15 Psychology Internships for Undergraduates in Toronto

Doing an internship during college gives you a preview of the working world before you graduate. It allows you to gain practical experience in a field you are interested in. Beyond just understanding if a career path is the right fit, it boosts your resume. Employers value candidates who have already proven themselves in a professional setting, so having internship experience improves your chances of landing a job after you finish school.

Why should I do a psychology internship as an undergraduate?

Doing a psychology internship as an undergraduate is a great way to see how the subject works. By stepping out of the classroom, you gain experience working with teams, analyzing behavior, and handling day-to-day challenges in a professional setting. Internships show graduate schools and employers that you’ve taken initiative and gained practical experience. You will develop professional skills like communication, teamwork, and critical thinking while exploring areas of psychology that interest you.

If you are based in Toronto and interested in psychology, the city has many opportunities at universities, hospitals, research centers, and community organizations. These internships let you explore clinical, cognitive, or organizational psychology. You’ll build connections, gain mentorship, and see how psychology relates to healthcare, education, and social services. Below, we’ve put together a list of 15 psychology internships for undergraduates in Toronto, including in-person and virtual options.

1. SickKids Summer Research (SSuRe) Program

Location: SickKids, Toronto, ON
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Dates: 15 weeks from May to Mid-August
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

The SickKids Summer Research (SSuRe) Program is a 15-week internship for undergraduate students, giving them the chance to work on a research project in a laboratory or clinical setting under the guidance of expert scientists at The Hospital for Sick Children. During the program, you’ll gain experience in biomedical research, attend weekly seminars to develop skills, and connect with professionals at events like Career Night. The program wraps up with the Summer Student Symposium, where you showcase your research to the SickKids community and fellow students.

2. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including fall, spring, summer, and winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Summer: May; Winter: November; Spring: January; Fall: September
Eligibility: College and gap year students who can work for 5–10 hours/week for 8–12 weeks

Ladder University Internship Program offers undergraduate students the chance to work directly with startups that have raised over $1 million in funding. These startups operate in areas like engineering, technology, and related fields. During the internship, you work on projects with guidance from a startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach, helping you learn how startups function and what day-to-day operations look like. You also build practical skills and explore potential career paths in your field. At the end of the program, you will present your work to the organization, summarizing what you accomplished and what you learned. Apply now!

3. Canada Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP)

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Stipend: $7,280 CAD or $4,780 CAD + 8 weeks of housing at the University of Toronto
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Students enrolled in an undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s); Identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Colour (BIPOC); completed at least 16 semester‑long courses in a relevant field before the program starts

The Canada Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) at the University of Toronto lets you dive into psychology research for 8 weeks, giving you a real sense of how psychologists study the mind and behavior. You’ll work with a faculty mentor on a project that could involve cognitive studies, mental health research, or social behavior. You’ll also attend professional development workshops to strengthen skills like data analysis, communication, and critical thinking. The program offers a stipend, networking opportunities, and guidance on graduate school, helping you gain practical experience, explore your interests in psychology, and prepare for a future in research or clinical work.

4. Hurvitz Brain Sciences Summer Student Research Program

Location: Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario
Stipend: Hourly wage + 4% vacation pay
Dates: May – September
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: Must be enrolled in a university program (or recently graduated) and hold at least a B+ average in your most recent year of study

The Hurvitz Brain Sciences Summer Student Research Program is a hospital-based internship where you learn how to study the brain and nervous system. You will explore important topics like stroke, memory loss, mood disorders, and brain injuries. During the summer, you will work in a lab, attend weekly talks by top scientists, and present your own project at the end of the program. The program brings together different experts to examine brain health across all age groups, from teenagers to the elderly. By the end, you will learn useful skills like how to analyze data, explain science clearly, and properly use lab equipment.

5. Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Computer-Mediated Interpersonal Communication Lab (CMICLab)

Location: Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON
Stipend: Paid and volunteer roles available
Dates: Year-round; summer, fall, and winter cohorts
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students

The Computer-Mediated Interpersonal Communication Lab (CMICLab) at Toronto Metropolitan University is a research lab where you explore how people interact and build relationships in digital spaces. Under the supervision of Mahdi Roghanizad, you’ll contribute to research on topics like persuasion, trust, deception, and cooperation in online environments. You’ll examine how different communication platforms influence behavior and perceptions, while gaining hands-on research experience. The lab also offers opportunities for close academic collaboration, and you may even co-author research papers or present findings at conferences.

6. SRI Summer Student Research Program

Location: Sunnybrook Research Institute (Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre), Toronto, ON
Stipend: $18.30–$20.99, depending on the undergraduate year
Dates: May to late August (runs 12 to 16 weeks full-time)
Application Deadline: Late March
Eligibility: Enrolled university students with at least a B+ average in their most recent year of study

The SRI Summer Student Research Program is a full-time summer job where you work directly inside a hospital to learn about medical careers. You will focus on topics like biology, physics, and hands-on clinical research. During your time there, you will use lab tools, analyze project data, attend weekly teaching seminars, and show your results at a poster contest. The program uniquely enables you to work one-on-one with a top scientist in a real medical environment. By the end of the summer, you will learn practical lab skills and data tracking.

7. University of Toronto ASIP – Psychology Internship 

Location: University of Toronto, Toronto
Cost/Stipend: Ancillary fee (approx. $800–$1,000 CAD per year) + Co-op fee / Stipend paid
Dates: Begin in May (Summer), September (Fall), or January (Winter) and last between 4, 8, 12, or 16 months
Application Deadline: Generally late September of Year 2 of undergraduate study
Eligibility: Students enrolled in a Psychology Major or Specialist program; entering Year 2 or Year 3 of undergraduate study; full-time student in the Faculty of Arts & Science (St. George)

The Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) at the University of Toronto gives psychology students the chance to gain paid, real-world work experience as part of their degree. Through this program, you can work in roles such as research assistant, data analyst, or project coordinator in settings like hospitals, research institutes, non-profits, or companies. Along with your internship, you’ll receive professional development support, workshops, and career guidance. ASIP helps you apply what you learn in psychology classes to real workplaces while building your resume and professional network.

8. Ward Family Summer Student Research Program

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital)
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Dates: May 4 – July 24
Application Deadline: Varies by lab position 
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduate students

The Ward Family Summer Student Research Program is a 12-week paid internship where you work alongside leading scientists in childhood disability. You will explore important healthcare topics like autism, cerebral palsy, neuromodulation, prosthetic design, and mental health. During your time there, you will assist with research, analyze study data, attend weekly expert lunch-and-learn sessions, and present your own poster at the final Research Day. The program focuses on interdisciplinary mentorship directly within Canada's largest pediatric rehabilitation hospital. By the end of the summer, you will learn skills such as data analysis, academic presentation, scientific writing, and empathetic clinical communication.

9. UHN Summer Training and Research (STAR) Program

Location: University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Dates: May 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: Varies by lab
Eligibility: Undergraduate and medical students who have secured a summer research position under the supervision of a UHN Scientist

The University Health Network Summer Training and Research (STAR) Program is a competitive summer research opportunity hosted by Canada’s largest hospital network. Through this program, you’ll conduct research under the supervision of a UHN scientist, gaining experience in a clinical or biomedical setting. Throughout the summer, you’ll attend educational sessions focused on research integrity, scientific communication, and professional development to strengthen your academic and career skills. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings at the UHN STAR Research Day and, after meeting participation requirements, receive a certificate of completion.

10. RRI Summer Student Program

Location: Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Dates: 12 weeks between May and August
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in a university program (in psychology, neuroscience, health sciences, or a related field)

The Rotman Research Institute (RRI) Summer Student Program at Baycrest is a 12-week paid internship that gives you hands-on research experience in neuroscience and cognitive aging. You’ll be matched with a supervising scientist and work full-time on laboratory or clinical research projects, developing skills in data collection, analysis, and scientific communication within a professional research setting. Throughout the summer, you’ll receive individualized mentorship and access to Baycrest’s advanced research facilities and infrastructure. The program welcomes international students, although final offers depend on travel arrangements and work visa approvals.

11. Finding Our Power Together Internship

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Stipend: Paid and unpaid options available
Dates: Summer Cohort: Typically May – August (approx. 12–16 weeks); occasional Fall and Winter semester placements available
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in psychology, social work, counseling, or related fields (undergraduate or graduate level)

The Finding Our Power Together Internship Program allows you to gain hands-on experience while supporting community-based mental health, youth programming, research, and nonprofit initiatives. You can choose from different pathways, including mental health support, child and youth programming, research projects, administrative work, fundraising, or specialty roles like media and social media. Through the internship, you’ll build practical skills such as communication, teamwork, project coordination, and cultural awareness while contributing to programs that support Indigenous communities. Depending on the role, internships may be in person in Toronto, hybrid, or remote, offering flexible and meaningful professional experience.

12. American Psychological Association Internal Internship Program (APA IIP)

Location: Virtual
Stipend: Paid or unpaid for academic credit
Dates: Spring, summer, fall, and winter sessions
Application Deadline: Spring: November 1; summer: March 1; fall: June 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students enrolled part-time or full-time in psychology or education programs (requirements vary by internship); eligible to work in the U.S., residing in states where APA is registered as an employer

The American Psychological Association (APA) Internship Program offers online internship opportunities for undergraduate psychology students who want to explore careers beyond clinical practice. Through different specialization tracks, you gain practical experience in research, education, and policy-related work. Your responsibilities may include analyzing data, researching ways to improve school psychology education, studying engagement trends, supporting equity initiatives, or helping create written and digital content. Alongside your daily work, you attend professional development workshops, participate in group discussions, and may collaborate on group research projects. The program also gives you the option to receive academic credit instead of payment, allowing you to move forward in your degree while building valuable professional connections in psychology.

13. CAMH Undergraduate Research Placements

Location: CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health), Toronto, Ontario
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Dates: 12 weeks commencing between June 1–15, and ending by September 15
Application Deadline: Notice of Intent: February 13; RAAF: February 20; Full Application: February 27
Eligibility: Undergraduates continuing studies in the Fall; must reside in Ontario during the award; must secure a CAMH scientist sponsor; must self-identify with an underrepresented group (e.g., Indigenous, Black, racialized, women, 2SLGBTQ+, or persons with disabilities)

The CAMH Undergraduate Award is a summer program where you work directly with a scientist on research focused on mental health, substance use, and clinical neuroscience. This placement is unique because it specifically funds students from underrepresented backgrounds to create a more inclusive science community. During your 12 weeks, you will complete activities like designing studies, collecting data, and engaging with patients and their families. You will also help with statistical analysis and sharing your research findings with others. By the end of the summer, you will learn practical research methodologies and build strong analytical skills to help you start your career.

14. Cognition and Psychopathology Lab – Volunteer Research Assistants

Location: Toronto Metropolitan University 
Stipend: None
Dates: A full semester (Fall, Winter, or Summer) or a full academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduate psychology students or students pursuing graduate studies in a research-related discipline

The Cognition and Psychopathology Lab (CAP Lab) at Toronto Metropolitan University offers undergraduate students the opportunity to work as volunteer research assistants, gaining hands-on experience in psychology research. You will support ongoing projects related to cognition and mental health, helping with tasks such as data collection, participant coordination, literature reviews, and basic data analysis. The position allows you to develop practical research skills, better understand how psychological studies are designed and conducted, and build strong academic connections with faculty and graduate students. This experience is especially valuable for those considering graduate studies in psychology, as it strengthens research skills and enhances academic and professional profiles.

15. Mitacs Globalink Research Internship

Location: Universities across Canada
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: May 1 – October 31
Application Deadline: Mid-September 
Eligibility: At least 18 years of age at application time; enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or combined undergraduate/master’s program at a Mitacs partner institution, have completed at least two years of undergraduate study or be enrolled in their second year; have 1–3 semesters remaining in their program as of fall; meet the GPA requirements of their country

Through the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship, you’ll spend 12 weeks conducting hands-on research in psychology at a Canadian university. You’ll work with faculty mentors, graduate students, and research associates on projects that may involve cognitive testing, behavioral experiments, or data analysis using tools like SPSS or R. Your daily work could include designing studies, collecting and coding data, reviewing academic literature, and contributing to lab meetings or even research publications. Alongside your research experience, you’ll take part in professional development workshops and social events that help you build transferable skills and connect with peers from around the world. 

Image source - SickKids logo

Dhruva Bhat

Dhruva Bhat is one of the co-founders of Ladder, and a Harvard College graduate. Dhruva founded Ladder Internships as a DPhil candidate and Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, with a vision to bridge the gap between ambitious students and real-world startup experiences.

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