CSE Student Page

Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE)

Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE) is the national cryptologic agency, providing the Government of Canada with information technology security and foreign signals intelligence.

Have you considered work experience at Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE) as a part-time student, summer student or co-op student? Perhaps you would like to pursue a career after graduation at CSE?

Check out more information about student opportunities.

Student jobs opportunities are either in Ottawa or telework.

Application Process:

If you are interested in a student position with CSE, please note that you must submit your application eight months prior to the start of your desired placement. Students at CSE must go through a rigorous security clearance process that takes approximately six months to complete. We regularly hire a limited number of students for special projects. These positions are sometimes offered remotely or in Ottawa, but not on the CSE campus. You must apply for a CSE special project four months before the start of your work placement.

Basic Requirements:

  • You must be a Canadian citizen.
  • Be eligible for a Top-Secret security clearance (A lower-level security clearance may be acceptable in certain situations.)
  • Be willing to comply with CSE’s own security policies and standards.
  • Must be registered full-time in a Canadian college or university.

Should you have further questions regarding this process please reach out to careers-carrieres@cse-cst.gc.ca.

Students who take part in the CSE’s student program often get hired upon graduation and enjoy a rewarding career. Hear what these AC grads have to say about their experience with Algonquin College and CSE:

“When I took my program at Algonquin College (Bachelor of Public Safety), I was not expecting it to take me to where I am today. Honestly, with the knowledge I learned from my program and my student terms with CSE, I’ve been able to apply so many principles and practices to all of my tasks and in so many different ways. I started at CSE as a student and the opportunities that Algonquin & CSE have provided me have been a huge asset for my professional development and I cannot be more grateful!”
– Brody

“My Computer Programmer diploma at Algonquin College prepared me for my Cyber Developer opportunity at CSE. I have been with the team for three years and I’ve actively applied the concepts I learned at Algonquin to my every day job. I’ve also been exposed to leading edge technology here at CSE.”
– Anonymous

“I moved to Canada in 2003 as an international student to study at Algonquin College. I obtained my Human and Community Studies diploma. After graduation, I was unable to apply to CSE because I was not a Canadian citizen. However, I read CSE’s mandate and careers page to understand what I needed to pursue and to qualify. I proceeded to obtain my citizenship and had 10 years of residency in Canada including gaining work experience in human resources, training, and job matching placement. This gave me a competitive edge and opportunity to apply to CSE. The combination of my citizenship, education, and work experience enabled me to secure employment at CSE. I am continuously learning new top-notch skills and working in a great team environment. It was one of the best decisions I ever made! I am grateful and enjoy working at CSE every day.”
– Anonymous