15 Internships for Undergraduates in Canada
If you are an undergraduate student, completing an internship can help you strengthen your resume and build a more competitive academic and professional profile. Internships allow you to apply what you learn in class to professional tasks while gaining experience in a field you’re interested in. They can also help you understand workplace expectations, collaborate with professionals, and develop skills that employers look for in entry-level candidates. Internships allow you to gain exposure to industries, test potential career paths, and improve your employability after graduation.
Why should I do an internship in college?
Doing an internship in college can help you understand how your field operates outside the classroom. You gain experience with projects, which can strengthen both your technical and professional skills. Many employers prefer candidates who already have internship experience because it shows familiarity with workplace expectations. Internships also allow you to work alongside professionals who can provide mentorship and insights into career paths. These contacts may support your future job search or point you to new academic opportunities.
If you are based in Canada and interested in doing an internship, finding the right opportunity can take time. To simplify your search, we’ve narrowed it down to 15 internships for undergraduates in Canada.
1. Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) Undergraduate Summer Research Internships
Location: Québec City, Varennes, Montreal, Laval, and Chicoutimi, Canada (depending on research center)
Stipend: Paid, varies by institution
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically 5–15 interns per center
Dates: 12 weeks from early May to mid-August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed at least one year of study in natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, or social sciences, and meet academic requirements equivalent to a minimum B- average
In this internship, you join an interdisciplinary research team and contribute to ongoing research projects across areas such as environmental science, advanced technologies, health sciences and biotechnology, or social sciences. Your work may involve assisting with experiments, analyzing data, reviewing literature, or supporting project development alongside researchers and graduate students. Through regular collaboration with faculty members and research staff, you gain exposure to how academic research projects are designed and carried out. Depending on the research center, you may work in laboratory settings, field-based studies, or analytical research environments. You also have opportunities to discuss your progress with mentors and participate in team discussions about the research process.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to undergraduates and gap year students!
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup. Apply now!
3. Local Government Management Association (LGMA) Local Government Internship Program
Location: British Columbia, Canada (local governments with populations of 25,000 or under)
Stipend: Up to $42,000 for salary and benefits + $5,000 for professional development funding
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 6 interns per year
Dates: May – May (12-month commitment)
Application Deadline: February 17
Eligibility: Undergraduates and recent graduates legally eligible to work in Canada; prepared to move to the host community
In this internship, you work with a participating local government in British Columbia and contribute to projects that support municipal administration and community initiatives. Your role may involve assisting with planning, policy research, program coordination, or operational projects while learning how local governments function. You gain experiential learning through day-to-day involvement in projects and regular mentoring from supervisors and municipal staff. The program also includes coaching, onboarding resources, and check-ins to help you reflect on your work and professional development. During the internship, you may attend workshops or professional development activities related to local government management.
4. Amgen Scholars Canada Program
Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Stipend: $6,500 CAD
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 10 scholars
Dates: May 25 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in their second, third, or non-graduating fourth year at accredited universities in Canada; Canadian citizens or permanent residents; minimum GPA of 3.2
In this program, you conduct laboratory research under the guidance of a faculty mentor and contribute to ongoing biomedical science projects. You will participate in research activities such as journal clubs, seminars, and discussions that help you understand how scientific studies are designed and communicated. Throughout the program, you attend workshops on topics like science communication, career exploration, and graduate school preparation. You collaborate with other scholars and share your work during a capstone research day through an oral or poster presentation. The program also includes participation in a broader symposium where you interact with researchers and students working in related fields.
5. Fields Undergraduate Summer Research Program (FUSRP)
Location: Toronto, Ontario (Fields Institute) and London, Ontario (Western University), Canada
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 3–4 students per project
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed significant coursework in Mathematics (e.g., Analysis, Linear Algebra)
In this program, you join a small research team and work on a mathematics project under the guidance of a faculty member, visiting scientist, or industry researcher. Your work will involve exploring research questions, discussing ideas with teammates, and contributing to collaborative problem-solving over the course of the program. You participate in workshops and structured sessions, such as orientation and a presentation clinic, that help you prepare and communicate your research. Throughout the internship, you interact regularly with your supervisor and other participants while developing research and analytical skills. The program concludes with final presentations where you share your findings with peers and mentors.
6. SickKids Summer Research (SSuRe) Program
Location: Toronto, Canada
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 250–300 students
Dates: May to mid-August (approximately 15 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students enrolled in an undergraduate or medical degree program at the time of application; students in their final year must be moving into a professional or graduate program in the fall
In this program, you work on a research project under the supervision of a scientist from the research institute and contribute to ongoing studies over the summer. Your responsibilities may include assisting with experiments, data collection, or project-related research tasks, depending on the lab and project focus. Throughout the internship, you attend weekly seminars led by scientists and participate in sessions designed to introduce different research careers. You also have opportunities to connect with researchers and staff during events such as Career Night. As part of the program activities, you prepare and present your research at the annual Summer Student Symposium.
7. Perimeter Institute Undergraduate Summer School & PSI Start Research Internship
Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Stipend: Summer school has no fee with travel, accommodation, and meals provided; paid internship available for selected participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; approximately 30 students for the summer school (10 students for the internship)
Dates: Summer School: 2 weeks in mid-June; Internship: May 4 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students planning to apply to graduate programs in physics, with prior knowledge of classical and quantum mechanics
In this program, you attend an in-person summer school focused on modern topics in theoretical physics and participate in courses led by researchers in the field. You engage in lectures, panel discussions, and collaborative sessions designed to help you explore current research areas and develop academic collaboration skills. During the program, you will interact with scientists and peers while learning about theoretical physics in a research institute. If selected for the PSI Start internship, you will also work on a research project alongside institute researchers and participate in seminars and discussion groups. The internship allows you to spend additional weeks contributing to research while being part of the institute’s academic environment.
8. Air Canada Internships
Location: Various locations across Canada
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 100+ interns annually
Dates: Winter (begins in January), Summer (begins in May), and Fall (begins in September); internships typically last 3–4 months
Application Deadline: Varies by session and internship posting
Eligibility: Students enrolled in an accredited Canadian postsecondary institution who can work full-time or part-time in the province of employment
In this internship, you work on projects within teams across departments such as marketing, finance, engineering, maintenance, or computer science. You will contribute to day-to-day tasks and project-based work while learning how operations function within an airline company. During the internship, you interact with professionals and other interns, which allows you to collaborate and understand different roles within the organization. You gain exposure to workplace processes, problem-solving tasks, and team coordination in a professional setting. Depending on the role, your work may involve supporting ongoing initiatives or assisting with department-specific projects.
9. House of Commons Page Program
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Stipend: Annual salary of approximately $18,740 + $1,200 upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 40 students selected each year
Dates: One-year program during the academic year (Late August/Early September – June)
Application Deadline: November 9
Eligibility: First-year students enrolled at eligible postsecondary institutions in the National Capital Region of Canada; Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident; entering first year of undergraduate study in the upcoming September; fluently bilingual in English and French
In this program, you work part-time while studying and support parliamentary activities within the House of Commons. Your responsibilities include assisting members of Parliament in the chamber by delivering documents, messages, and other materials required during parliamentary sessions. You also participate in ceremonial events and protocol activities that are part of parliamentary proceedings. Throughout the year, you engage in educational panels, discussions, and team-building activities organized for participants. The role allows you to observe debates and parliamentary processes while working closely with other pages and staff. This experience combines part-time work with exposure to the operations and traditions of Canada’s parliamentary system.
10. UCC Parliamentary Internship Program
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Stipend: Paid, exact amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically 1 intern per session
Dates: 10-month internship; September – June
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Recent graduates or students graduating by the end of summer; eligible to work in Canada; actively involved in the Ukrainian Canadian community
In this internship, you work in the office of a Member of Parliament and gain exposure to public policy, legislative processes, and constituency work. Your responsibilities may include supporting research, assisting with communications, and observing or contributing to parliamentary committee activities. Throughout the program, you collaborate with parliamentary staff and interact with professionals involved in government and community initiatives. You also gain experience in community outreach and policy-related discussions connected to parliamentary work. The internship provides opportunities to build professional connections while learning about how political offices operate.
11. ECO Canada Student Work Placement Program (Environmental Student Work Placement Program)
Location: Various locations across Canada
Stipend: Paid placements (employers receive funding to support student work terms)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: First-come, first-served; approximately 12,000 placements
Dates: Align with academic terms; Spring/Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Eligibility: Students enrolled in a Canadian university or college in STEAM or Business fields who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or have refugee status
In this program, you take part in short-term work placements with employers in environmental and sustainability-related fields. Your role may involve assisting with projects, supporting research or operational tasks, and gaining exposure to workplace practices in environmental organizations or companies. During the placement, you develop both technical and professional skills while collaborating with employers and practitioners in the field. The program also connects you with career resources such as job postings, networking opportunities, and virtual career events. Through these experiences, you gain insight into different environmental career paths while completing a work term.
12. Bank of Canada Student and Graduate Opportunities
Location: Canada (various offices depending on role)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Summer: May – late August; Fall: September – December; Winter: January – April
Application Deadline: Summer: Late January/Early February; Fall: June; Winter: October
Eligibility: Canadian citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled in a degree, or a recent graduate (within 2 years); some roles require students to be pursuing specific majors
In this program, you gain hands-on experience by working on real-world projects within Canada’s central bank environment. Depending on the role you apply for, you may contribute to areas such as economic research, finance, communications, IT, operations, or policy analysis. You work alongside experienced professionals who mentor you while you develop practical skills through daily assignments and collaborative projects. During your placement, you may help analyze data, support research initiatives, or assist with operational and policy-related tasks. The experience also allows you to understand how financial systems and monetary policy work in practice while building a strong professional network.
13. ELITE Program for Black Youth
Location: Various sites across Canada (universities, companies, and government labs), with some virtual components
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically seats 40–60+ interns per year across all participating regions
Dates: 8–16 weeks from July to August
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: Undergraduate students aged 15–22
In this program, you take part in an internship placement within university research labs, government departments, or private technology companies. During your placement, you work on practical projects using professional tools while developing skills related to research, engineering, or business. One day each week is dedicated to professional development workshops where you learn about leadership, career planning, and networking with professionals. You will complete a final project and present your work at a program-wide showcase, giving you experience communicating your ideas and outcomes. Overall, the structure combines hands-on work with guided learning and collaboration with mentors.
14. McGill Science Internship Program
Location: Host company's location (Canada-wide or global), administered by McGill University in Montreal, Quebec
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 4 months (Industrial Practicum) or 8 to 16 months (Internship Year in Science) starting in the Fall, Winter, or Summer
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Full-time McGill undergraduates; minimum 2.7 CGPA; minimum 27 credits completed and 12 remaining; enrolled in eligible B.Sc., B.A. & Sc., or specific B.A. majors
The McGill Science Internship Program allows you to integrate paid, full-time work experience directly into your undergraduate degree. Covering a wide range of academic topics like computer science, environment, mathematics, psychology, and software engineering, this program bridges classroom theory with actual industry practice. During your placement, you will work on industry projects, communicate with professional team members, complete formal employer evaluations, and write mandatory mid-term or final reports. Your employment is officially recorded on your academic transcript, and completing enough terms earns you a special "Internship Program" degree designation.
15. Mitacs Globalink Research Internship
Location: Multiple universities across Canada, including the University of Alberta (Edmonton and Camrose campuses)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; ~2,700 – 3,000+ students per summer
Dates: 12-week internship between May and October
Application Deadline: Mid-September 17
Eligibility: Students enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or combined undergraduate/master’s program at a Mitacs partner institution; at least 18 years of age at application time; have completed at least two years of undergraduate study or be enrolled in their second year; have 1–3 semester remaining in their program as of fall; meet GPA requirements of their country; fluency in oral English/French; not previously awarded Globalink Research Internship project
In this internship, you work on a research project supervised by a faculty member at a Canadian university and contribute to academic research in your field of study. Your responsibilities may include assisting with experiments, analyzing data, reviewing literature, or supporting project development within a research team. During the program, you collaborate with professors and researchers while gaining experience in a university research environment. You also participate in professional development activities and social programming that accompany the research placement. The internship takes place over 12 weeks, allowing you to focus on a specific research topic while building academic and research skills.
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