15 Best Medical Internships in Canada 2026 for International Students
Medical Internships in Canada 2026 for International Students
Why Pursue Medical Internships in Canada?
Canada offers top-tier clinical exposure through world-class hospitals, research institutes, and global health organizations. Medical internships are excellent for enhancing your resume, gaining exposure to Canadian healthcare, and building professional networks in medicine.
Top Medical Internship Programs (2026) Open to International Students
Apply early! Many programs open applications in late 2025 and run into early 2026.
1) WHO Internship Programme
Overview: Gain exposure to global public health by interning with the World Health Organization in technical and administrative fields, including medical and public health roles.
Qualifications: At least 20 years old; enrolled in or recently completed (within 6 months) undergraduate or graduate study in public health, medicine, social sciences or related fields; fluent in one WHO working language; hold passport of a WHO Member State.
Timeline: Posted continuously; each internship posting includes specific deadlines—check frequently.
Paid? Possibly: WHO offers a living allowance to eligible interns in need. Mode: On-site (Geneva, regional or country offices). Location: Varies.
WHO Internship Programme details & application
Benefits include medical and accident insurance during the internship.
2) Mitacs Globalink Research Internship – Health Sciences Projects
Overview: Highly competitive 12-week summer research internships across Canadian universities, including medical and public health research projects.
Qualifications: International undergrads from partner countries with strong academics and research interests.
Timeline: Applications due mid-September 2025; internships in Summer 2026.
Paid? Yes – includes stipend for housing, food, travel, insurance, and fees. Mode: On-site. Locations: Universities across Canada.
3) Fulbright Canada-Mitacs Internship (Health or Medical Research)
Overview: Partnership enabling 10–12-week research internships across disciplines (including medical sciences) at Canadian institutions.
Qualifications: Fulbright alumni or grantee eligibility; enrolled in or recently completed relevant degree.
Timeline: Internships between May–October 2026.
Paid? Yes—typical Mitacs package. Mode: On-site. Locations: Canadian universities.
4) AIESEC Global Talent – Health Sector Placements
Timeline: Rolling basis.
Paid? Usually stipend or support. Mode: On-site. Locations: Canada (depending on placement).
5) Career Edge Organization – Health-Related Placements
Overview: Canadian non-profit that connects new grads and internationally qualified professionals with paid internships in corporations, including healthcare settings.
Qualifications: New grads or internationally qualified professionals (may include medical grads).
Timeline: Rolling throughout 2025–2026.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site/hybrid. Locations: Mainly Toronto, others vary.
6) CISEPO – Global Health Exchange and Internships
Overview: Canada-based charitable organization promoting medical cooperation and global health through research and training exchanges.
Qualifications: Students or professionals in medicine or global health.
Timeline: Depends on program calls; check website.
Paid? Varies. Mode: On-site or exchange model. Locations: Canada and partner regions.
7) University Hospital Co-op/Intern Positions (e.g., University of Toronto Hospitals)
Overview: Hospitals affiliated with major medical schools, such as U of T, offer student internships or co-ops in clinical research, admin support, or public health.
Qualifications: Enrolled in medical or allied health programs; approved by home institution and eligible for work permit.
Timeline: Varies; check U of T and hospital job boards for “intern/co-op” postings across 2025–2026.
Paid? Often yes (e.g., stipend or hourly). Mode: On-site. Location: Toronto, ON.
U of T Medicine Faculty overview
8) Hospital Foundations & Research Institutes (e.g., Sunnybrook, SickKids)
Timeline: Posted seasonally; check official hospital career portals for Summer/Fall 2026.
Paid? Varies; often stipend. Mode: On-site. Locations: Toronto area.
9) Provincial Health Authorities – Research & Clinical Internships
Overview: Health authorities like Fraser Health, Alberta Health Services, etc., host student internship positions in health administration, research, and public health.
Qualifications: Enrolment in relevant programs; dependent on authority.
Timeline: Posted year-round; Summer/Fall 2026 positions appear mid-2025.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site/hybrid. Locations: Across provinces (e.g., BC, AB).
10) Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) – Student Co-ops
Overview: Internships and co-op placements in public health, epidemiology, lab services, and communications.
Qualifications: Enrolled in public health, health sciences, epidemiology, or related degrees; security clearance required.
Timeline: Program applications open late 2025 for Winter/Summer 2026 terms.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site (Ottawa) or hybrid. Location: Ottawa, ON.
11) CIHR Summer Studentships
Overview: Research internships through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research; summer positions for undergraduates in biomedical research.
Qualifications: Undergraduate students conducting research under CIHR-funded supervisors.
Timeline: Calls typically open in late 2025 for Summer 2026.
Paid? Yes (stipend). Mode: On-site. Locations: Across Canada.
12) Global Health Research Institutes (e.g., Dalla Lana School of Public Health)
Overview: Internships in global health, epidemiology, and public health research through university programs.
Qualifications: Undergrad/grad in health or social sciences; academic track record.
Timeline: Typically posted Fall 2025 for 2026 terms.
Paid? Often stipend. Mode: On-site. Locations: Toronto and partner locations.
13) Canadian Red Cross – Health Internships
Overview: Roles in health promotion, disaster response, and community health projects.
Qualifications: Students or recent grads in health, social sciences, or related fields.
Timeline: Posted periodically; check 2025 postings for 2026 terms.
Paid? Sometimes; varies by role. Mode: On-site or hybrid. Locations: Across Canada.
14) IndigeMED (Indigenous Health Programs Internships)
Overview: Health-related internships focused on Indigenous health promotion and services through partnerships with universities.
Qualifications: Students in health or social work programs; interest in Indigenous health.
Timeline: Varies by partner institution recruitment cycles (typically Fall 2025 for 2026).
Paid? Often stipend. Mode: On-site or remote/hybrid. Locations: Various, often Western Canada.
15) Global Health Electives via University Medical Schools
Overview: Many Canadian medical schools offer global health elective internships (e.g., clerkship electives abroad/within Canada).
Qualifications: Med students registered at Canadian or partnered international institutions.
Timeline: Application windows vary by school, often Fall 2025 for 2026 electives.
Paid? Usually no; sometimes subsidized by schools. Mode: On-site or abroad. Locations: Canada or partner sites.
Tips for Applying
- Verify your work authorization requirements—most clinical internships require a co-op or off-campus work permit depending on whether the role is mandatory or extracurricular.
- Start applications early—many programs open in Fall 2025 for Summer/Fall 2026 internships.
- Prepare tailored application materials: CV/résumé, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
- Contact your university’s co-op or career office for support with placement letters and work permits.
- Network with faculty or global health advisors to uncover **hidden** electives or placements.
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