Applied Research Student Internship

Applied research is the practical use of readily available knowledge created by the basic (pure, scientific) research community. It is the use of known theories, methodologies, techniques, information, etc., in a systematic process aimed at solving a practical immediate need. It includes adaptation and/or incremental value added to bridge knowledge and theories to their practical application.

Internships are valued up to $12,500 per award and up to two (2) awards are available, per intern, per competition year. Internship terms are a duration of three (3) to six (6) months each per academic year. 

Internships are available to current students and recent graduates (up to two years from graduation). Interns can be nominated by a researcher, research unit or faculty engaged-in/planning research. 

All Saskatchewan Polytechnic faculty, researchers, and staff who identify students interested in participating in applied research projects are encouraged to nominate an intern. 

The researcher who provides a student nomination will serve as the student’s supervisor.  

OARI encourages the nomination of students from these equity-deserving groups:

• Black
• Differently abled (Deaf persons, persons with disabilities and persons living with mental illness)
• 2SLGBTQI+
• Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit)
• Persons of color
• Women

Eligible internships are:

• Three to six months in duration
• Full-time or part-time
• Meaningful work experience within the student’s career goals
• Can be a single applied research project or several throughout the internship

Here is what to expect when submitting your student nomination:

• Detail the internship activities:
  • The work the intern will undertake.
  • The mentorship and training they will experience.
• Nominations will be accepted while internship funds for the current fiscal year available. 
• The OARI committee will review all nominations and inform nominators of their application status.

Applied Research Student Internships will be selected based on:

• Quality of internship opportunity: mentorship, training, and work experience for interns in applied research activities.
• How this internship will help meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The creativity, knowhow, technology and financial resources from all of society is necessary to achieve the SDGs in every context.

Source: United Nations Development Programme: Sustainable Development Goals

Applied Research Internships funds are used for intern’s salary. Supervisors must establish an employment agreement with interns. Interns must be paid following a regular Sask Polytech payment cycle.

Funding cannot be used: 

• For positions already receiving salary from a research grant.
• For a currently filled position.
• Internship grant from another program delivery partner.

Applicants will be advised of results within one (1) week of the OARI committee meeting.

Applied Research Student Internship nominators/supervisors will be required to submit a brief report to the Office of Applied Research Student and EDII Research Coordinator, summarizing the success of the student intern’s participation in the research project. Including a statement from the intern about their experience.

Applicants complete the electronic application form and submit it to their dean’s office. The dean’s office will submit on behalf of the applicant to OARI.

Apply now