Internship Applications

Internship Applications

Applications for the 2026 program are now closed. Please stay tuned for information for the 2027 program.

To apply for the summer 2026 program, you need to:

  1. Check your eligibility below and provide proof of Indigeneity, i.e. a current Status or Membership card
  2. Review the available 2026 Research Projects and select your preferred three (Note: you may not be allocated any of your preferred choices)
  3. Complete and submit the application form.

Applicant Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the I-STEAM Pathways program, you will:

  1. Be a registered First Nations, Métis or Inuit undergraduate student attending a post-secondary institution in Canada and provide Proof of Indigeneity, as above. (Preference will generally be given to First Nations, Métis or Inuit resident in Alberta).
  2. Be enrolled in an undergraduate program. Students must have completed at least 1st year of post-secondary. (Proof of enrolment in an undergraduate program at a Canadian post-secondary institution will be required from those who are shortlisted for an interview.)
  3. Be willing and available to work as Summer Environmental Research Intern between May and August 2026 (shorter work periods may be possible upon negotiation with specific projects).
  4. Complete the application form through the link provided.

Note: As part of our two-stage selection process, only applicants who are successful in the first stage will be contacted to participate in an interview before the final selection is made.

Program Structure

  1. A paid, full-time summer research internship (12-16 weeks in duration), supervised by a University of Alberta faculty member who is an experienced researcher. Full funding for intern salaries (~$3000/month gross) is provided.
  2. A series of one-day seminars on environmental-related topics.
  3. An end-of-summer celebration of achievements in which students will present the research they engaged in during their internship and receive certificates.

Key Dates and Timelines

  • Background Context (Oct 2 – Nov 30, 2026): Faculty and project leads submit research project proposals to the I-STEAM team for review and approval.
  • December 2, 2026: Student internship applications & project list open. The student application portal opens. Browse available research projects online and submit your application.
  • January 15, 2027: Application Deadline. The student application portal closes and initial screening begins. Applicants advancing to the interview stage will be contacted (proof of Indigeneity required).
  • Late January – Late February, 2027: Interviews & Project Matching. Shortlisted candidates participate in interviews with program leads and project supervisors to determine placement fit.
  • February 26, 2027: Placement Notifications. Applicants successfully matched with a project and supervisor will receive placement offers starting on this date.
  • May – August, 2027: Internship Term. Paid summer research placements take place (typically 16 weeks in length).

If you have any questions regarding the application and selection process, please contact us at isteam@ualberta.ca