15 Best Undergraduate Internships in Canada 2026 for International Students
Undergraduate Internships in Canada 2026 for International Students
Why Focus on Undergraduate Internships?
Undergraduate internships in Canada offer invaluable professional exposure, skill-building, and networking opportunities across top industries. For international students, they support academic growth and enhance employability—especially in sectors like tech, research, healthcare, and public service.
Top Undergraduate Internship Programs for 2026
Note: Many of these programs open for application in mid-2025, with placements running in Summer/Fall 2026.
1) Mitacs Globalink Research Internship
Overview: Fully funded 12-week research internships at Canadian universities across disciplines—open to undergrads.
Qualifications: Undergraduate from eligible partner institution with strong academic record.
Timeline: Applications open 7 August–mid-September 2025. Internships run Summer 2026.
Paid? Yes—includes stipend, travel, insurance, and training. Mode: On-site. Location: Across Canada.
2) UBC Work-Learn International Undergraduate Research Awards
Overview: Paid research assistant positions for international undergrads at UBC.
Qualifications: International undergraduate students; apply via UBC Work-Learn.
Timeline: Applications open Winter 2025 for Summer 2026 term. Paid? Yes (stipend). Mode: On-site. Location: Vancouver, BC.
3) University of Waterloo Undergraduate Co-op & Internship Opportunities
Overview: Paid co-op work terms for Psychology, STEM, Business, and more.
Qualifications: Enrolled undergrad in co-op-eligible program; meet academic requirements.
Timeline: Enroll in 2nd year; job postings follow co-op schedule.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site/remote. Location: Waterloo area, plus remote options.
4) University of Guelph Co-op Programs
Overview: Paid co-op placements for undergrads in business, sciences, humanities, engineering.
Qualifications: Enrolled in Honours programs; meet co-op sequence and GPA.
Timeline: Applications via mySuccess in late fall for Summer 2026.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site. Location: Guelph, ON area.
5) Young Canada Works (YCW) – Summer Internships
Overview: Paid summer positions in heritage, tourism, arts, and government sectors for youth, including international students if permitted by institution.
Qualifications: Ages 16–30; host institution determines eligibility for internationals.
Timeline: Applications open Winter/Spring 2026 for Summer placements.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site. Location: Across Canada.
6) Science Horizons Youth Internship Program
Overview: Wage-subsidy placements in STEM-related fields for youth, including undergrads.
Qualifications: Recent post-secondary graduates or in final year.
Timeline: Employers recruit starting early 2026 for Summer/Fall 2026.
Paid? Yes (via subsidy). Mode: On-site. Location: Canada-wide.
7) Mitacs Accelerate (Undergrad-Friendly Projects)
Overview: Paid research collaborations between students and companies/universities. Undergrads can participate via supervisors.
Qualifications: Strong academic record; find a faculty or industry partner.
Timeline: Rolling; align project to Summer 2026.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site/hybrid. Location: Across Canada.
8) Career Edge Organization Internships
Overview: Paid roles for recent grads and internationally trained undergrads in business, admin, and community roles.
Qualifications: Completed undergrad degree or internationally qualified.
Timeline: Rolling recruitment throughout 2026.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site/hybrid. Location: Across Canada.
9) Universities’ Summer Research Assistantships
Overview: Paid RA roles available across disciplines at universities like McGill, UCalgary, Waterloo, Toronto.
Qualifications: Undergraduate students with academic and research interest.
Timeline: Posted in Winter 2025 for Summer 2026.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site. Location: Across institutions.
Search your university’s job boards or contact faculty directly.
10) USports Student Internships (Athletic Departments)
Overview: Paid internships in sports administration and marketing within Canadian University Athletic departments.
Qualifications: Undergraduate students in sport management, marketing, or related fields.
Timeline: Begin checking in Winter 2026 for Summer/Fall 2026 roles.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site. Location: Universities across Canada.
11) Paris 2024 Advancement Jobs (Cultural Internships)**>
Overview: Placement programs with heritage institutions aligned with international study and museum studies—led by Canadian and international organizations.
Qualifications: Undergrad students in humanities, arts, or communications.
Timeline: Apply in Spring 2026.
Paid? Sometimes stipend-based. Mode: On-site. Location: Canadian museums and institutions.
Visit museum websites for internships.
12) The Intern Group – Undergraduate Internships
Overview: Structured paid placements in Toronto across fields like media, marketing, psychology, UX, or business.
Qualifications: Undergraduate students. Apply through the platform.
Timeline: Rolling into 2026.
Paid? Often includes stipend. Mode: On-site or virtual. Location: Toronto.
13) AIESEC Global Talent (Undergrad Placements)
Overview: Paid internships spanning sectors (marketing, public health, research) in Canadian organizations.
Qualifications: Undergrad students, age 18–30.
Timeline: Rolling applications.
Paid? Usually stipend. Mode: On-site. Location: Canada-based host placements.
14) Language Assistant Programs (Undergraduate)
Overview: Paid assistantships in teaching or supporting language learning—useful for language/studies undergrads.
Qualifications: Language fluency; often bilingual candidates.
Timeline: Apply early 2026 for Summer/Fall 2026 terms.
Paid? Yes (hourly/stipend). Mode: On-site. Location: Across provinces.
15) Provincial Heritage & Tourism Internships
Overview: Paid summer roles in parks, museums, and conservation through programs like Young Canada Works.
Qualifications: Undergrad students in related fields.
Timeline: Spring–Summer 2026 postings.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site. Location: Across Canada.
Internship Application Tips for Undergrads
- Identify if the internship is part of a co-op or “scheduled break”—check your study permit eligibility.
- Apply early—many university programs open in late 2025; Mitacs opens August 2025; others follow academic terms.
- Use university co-op or experiential learning platforms (e.g., MySuccess, Work-Learn) for exclusive listings.
- Prepare a strong Canadian-style résumé, cover letter, transcript, and university support letters where necessary.
- Check for funding or stipends via national programs (Mitacs, science internships), university work-learn, or wage subsidy programs (Science Horizons).
- Network with faculty or co-op advisors for internal RA roles, especially at your university.
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