15 Hospital Internships for Undergraduates in Toronto
- Stephen Turban
- 3 days ago
- 10 min read
If you’re an undergraduate student in Toronto aiming to build a healthcare career, a hospital internship can be one of the most effective ways to gain real experience while still in school.
Toronto is home to some of Canada’s most respected hospitals and medical research centers. Interning at one of them means working in a place with a strong reputation, taking on real responsibilities, and learning directly from professionals in the field.
These internships also add weight to your resume. Employers and graduate programs look for candidates who have handled real work in a professional setting. A hospital internship shows that you are capable, committed, and ready for more. You’ll get industry exposure, build practical skills, and have experiences you can talk about in applications and interviews.
With that, here are 15 hospital internships for undergraduates in Toronto! If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
15 Hospital Internships for Undergraduates in Toronto
Location: Unity Health Toronto – St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON
Cost: Free; positions may be paid depending on the supervisor's funding
Dates: Typically runs May–August for 12–16 weeks
Application Deadline: Placements are finalized on a rolling basis, typically between January and April.
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and medical students; international students may apply with a valid Canadian work permit
The Keenan Research Summer Student (KRSS) Program places you in active hospital-based research at Unity Health Toronto’s St. Michael’s Hospital under the supervision of a Principal Investigator. You’ll contribute to ongoing clinical or laboratory projects, learning essential research methods and their applications to patient care. You’ll work closely with scientists and physicians, gaining mentorship and exposure to multidisciplinary hospital research. The program emphasizes hands-on involvement, from data collection and analysis to attending research seminars and potentially presenting your findings.
Location: The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, ON
Cost: Free; positions may be paid depending on funding from the supervising scientist.
Dates: Runs for up to 15 weeks between May and August; exact dates vary by supervisor.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in December. Most offers are finalized by March or early April.
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and medical students; applicants must secure a research position with a SickKids Research Institute scientist.
The SickKids Summer Research (SSuRe) Program offers you a chance to join a leading pediatric hospital research institute for a full summer of hands-on scientific training. You will work under the supervision of a SickKids Research Institute scientist, contributing to an ongoing research project in a clinical or lab-based setting. The program includes weekly seminars by hospital scientists, a Career Night to network with researchers, and culminates in a Summer Student Symposium where you present your work. Throughout the 15 weeks, you gain exposure to cutting-edge pediatric research and develop practical skills in experimental design, data analysis, and professional scientific communication.
Location: University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON.
Cost: Free; positions may be paid depending on the supervisor and funding source
Dates: Runs from May to August; exact dates vary by supervisor
Application Deadline: Students are advised to contact potential supervisors and apply as early as December–January; positions are usually finalized by spring
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate, graduate, medical, college, and health professional students.
The UHN Summer Training and Research (STAR) Program gives you the chance to conduct supervised research at Canada’s largest hospital network, spanning multiple specialized hospital sites and research institutes. You’ll work under the guidance of a UHN scientist, engage in summer-long research, and attend structured learning sessions on research integrity, networking, and professional development. The program culminates in UHN STAR Research Day, where you will present your work to the research community and can earn a certificate of completion. You will also gain access to workshops, career talks, and mentorship opportunities through the Office of Research Trainees.
Location: Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON
Cost: Paid positions; Most roles are full-time at 37.5 hours per week
Dates: Runs for 12–16 weeks during summer (May–August).
Application Deadline: Applications open in January. You should apply early due to high demand.
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate, graduate, and health professional program students; funding streams are available for applicants from equity-deserving groups through the Emily Stowe Scholar Program.
Designed to introduce you to the research process early in your academic journey, the Summer Student Research Program (SSRP) combines hands-on project work with structured panels, mentorship sessions, and professional development opportunities. You’ll explore key aspects of women’s health research, attend networking events, and deliver a final presentation on your summer project. You’ll benefit from a supportive training environment that emphasizes mentorship and the development of essential research skills.
Location: Michael Garron Hospital, Toronto, ON.
Cost: Free
Dates: Vary depending on placement type; available throughout the year
Application Deadline: You must apply through your university or college. Deadlines vary by institution and program
Eligibility: Open to students in nursing, medicine, allied health, administration, and operations programs. You must be enrolled in a recognized placement course.
Michael Garron Hospital Student Learner Placements give you hands-on experience in a community hospital setting through unpaid academic placements. You can work in administrative departments such as finance, operations, and communications, where you’ll learn how hospitals manage budgets, resources, and service delivery. You’ll be mentored by experienced staff and gain exposure to organizational strategy, health economics, and nonprofit management. The program integrates academic learning with real-world practice and includes onboarding, supervision, and access to professional development.
6. Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) – University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Location: Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Cost: Free; positions may be paid depending on the supervisor and funding
Dates: June–August; approx. 12 weeks
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in winter; final selections are announced in early spring
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate science students and first- or second-year medical students who do not hold a graduate degree. Minimum GPA requirements apply.
The University of Toronto Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) gives you the chance to work on biomedical research projects with top faculty and hospital-based scientists. You’ll spend June to August in a lab or clinical setting, analyzing data, joining journal clubs, and attending weekly seminars on topics like molecular biology, cognitive science, and bioethics. You’ll present your findings at Research Day in mid-August, where you can earn awards for excellence. The program builds your research, communication, and project management skills, important for careers in healthcare, biotech, or public policy.
Location: Sinai Health (Mount Sinai Hospital and Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital), Toronto, ON
Cost: Free; some roles, like as clinical externships, are paid
Dates: Placements are offered year-round and vary in length depending on your academic program and supervisor
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by placement type and academic partner institution; students should apply through their school or Sinai Health job boards
Eligibility: Open to students in affiliated academic programs across nursing, physiotherapy, medicine, allied health, administration, and operations.
Sinai Health Student and Early Career Placements let you gain hands-on experience at Mount Sinai Hospital and Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital through academic placements in clinical and administrative roles. You’ll work alongside healthcare professionals in areas like patient care, hospital operations, and medical office administration, building skills in teamwork, communication, and service delivery. Nursing and physiotherapy students may qualify for paid clinical externships.
Location: Baycrest Health Centre (Virtual)
Cost: Free; Interns are paid biweekly at Ontario's minimum wage for 32.5 hours per week, contingent on full attendance
Dates: May 26 – June 20 (4 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 23
Eligibility: Open to current healthcare students, recent graduates, and aspiring clinicians interested in aging and long-term care.
The Baycrest Virtual Interprofessional Internship in Innovation & Aging is a four-week paid online program that introduces you to aging and long-term care through a healthcare innovation lens. You’ll join small-group sessions, complete simulation-based activities, and work on a capstone project co-designed with older adults and Baycrest leaders. You’ll build skills in gerontology, interprofessional teamwork, and service design while using tools like LIPHA, a game-based simulation platform for healthcare learning.
Location: Michael Garron Hospital, Toronto, ON
Cost: Free; paid temporary full-time position (37.5 hours/week)
Dates: Typically offered during summer and academic breaks; duration depends on the department’s needs
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary; students should apply through the MGH Careers portal
Eligibility: Open to students enrolled in a relevant post-secondary program. Business and accounting students may also be eligible for certain lab-related roles.
Michael Garron Hospital Laboratory Student Placement gives you hands-on experience in microbiology and diagnostic lab medicine at a leading community teaching hospital. You’ll assist with sample processing, quality control, and clinical workflows that support patient care, all under professional supervision. You’ll build practical lab skills, strengthen your critical thinking, and learn how hospital labs contribute to healthcare delivery. The placement also focuses on confidentiality, communication, and teamwork in a real clinical setting.
Location: Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON
Cost: Free; placements are typically unpaid and coordinated through academic programs
Dates: Available year-round; duration varies by academic requirement
Application Deadline: Deadlines are set in coordination with partner universities and colleges; students must apply through their academic institution or contact the placement coordinator.
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students in health disciplines such as medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, psychology, nutrition, and allied health programs.
Toronto Rehab Medical Student Placements let you work directly with patients in Canada’s largest adult rehabilitation and complex continuing care hospital. You’ll train under clinical faculty and preceptors, many affiliated with the University of Toronto, and gain experience in medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other disciplines. You’ll learn how rehabilitation teams manage patient recovery, apply evidence-based practices, and coordinate care across hospital departments.
Location: William Osler Health System (Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital, Peel Memorial Centre), Toronto Metropolitan Area, ON
Cost: Free; paid positions at minimum wage
Dates: May 5 – August 26
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students with at least two years of post-secondary education completed, ideally in a health-related discipline.
ORIHI Summer Student Research Program (SSRP) gives you 15 weeks of paid experience designing and conducting a research project with Osler clinicians. You’ll work full-time across hospital sites like Brampton Civic, Etobicoke General, and Peel Memorial, contributing to real clinical studies that support patient care and hospital operations.
You’ll handle ethics submissions, collect and analyze data, and present your findings at the ORIHI poster day in August. You’ll also attend bi-weekly education sessions on research methods, regulatory processes, and data tools like Excel and PowerPoint. Mentorship comes from clinical supervisors and research staff.
Cost: Paid internship
Location: Humber River Hospital, Toronto, ON
Dates: Varies widely. Some roles are summer-only, others are part-time during the academic year.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to current undergraduate or graduate students and recent graduates in relevant healthcare-related fields. Strong academic record, passion for healthcare, and excellent communication skills required.
The Humber River Hospital Internship Program gives you rotational experience across departments like nursing, administration, research, and technology. You work on collaborative projects tied to hospital goals and gain exposure to advanced healthcare practices. You attend workshops, seminars, and professional development sessions while building both technical and soft skills. You’re paired with mentors and encouraged to contribute ideas, engage with multidisciplinary teams, and explore different career paths in healthcare.
Cost: Paid positions available (varies by role; some placements may be unpaid depending on program funding)
Location: Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital & Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, Ontario (Greater Toronto Area)
Dates: Typically posted in spring; durations vary by placement type
Application Deadline: Varies by posting; generally opens in spring each year
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students in healthcare-related disciplines (e.g., nursing, medical imaging, pharmacy, administration) as well as some non-clinical fields. Strong communication skills, teamwork, and an eagerness to learn in a hospital setting are expected.
Mackenzie Health Student Placements let you explore hospital work up close. You can try out roles in nursing, pharmacy, medical imaging, office admin, or even food services. Depending on the department, you might get to focus on a specialty area, too. You’ll work with hospital staff, learn how patient care works, and build real-world skills. There’s mentorship, chances to grow professionally, and ways to make a real impact. Some placements are part of your college or university program, and others are funded through things like Canada Summer Jobs.
Cost: Paid and unpaid placements, depending on role and department
Location: Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON
Dates: Offered year-round; duration varies by placement type
Application Deadline: Varies by department and role
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students in healthcare-related fields, including nursing, medicine, allied health, and select non-clinical disciplines. Applicants must be enrolled in a recognized academic program with placement requirements.
Women’s College Hospital Student Placements give you hands-on experience in clinics, research, and admin roles. You might work in nursing, medicine, health equity, or innovation projects, always alongside expert staff who care deeply about person-centred care. You’ll learn by doing, build professional skills, and get mentorship in one of Canada’s top academic hospitals. The hospital hosts over 1,400 learners each year and is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.
Cost: Paid; $17.88/hour (post–year 1), $18.96/hour (post–year 2), $20.51/hour (post–year 3+), including 4% vacation pay
Location: Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON
Dates: May–late August
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students with at least a B+ average in their most recent year of study. Applicants must be enrolled in a university program or have recently graduated with a clear intention to pursue medical research. International students are eligible if their visa permits.
Sunnybrook Research Institute Summer Student Research Program gives you hands-on experience in hospital-based research. You’ll start with an orientation, attend weekly seminars led by top researchers, and present your work at the Summer Student Poster Competition in August. You’ll work closely with a supervisor on a real medical research project and get to explore Sunnybrook’s interdisciplinary research environment. Funding is available through the competitive SRI Summer Studentship Award, which supports top applicants.
Bonus - Ladder University Internship
Location: Remote
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort. Spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), and winter (November)
Eligibility: Can work for 5 – 10 hours/week for 8 weeks; college students and young professionals!
The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, fully virtual internship for college students who want hands-on experience with high-growth startups. You can explore industries like tech, AI and machine learning, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You’ll be matched with a startup based on your interests and work on a real-world project that helps solve a challenge. Throughout the internship, you’ll be supported by a manager and a company coach who act as mentors. You’ll learn how startups operate, build practical skills, and present a final solution at the end of the program.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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