International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) Internship Cohort 4 2026

Jointly implemented by the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) and the Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) has officially opened applications for Cohort 4. This funded international internship program offers young people from Canada the opportunity to gain meaningful professional experience through 4-month placements with partner organizations across Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Central America.

IYIP is designed to prepare Canadian youth for future employment and leadership by combining international work experience with structured training, mentorship, and post-placement reflection.

About the International Youth Internship Program

Launched in 1997, the International Youth Internship Program has supported over 7,000 Canadian youth to live, work, and learn abroad in the field of international development. The program focuses on skills development, cross-cultural learning, and career readiness while contributing to the work of local partner organizations worldwide.

IYIP is part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy and supports youth in building the experience and confidence needed for long-term employment or further studies.

The current 2023–2028 program cycle prioritizes providing transformative opportunities to youth facing barriers to employment, including youth with disabilities, Indigenous youth, racialized youth, and 2SLGBTQI+ youth.

Program Overview (Cohort 4)

• Program Type: Funded International Youth Internship

• Internship Duration: 4 months (in-person, abroad)

• Total Commitment: 5 months

• Placement Regions: Africa, Caribbean, Asia, Central America

• Eligible Age Group: 18–30 years

• Application Window: February 1 – February 21

Who the Program Is For

Cohort 4 is designed for youth who:

• Have faced barriers in accessing meaningful employment

• Are seeking to build new skills and gain international professional experience

• Are interested in contributing their knowledge and abilities in global contexts

• Are curious, open-minded, adaptable, and flexible

No prior international travel, education, or work experience is required to be successful in this program.

Program Structure & Commitment

IYIP is a fully funded, 5-month program consisting of:

• 1 month of pre-departure training

  • 3 weeks virtual training

  • 1 week in-person training in Canada

• 4-month international internship placement with a local partner organization

• 3-day post-internship debrief in Canada

All major program costs are covered, including airfare, visas, transportation, pre-departure and post-internship training. Interns also receive a stipend while abroad.

Partner Countries & Placements

The program works with Canadian and international partners across 15 countries. Internship assignments vary by cohort and partner organization, offering exposure to diverse areas of international development and community-based work.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be 18–30 years old at the start of the internship

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Not have previously completed an in-person IYIP placement

Priority is given to Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, and youth who experienced employment barriers due to COVID-19.

Information Sessions (Registration Required)

Applicants are encouraged to attend an information session to learn more about the program, placements, and application process:

• Thursday, January 29 – 11:00 am EDT / 12:00 pm ADT / 12:30 pm NDT

• Thursday, February 5 – 6:00 pm EDT / 7:00 pm ADT / 7:30 pm NDT

• Tuesday, February 17 – 7:00 pm EDT / 8:00 pm ADT / 8:30 pm NDT

Application Process

Step 1: Written Application
Applicants complete an online application designed to understand their interests, skills, and program fit. Applications are assessed on program understanding, alignment with placement opportunities, and demonstration of key qualities such as curiosity, adaptability, and open-mindedness.

Step 2: Introductory Interview
Shortlisted candidates participate in a conversational interview with program managers to further explore their experiences, interests, and readiness for the program.

Step 3: Placement Interview
Finalists interview with international partner organizations or subject-matter experts. Placement offers are ultimately determined by the international partners.

Cohort 4 Key Dates

• February 1 – 21: Application Window

• February 21 – March 15: Introductory Interviews

• March 15 – March 31: Placement Interviews

• April – Mid-June: Offers, paperwork, and visas

• June 15 – July 24: Virtual pre-departure training

• July 27 – 31: In-person pre-departure training

• August 3 – November 21: In-person international internship

Final Note

The International Youth Internship Program offers Canadian youth a rare opportunity to gain fully funded international work experience, develop transferable skills, and contribute meaningfully to global communities—while preparing for long-term career success.

APPLY