If you’re interested in government, policy, public administration, or digital transformation, a Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Internships is an excellent launchpad. Interning at TBS (Treasury Board Secretariat) gives you exposure to how Canada’s federal government manages spending, accountability, digital services, and workplace policies. It’s a chance to work on real-world projects that affect national operations, while developing skills in research, writing, analytics, communications, or administration.
These internships allow students and fresh graduates to see how government works from the inside: policy development, stakeholder consultation, data analysis, regulatory guides, and digital service improvement. Whether you’re studying political science, economics, computer science, communications, or any related field, you’ll gain insight and experience that many private-sector roles cannot match. If you’re serious about building your future, this is a great place to start.
| Category | Details |
| Organization Name | Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) |
| Industry | Federal Government, Public Administration, Policy, Digital Transformation |
| Headquarters | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Canadian Office Locations | Ottawa (main), with possible offices or branches in various federal government buildings nationwide |
| Website (Careers / Jobs) | https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca |
| Parent Agency / Role | Central agency; supports Treasury Board Ministers; helps regulate government management |
| Specializations | Policy development, digital government, expenditure management, public service frameworks |
Treasury Board Of Canada Secretariat Summer Internships Program
About Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) is a central agency in Canada’s federal government responsible for overseeing how public funds are spent, establishing management and administrative policies, safeguarding accountability and ethics, and guiding digital government and public service workforce issues. Headquartered in Ottawa, TBS plays a vital role in shaping national standards for government operations and setting direction on issues ranging from open data to inclusive hiring.
As students or fresh graduates, interning with TBS means participating in processes that ensure efficient government service, meaningful stakeholder engagement, or digital service delivery improvements. TBS values innovation, inclusion, transparency, and evidence-based policy. Working there offers you insight into how large governments balance competing priorities, adapt in fast-changing environments (especially in technology and public expectations), and manage complex policy landscapes.
Internship Program
TBS internships usually take several forms: summer positions, term (semester/co-op) placements, and targeted recruitment campaigns (e.g. for Indigenous students or other equity-seekers). Interns may work in departments such as policy research, government operations, digital government / IT, communications, administrative support, finance, or human resources.
Programs are meant for students in university or college, recent graduates, and sometimes graduate students. They serve freshers or those early in their career (no extensive work experience required). Interns may participate in federal initiatives aimed at inclusion or targeting under-represented groups. Many internship roles require strong analytical, communication, and writing skills; some require technical competences (such as understanding digital tools, data analysis, or basic tech skills).
Eligibility Criteria
Typical requirements include:
- Current enrolment in (or recent graduation from) a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution (university or college).
- Strong academic record and relevant coursework in policy, public administration, economics, digital studies, communications, or related fields.
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to work in a collaborative environment.
- Ability to produce clear, well-researched writing, analysis or summaries.
- For certain roles, comfort with data, digital tools, or technical aspects of policy or digital service.
- Must be legally eligible to work in Canada; university students might need proper work permits or federal student program eligibility.
- Understanding of or interest in public service values: transparency, accountability, inclusion.
Salary and Benefits
Based on available data (e.g. from Glassdoor), TBS internships are paid. Intern salary estimates are around CAD $38,000 ‒ $54,000/year depending on level, role, and experience.
Benefits often include:
- Mentorship from public servants with deep experience
- Training, workshops, and exposure to government policy / digital service development
- Opportunity for networking with senior officials and inclusion in government projects
- Access to public-service learning tools, and sometimes preferential consideration for future government roles
- Experience in real public sector processes (legislation, policy writing, stakeholder consulting, digital service review)
Common Internship Interview Questions & Sample Answers
Here are some of the questions you may face, plus ideas for what to emphasize:
| Question | What to Focus On in Your Answer |
| Why do you want an internship with the Treasury Board Secretariat? | Express interest in public service, policy, government transparency, digital transformation. Show what draws you to government and to the Secretariat. |
| Describe a research or writing project you have done. | Focus on structure, clarity, sources, relevance. If possible, policy or data-driven writing is helpful. |
| How do you handle deadlines and conducting careful, accurate work? | Emphasize organization, attention to detail, ability to review and revise work. |
| Can you give example of teamwork and collaboration (especially across departments)? | Highlight communication, coordination, listening, adaptability. |
| What digital tools or data experience do you have (if relevant)? | Mention Excel, R, Python, any policy simulation tools, digital service tools or data analysis you’ve used. |
| How familiar are you with public policy or federal government frameworks? | Show you’ve done some reading: policies, government reports, digital service standards, or transparency policies. |
| Where do you see yourself using this experience in your future career? | Explain how this internship aligns with your long-term goals (policy, administration, digital service, public sector). |
When do Treasury Board Internships open?
Internships with TBS often open in late winter / early spring (January–April) for summer placements. Academic term placements follow the university calendar (fall or winter co-op). TBS also runs targeted recruitment campaigns (for instance for Indigenous students or students from equity-seeking groups) at specific times of year. It’s best to check the TBS “Job Opportunities” page frequently.
How to Apply Treasury Board Of Canada Secretariat Internships?
Getting started with the TBS Canada Internship application is simple:
- Go to the official TBS careers site: Canada.ca / Treasury Board Secretariat – Job Opportunities.
- Look under “Students and New Graduates” or “Post-Secondary Recruitment” to find current internship postings.
- Read each job description carefully: note required education, essential qualifications, language requirements (English/French), and any technical or writing skills needed.
- Prepare a strong CV/resume highlighting relevant coursework, writing or research projects, technical skills, any volunteer or student leadership roles.
- Write a tailored cover letter: explain why public service, why government policy or digital services, and what you can contribute.
- Submit all required documentation (resume, transcripts, possibly writing samples) through the federal jobs portal before deadline.
- If shortlisted, prepare for interview(s) which may include behavioral questions, case scenarios or writing samples, and possibly technical or policy research tasks.
Internships Outline:
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Internships offer a rare chance for students and recent grads to see how the core of the Canadian federal government operates. With paid positions, mentorship, real policy and digital-government work, and strong learning opportunities, these internships help you build credible experience that many employers value. If you’re drawn to public policy, governance, transparency, or digital service, a TBS internship is one of the best ways to get started and build a meaningful career in public service.