughout my participation.

- I am enrolled in at least one course during the current or upcoming academic term.

- I am a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person, and legally authorized to work in Canada.

- I will be physically located in Canada for the full duration of the project.

- I am not an international student.

How are skills assessed?

Through your individual progress in team settings:
‍
- Self-assessments using a recognized skills framework
- Personal reflections
- Peer insights
- Individual milestone tracking

What type of projects will I work on?

Riipen Labs is your starting point in the student journey. To learn more about projects, cohort dates, and application FAQ, visit our Help Center.

What if I’m already in one of the Riipen programs?

To move forward in Riipen’s student journey, you simply have to progress from the Riipen program that you’re currently in. For example, if you are currently in Level UP, then you can advance to FuturePath.

How do I start the Riipen student journey?

Riipen Labs is your starting point. Then, you can progress to Level UP. Once you’ve completed those two programs, you’ll unlock advanced opportunities in FuturePath. You must follow this journey and cannot skip any programs.