Overview

Applications for the Ontario Internship Program (OIP) are open! Submit an application before January 30, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. EST.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for OIP, you must meet the following requirements at the time you receive a job offer:

  • You are not currently an OIP intern and have not been one in the past
  • You have graduated or will complete the requirements to graduate within the last 2 years (May 2024 to August 2026) from a recognized or legally authorized college or university with a:
    • degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral)
    • diploma (Ontario College Diploma or Advanced Diploma, or an equivalent credential from another jurisdiction)
    • post-graduate certificate (Ontario College Graduate Certificate or an equivalent credential from another jurisdiction)
  • You are legally entitled to work in Canada for the duration of the internship.
    • For example, Canadian citizenship, permanent residency or a valid work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
  • You are living in Ontario during the internship

Visit the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials website to confirm that your school and program of study are recognized in Canada. You will need to provide proof of your academic credentials before the internship begins.

  • If you do not meet the eligibility requirements, your application maybe disqualified or your job offer may be withdrawn.

If your credential is from outside Canada, you must provide an assessment showing it is equal to an eligible Canadian credential.

Extended eligibility

You may qualify for extended eligibility if you self-identify as belonging to one or more of the following groups:

  • Bilingual (English and French)
    • You must be proficient in oral and written French
  • Indigenous (First Nations, Inuk or Métis)
  • Persons with disabilities

If you qualify under extended eligibility, you must have graduated within the last 5 years (May 2021 to August 2026).

Recruitment timelines

The Ontario Internship Program (OIP) follows a structured recruitment process that begins in December and continues through the summer of the following year. Each stage is designed to match you with a placement that fits your skills, interests and education.

Application submission (December to January)

  • Submit an online application. Only one application per candidate is accepted.
  • Complete a preference survey and upload your resume to find the best placement match.

Application screening (January to February)

Applications are reviewed and assessed using a fixed criteria that reflect the skills and knowledge needed for each focus area.

Assignment (February to March)

Selected applicants will complete a mandatory assignment to show key public service skills such as:

  • analytical reasoning
  • organizational awareness
  • written communication

Virtual interviews (April to May)

  • Interviews will be conducted in English.
  • If you are applying for a bilingual placement, you will also complete a separate French testing.

Conditional job offers (May) 

  • If you pass the interview stage, you will receive a conditional job offer.
  • You must submit an official academic transcript or graduation confirmation from your Registrar’s Office.
  • A conditional offer does not guarantee employment.

Job offers (June)

  • Job offers are extended to top candidates whose knowledge, skills and interests match available placements.
  • You must meet all educational requirements and submit proof of program completion.
  • Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

Eligibility verification (July to August) 

You must provide original documents that prove you are legally entitled to work in Canada.
Examples:

  • Proof of Canadian citizenship
  • Proof of permanent residency in Canada
  • Work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

First day of placement (September) 

Successful applicants will start their internship between August and September.

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