Paid Internships for International Students in Canada 2026 – Complete Guide
Paid Internships for International Students in Canada 2026 – Complete Guide
Why Canada for Paid Internships?
Canada hosts world-class companies and research labs across Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Waterloo and more.
Most internships for 2026 are paid and open to international students as long as you have the proper work authorization
(e.g., co-op work permit for mandatory placements, or standard off-campus work eligibility). Always confirm eligibility on the official page.
Work authorization essentials: If your program includes a mandatory work term, you’ll typically need a
co-op work permit.
If it’s a regular off-campus role during studies, eligible students may work up to
24 hours/week during classes.
Top Paid Internships & Co-ops Recruiting for 2026
Tip: Summer 2026 roles are posted as early as Aug–Nov 2025; Winter 2026 roles post around Aug–Oct 2025; Fall 2026 roles often appear Mar–Jun 2026. Apply early.
1) Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI) 2026 — Fully Funded
Overview: 12-week summer research internships at Canadian universities for top international undergraduates; funding covers stipend, housing contribution, insurance, and more.
Qualifications: Undergraduate at an eligible partner university; strong academics; research alignment.
Timeline: 2026 call shows student apps close mid-September 2025 on official Mitacs notices. Check current status on the official page.
Paid? Yes (funded package). Mode: On-site. Locations: Universities across Canada.
How to apply / program details •
Eligible universities (2026)
2) Microsoft Research Montréal — Research Intern (2026)
Overview: Paid research internships in machine learning/NLP with the Montréal lab; interns publish and collaborate with MSR scientists.
Qualifications: Current student (typically grad or strong undergrad) in CS/ML or related areas; research experience preferred.
Timeline: Roles are posted on a rolling basis; summer postings typically appear in fall.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site/hybrid (Montréal). Location: Montréal, QC.
3) Google Canada — Software Engineering Intern (Summer 2026)
Overview: 12–16 week SWE internships building Google products in Toronto/Waterloo.
Qualifications: Enrolled in BS/MS/PhD; coding in C/C++/Java/Python; data structures/algorithms.
Timeline: Summer 2026 roles appear on Google Careers; apply ASAP when open.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site/hybrid. Locations: Toronto, ON; Waterloo, ON.
4) Amazon Canada — Software Development Engineer (SDE) Intern, Summer 2026
Overview: 12-week paid SDE internships working on large-scale systems.
Qualifications: Enrolled in CS/SE or related; experience with at least one modern language (Java, C++, etc.).
Timeline: Summer 2026 postings are live; apply early (Toronto/Vancouver).
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site. Locations: Toronto, ON; Vancouver, BC.
Toronto – Summer 2026 •paid
Vancouver – Summer 2026
5) Shopify — Early Talent Internships (Winter/Summer/Fall 2026)
Overview: Paid internships across engineering, data, UX and more at Shopify (Canada).
Qualifications: Current student/new grad; relevant technical or design skills.
Timeline: Winter 2026 applications open September 2, 2025; Summer/Fall 2026 follow seasonally.
Paid? Yes. Mode: Digital by default (remote-first) with hub options. Location: Canada (remote/hubs).
6) IBM Canada — Internship & Co-op Programs (2026)
Overview: Paid internships across software, cloud, AI, consulting; includes special programs (e.g., Extreme Blue).
Qualifications: Current post-secondary student; role-specific skills.
Timeline: Rolling; filter for “Internship” and “Canada.”
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site/hybrid. Locations: Multiple (Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, etc.).
7) NVIDIA Canada — University Recruiting & Research Internships
Overview: Paid internships in AI/graphics/research; locations include Montréal and Toronto-area teams.
Qualifications: Strong CS/EE/AI background; grad and undergrad roles.
Timeline: Rolling; summer roles post in fall.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site/hybrid. Locations: Montréal, QC; Toronto/GTA, ON (varies by role).
8) Ericsson Canada — Paid Co-op/Internship Program
Overview: 4- to 16-month paid co-ops in 5G/telecom R&D and software.
Qualifications: Post-secondary student in CS/EE/IT/business, etc.; meet work authorization.
Timeline: Posted year-round; summer roles appear fall.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site/hybrid. Locations: Ottawa, Montréal, Toronto and others.
9) TRIUMF — Undergraduate Co-op/Internships (Vancouver)
Overview: Canada’s particle accelerator centre hires ~100+ students annually across physics, engineering, computing.
Qualifications: Undergraduate (co-op preferred, some summer roles open to non-co-op); STEM interest.
Timeline: Posted via university co-op portals and TRIUMF careers throughout the year.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site. Location: Vancouver, BC.
10) Bombardier — Engineering & Business Internships (2026)
Overview: Paid internships and co-ops in aerospace engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, finance and more.
Qualifications: Post-secondary student in relevant discipline; meet local work rules.
Timeline: Seasonal postings (Winter/Summer/Fall) on Bombardier Careers.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site. Locations: Greater Montréal, QC; other sites vary.
11) AtkinsRéalis (SNC-Lavalin) — Student & Graduate Roles
Overview: Paid internships across civil, mechanical, electrical, project management, environment.
Qualifications: Engineering/technical students; safety training as required by project.
Timeline: Rolling postings; summer roles open in fall.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site/hybrid. Locations: Canada-wide.
12) Siemens Canada — Student Internships/Co-ops
Overview: Paid roles in engineering, automation, energy, software and business functions.
Qualifications: Post-secondary student in relevant field.
Timeline: Seasonal cycles via Siemens Careers.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site/hybrid. Locations: Multiple across Canada.
13) RBC — Student/Intern Programs (Risk, Tech, Finance)
Overview: Paid internships and co-ops across technology, risk, finance and analytics.
Qualifications: Enrolled student; program-specific skills.
Timeline: 2026 postings appear by season (e.g., Winter/Summer 2026 roles).
Paid? Yes. Mode: Hybrid/on-site. Locations: Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver & more.
14) TD — Student & New Grad Programs (Tech, Analytics, Finance)
Overview: Paid internships and co-ops across TD’s technology, data, and business lines.
Qualifications: Enrolled student; role-specific skills.
Timeline: Seasonal; search “Intern/Co-op” and filter 2026.
Paid? Yes. Mode: Hybrid/on-site. Locations: Major Canadian cities.
15) Scotiabank — Internships & Co-ops (Global Banking, Tech)
Overview: Paid internships in finance, corporate functions and technology (including Tangerine).
Qualifications: Enrolled student; interest/skills aligned to role.
Timeline: Seasonal postings (Winter/Summer/Fall).
Paid? Yes. Mode: Hybrid/on-site. Locations: Toronto and other hubs.
16) PwC Canada — Summer & Co-op Roles (Consulting/Assurance/Tax)
Overview: Paid internships across lines of service with national intake cycles.
Qualifications: Undergrad/grad students; program-specific criteria.
Timeline: “Summer 2026” and similar postings appear on PwC Careers; apply early.
Paid? Yes. Mode: Hybrid/on-site. Locations: Canada-wide.
How International Students Can Qualify (Quick Checklist)
- Confirm your co-op work permit if the internship is part of your program, or ensure you meet off-campus work rules.
- Prepare a Canadian-style résumé and tailored cover letter.
- Apply early (Aug–Nov 2025 for Summer 2026) and track deadlines.
- Ask your school’s co-op/WIL office to support employer confirmations for permits.
