Applications are now open for the 2026–27 Parliamentary Internship Programme (PIP), running from 1 September 2026 to 30 June 2027. PIP offers a unique, full-time professional development opportunity for highly motivated graduates interested in Parliament and Canadian politics.
Applicants are encouraged to review the “What is PIP?” page and all application information carefully before applying. There is no cost to submit an application. Candidates selected for the Programme will be required to pay a $125 non-refundable application processing fee to the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC).
Key Dates
- Application deadline: January 31, 2026
- Reference letters due: February 4, 2026
- Interviews: February–early March 2026
- Final selections announced: March 2026
- Programme duration: September 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Applications cannot be edited after submission.
Information Webinars
The Programme will host information webinars in early January where current and former interns will discuss their experiences and answer questions about the application process.
- English webinar: Monday, January 5, 2026, 12:00–13:00 EST
- French webinar: Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 12:00–13:00 EST
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria by September 1, 2026:
- Hold Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree (a CEGEP diploma alone is not sufficient)
- Be available to work full-time from September 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027
Full bilingualism is considered an asset but is not required.
Selection Criteria
Candidates are assessed based on the following competencies:
- Maturity and self-awareness
- Motivation
- Research and writing abilities
- Academic achievement and/or potential
- Critical thinking skills
- Leadership
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Organizational skills
- Knowledge of Parliament and Canadian politics
- Language skills
Referees are asked to address these criteria directly in their letters.
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted through the secure online PIP application system. Hard copy or emailed applications will not be accepted.
Applicants must provide:
- Contact details
- Education history, grants, and scholarships
- Employment experience
- Extracurricular and volunteer activities
Applicants must also submit the following documents:
- Personal Statement (maximum 400 words): outlining how the applicant anticipates contributing to and benefiting from the Programme
- Approach to Teamwork Statement (maximum 400 words): describing experience working with colleagues holding differing priorities or perspectives
- Academic transcripts (official or unofficial, PDF or JPG format)
- Letters of reference: at least two referees are required
- One academic referee (professor, instructor, or teaching assistant)
- One professional referee (employer or volunteer supervisor)
- A third referee may be added optionally
Applicants are responsible for ensuring referees submit their letters by the deadline.
The use of artificial intelligence tools is not permitted for preparing the Personal Statement or Approach to Teamwork responses. All submissions will be reviewed for compliance.
Selection Process
The Selection Committee, composed of representatives from the Canadian Political Science Association, the House of Commons, and the Parliamentary Internship Programme Alumni Association, will review all complete applications.
- A shortlist of 25 candidates will be invited to interviews
- 12 successful candidates will be selected
- Selected candidates must formally apply to the University of Ottawa through OUAC and pay the required $125 fee
How to apply
Apply here.
Questions and Support
- For technical or application process questions: pip-psp@parl.gc.ca
- For questions about life in the Programme or application advice: alumni-anciens@pip-psp.org
- For technical issues with the application system: IT@pip-psp.org
The Parliamentary Internship Programme (PIP) 2026–27 is a prestigious, full-time opportunity for graduates with a strong interest in Canadian Parliament and public service. Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, the Programme combines professional experience, academic engagement, and leadership development. Applications close January 31, 2026, with internships beginning September 1, 2026.
For more opportunities, click here.
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