Finding the best paid internships in Canada for international students is one of the smartest ways to gain valuable work experience while supporting your living expenses abroad. Canada is not only famous for its world-class universities and welcoming environment but also for offering competitive internship opportunities across multiple industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, consulting, and engineering. For many international students, securing a well-paid internship is more than just a temporary job — it is a stepping stone toward building a professional network, gaining Canadian work experience, and improving the chances of landing a permanent role after graduation.
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Average Intern Salary & Top Earners
| Category | Pay Rate (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Average intern salary | ~ $23.19/hr | Reported across Canada |
| “Paid intern” positions | ~ $21.15/hr | Common in many cities |
| High-skill tech/finance interns | Up to $50/hr | Reported in Kitchener and similar hubs |
University Co-op & Internship Pay (by Institution)
| University | Typical Pay Range (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | $2,500 – $3,500/month | Depends on field & skillset |
| University of Waterloo | $2,500 – $3,500/month | Part of structured co-op programs |
| McGill University | Above minimum wage, often competitive | Funding and employer-paid internships available |
Minimum / Median / High Hourly Rates by Province
| Rate Level | Pay Rate (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum intern pay | ~$25/hr | Varies by region and role |
| Median intern pay | ~$35.70/hr | National median |
| High-level intern pay | ~$48.08/hr | Skilled/professional roles |
Government Student Rates of Pay (Canada)
| Academic Level | Pay Range (CAD/hr) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students | ~$18.84 – $28.30 |
| Graduate students | Typically higher, varies by program |
What “Best” Means in Context (Benchmark Figures)
To understand what a “best paid internship” is, here are some benchmarks you can aim for:
| Role / Field | Strong Internship Hourly Rates / Monthly Pay | What Makes It “Best” |
|---|---|---|
| Tech / Software / Engineering Co-op | CAD $25-50/hr depending on seniority, skills, remote vs in-office | High pay + strong learning + mentorship + possible conversion to full-time |
| Research / STEM Co-op at major universities | CAD $2,500-3,500 / month | Covers expenses, sometimes housing/travel support |
| Finance / Consulting Internships in Big Cities (Toronto, Vancouver) | ~ CAD $25+/hr or in upper-tier cases higher | High visibility + metric performance + networking opportunities |
More Top Paid Summer Internship Opportunities in Canada
| Internship / Program | Type & Field | Pay / Benefits | Location(s) | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pratt & Whitney Canada | Engineering Co-ops & Internships (Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing) | Paid; salaries vary by role & engineering level. From “Internship Global” listing. (Internship Global) | Greater Montréal area, QC & other sites | Strong reputation, good hands-on work, often with R&D or technical challenges. (Internship Global) |
| Bombardier | Aerospace, Systems Engineering | Paid co-ops; salary depends on discipline & experience. (Internship Global) | Montréal & surrounding regions | Big name in aerospace; long history of co-ops/internships. |
| Hatch | Engineering (Mining, Civil, Process, Metallurgy) | Paid; on-site or hybrid; good compensation for specialized roles. (Internship Global) | Offices in Mississauga, Vancouver, Montréal etc. | Offers cross-disciplinary exposure; good for students looking for roles in heavy industry or infrastructure. |
| MITACS Globalink Research Internship | Research program for STEM undergrad/grad students | Fully funded (travel, housing, stipend, expenses) (Mitacs) | Over 70 universities across Canada | Excellent program for international students; strong mentorship; research experience with universities. (Mitacs) |
| University Co-op / Internship Pay Averages | Across multiple fields | ~$2,500 to $3,500 CAD/month (for many engineering & tech co-ops) depending on the city and role. (AECC Global) | Major cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal, etc. | Co-op programs at universities like Waterloo, UBC etc. are well-structured and often guarantee co-op working experience as part of curricula. |
| Career Edge Organization | General paid internships for new graduates / international professionals | Paid; amounts depend on employer & role. (Wikipedia) | Canada wide (especially in big cities) | Especially good for those who are internationally qualified or recent grads; includes training & mentorship. |
| INKOMPASS (RBH) | Corporate / Marketing / Field Sales | Paid internship; specific pay not always public but competitive. (Inkompass) | Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg | Offers variety (marketing, finance, consumer, etc.), exposure to corporate environment + mentorship. |
Key Criteria That Make These Summer Internships Stand Out
- Comprehensive Compensation – Not just salary, but travel, housing, health benefits, and sometimes meal allowances (e.g. MITACS).
- Field Relevance & Growth – Internships in tech, engineering, research, aerospace, etc., tend to pay better than more general / entry-level roles.
- University / Co-op Support – Schools with co-op programs often facilitate applications, work permits, and ensure fairness in pay.
- Strong Mentorship & Networking – Internships that offer mentorship or chances to meet experts help a lot in future job chances.
- Flexibility & Eligibility – For international students, internships that align with co-op / work permit rules are essential. Programs that don’t require you to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident are more accessible.
Requirements & Eligibility for International Students
- You generally need a valid study permit and sometimes a co-op work permit if the internship is part of your curriculum.
- Your university/college may need to support your co-op/internship. Some programs are restricted to students in co-op streams.
- Strong academic performance, relevant skills (tech, communication, domain-specific), and proactive applications help.
Top Companies & Summer Programs That Pay Well
| Company / Program | Field(s) | Approx Pay / Benefits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Software, Operations, Tech | ~ CA$7,600/month for some roles (Scholarships World) | Good for undergrad & grad students; apply early. |
| Tesla | Engineering, R&D | ~ CA$5,500/month (Scholarships World) | Roles sometimes are 6–12 months. |
| Spotify | Tech, UX, Product | ~ CA$5,300/month (Scholarships World) | Skills & domain experience matter. |
| IBM Canada | Tech, Marketing, Research | ~ CA$4,700/month in some reports (Scholarships World) | Check location and role requirements. |
| Unilever | Business, Marketing, Supply Chain | ~ CA$4,500/month (Scholarships World) | Roles often in major cities like Toronto. |
| KPMG Canada | Finance, Business Services | ~ CA$4,100/month in some internships (Scholarships World) | Competitive; good grades & skills help. |
How to Apply for Paid Internships in Canada? (Step by Step)
| Step | Action | Tips for International Students |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Research Opportunities | Look for paid internships on portals like Job Bank, , LinkedIn, and directly on company career pages. | Use keywords like “paid internship Canada international students”. |
| 2. Check Eligibility | Verify if the employer accepts international students and if your study permit allows work (usually up to 20 hrs/week during term, full-time in breaks). | Confirm with your school’s International Student Office. |
| 3. Prepare Resume & Cover Letter | Tailor your resume to highlight skills, projects, and coursework relevant to the role. | Use a Canadian-style resume (no photo, concise, action verbs). |
| 4. Apply Online | Submit applications through company websites, university career portals, or government internship programs. | Apply early — popular roles fill fast. |
| 5. Network & Referrals | Attend job fairs, LinkedIn networking, and university workshops. | Many Canadian employers hire through referrals. |
| 6. Interview Preparation | Practice common questions (teamwork, problem-solving, technical skills). | Highlight your adaptability and international perspective. |
| 7. Secure Work Authorization | Most internships are allowed under your study permit, but co-ops may require a Co-op Work Permit. | Apply early if needed. |
| 8. Acceptance & Onboarding | Once hired, complete paperwork (SIN – Social Insurance Number, tax forms). | Make sure your offer letter clearly states paid internship terms. |