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FAQs for Students

Internship Criteria

Can my internship exceed 3 months?Ìý

You may extend your internship beyond the 3-month period. However, the additional work period will be considered outside of the range of the Doctoral Internship Program and arrangements must be made between yourself and the internship supervisor.

How many hours a week should I work during an internship?

The intern may work the legal maximum each week, which is dependent on their immigration status within the country of work. 15 to 29 hours per week is considered part-time, while 30 hours and above per week is considered full-time. International students are typically allowed to work a maximum of 24 hours per week. Please consult International Student Services for more information.

What is considered to be high level work?Ìý

As this internship program solely supports doctoral students, the level of work should be appropriate to your advanced skills and expertise.

Can IÌýdo an internship at ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ?

The purpose of the Doctoral Internship Program is to give students learning experiences outside of their current network. However, should you find an internship opportunity at ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ that respects all eligibility criteria, please contact graduatefunding.gps [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Doctoral%20Internship%20Program) (GPS) for a case-by-case review. Note that internships or practicums that are a requirement for degree completions are NOT eligible for funding under the Doctoral Internship Program.

Can I do an internship after I defend my thesis?

No, this program is for students who have submitted their initial thesis but have not yet defended, and have yet to submit their final e-thesis.

Are international students eligible for the Doctoral Internship Program?

Yes, however, please note that International students on study permit are typically allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week if undertaking an internship in Canada (consultÌýInternational Student ServicesÌýfor more information regarding weekly work hours). Please contact GPS should you have other questions regarding your eligibility for the program.Ìý

Finding an Internship

How far in advance do I need to apply for an internship?

Contact the potential host organization as soon as possible. Some organizations interview candidates months prior to the start date of the internship.

How do I knowÌýif a company/organization is legitimate?Ìý

  • An indicator of a genuine organization is its reputation. Is it well known and respected by the general public, or within the industry?
  • The company/organization should not be asking students for a fee or payment to become an intern.
  • The company/organization may have an official internship program.
  • Internships may be in the private or public sector, for a non-for-profit or inter-governmental organization.

Can I apply for more than one internship?

Yes, maximize your chances by applying to as many organizations/internships as you can!
However, remember that you can only do one internship under the Doctoral Internship Program, so choose wisely before submitting your application to GPS!

What resources are available to help me findÌýan internship?

GPS has compiled a Database of Doctoral Internships. A list of resources offered to you as a ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ student is also available on the student information page.

Application and Review Process

When is the deadline for submitting an application to GPS?

The application should be submitted to GPS at least 2 months in advance of the proposed internship start date

After I have submitted my internship application, how long will it take before I hear back from GPS?

Please allow for a period of up to 4 weeks for a review.

Will GPS notify my host organization once the internship has been approved?

Yes. GPS will notify you, and the host organization.

Funding

How and when will I receive payment?

You will receive payments directly to your bank account. Please ensure that your direct deposit information on Minerva is up to date.
The disbursement schedule for a full-time 3-month internship, for example, will be as follows:

  • $2000 on the start date of the internship
  • $2000 one month after the start of the internship
  • $1900 two months after the start of the internship
  • $100 upon receipt of the final internship report

In case of a prorated award, the disbursements will be prorated accordingly.

Am I eligible for funding under the Doctoral Internship Program if I am receiving a fellowship?

Please consult your Award Holder’s Guide.

Can my internship be paid by the host organization (internship site)?

We encourage you to accept any internship opportunity that will prepare you for your future career. However, if you receive funding from the host organization, your GPS funding may be prorated accordingly. That is, internships funded by the Doctoral Internship Program will be limited to a maximum of $2,000 per month, including remuneration from the host. If the host organization is offering $2,000 per month or more, the internship will not be eligible for funding from this program.

Note that non-monetary benefits (housing, etc.) may be offered by the host organization. These benefits may be considered additional to the $2,000/month maximum upon approval by GPS.

If my internship is paid by the host organization, do I need to apply for the Doctoral Internship Program?

We recommend that you still apply to the Doctoral Internship Program, as it is a way for ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ to offer advice and support during your internship.

Internship Responsibilities

After my internship has been accepted by ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ, do I need to do or submit anything else before the start of the internship?

All doctoral interns will be expected to complete the course, Preparing for Your Internship on myCourses.Ìý

Do I have to complete a report after my internship?

Yes, upon completion of your internship, you will be required to submit a final internship report. Students participating in a longer internship (more than 3 months) will be asked to submit at the end of the 3rd month of their internship.

What is the deadline to submit the final internship report?

You should submit your final report within 2 weeks of finishing your internship. Late reports may affect your funding. Students participating in a longer internship will be asked to submit at the end of the 3rd month of their internship.

What happens if I do not submit my final report?

If you do not submit the report before the deadline, the final payment will be withheld.

What happens if my internship ends sooner than expected?

Should your internship end sooner than expected, please contact GPS immediately for a review of your case. The funding you receive from GPS may be prorated accordingly.

Internships Abroad

Can I do my internship in a foreign country?

Yes, we encourage you to expand your horizons as much as possible. Please remember to in order to obtain the proper immigration and work permits in time.

Do I need special documentation to work in a foreign country?

Yes. The nature of the documentation will depend on your citizenship/immigration status in the country. For more information, please visit the or consult your internship supervisor about country specific-requirements.

How long does it take to obtain proper immigration and work documentation?

This process can take a long time. Please start applying for proper documentation as soon as possible.

Will ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ assist me with the visa/work permit application?

No. It is your responsibility to apply for the appropriate legal documentation.

Who is responsible for my travel expenses?

You are responsible for your own travel expenses. However, you may be eligible for a Graduate Mobility Award (GMA). Approval of your application to the GMA will be at the discretion of your Academic Unit.

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Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ.

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