Summer Program for Students from Ukraine

Note: Although the application deadline has passed, eligible applicants are still encouraged to submit their application. We may be able to consider candidates for the current program and/or provide early notification for future program offerings.”

The University of Waterloo invites applications for its fourth Summer Internship Program for students at risk from Ukraine.

This program will run from May 5 to August 22, 2025, and is designed for students from Ukrainian universities whose studies have been affected by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Preference is given to students registered at Ukrainian universities in a fourth-year bachelor's and any level master's or doctoral programs for the current academic year (2024/2025). Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates interested in research fields associated with Engineering, Computer Sciences, and Mathematics, but all other specializations represented at the University of Waterloo will be considered.

The program will have a research and industrial stream. It will cover all travel expenses and will provide on-campus housing and a stipend.

About the University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo is one of Canada’s premiere research universities. It is consistently ranked #1 in Canada for experiential learning and graduate employment. The University of Waterloo offers leading research expertise in engineering, computer science, and mathematics, among a diverse portfolio of other programs.

Program Details: All students will be housed on campus with a meal plan.

The research stream is designed for students interested in graduate studies, and the students enrolled in this stream will work as full-time researchers in university laboratories with leading scientists in their field of specialization.

The industrial stream is intended for students interested in gaining professional experience in a corporate environment, where enrolled students will work as full-time interns with our corporate partner WSIB. The core areas of specialization will include customer experience, digital transformation, robotic process automation, data and analytics, web development, cloud engineering, and applied AI. Specific project topics will be matched with the skill set and educational background of successful applicants.

Although participants will complete the program in one of the two specified streams, they will be able to explore different graduate studies and professional career options at the end of the program.

Eligibility:

  • senior bachelor (3rd or 4th year), master or Ph.D. student as of Fall 2024
  • enrolled in the current academic year (2024/2025) at a Ukrainian university
  • specialization in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or other research area presented at the University of Waterloo
  • must have an overall GPA of at least 80% in their undergraduate studies and 85% for their graduate programs
  • strong English proficiency is required for efficient academic communications (approximate minimum levels: TOEFL ~80, IELTS ~6.5, Cambridge ~175, CAEL ~60, PTE ~60, EFAS ~75%, Duolingo ~110)

Duration: May 5, 2025 to August 22, 2025.

Funding: All essential travel, housing, and on-campus expenses are covered by the program. A stipend will be provided to all participants unless eligible external funding is available. The funding model will be the same for participants in research and industrial streams.

Application Process: After receiving the application for participation in the program, it will be reviewed by the program admin team. Those who pass the first selection stage will be invited for an online interview. Finally, selected participants will receive an acceptance letter and further instructions.

Documents required for submission (in English unless specified otherwise):

The documents listed below should be compiled in the specified order into one PDF file and uploaded as a single attachment.

  • Resume / CV
  • Academic transcripts for all programs (English or Ukrainian)
  • Personal statement (up to 300 words explaining your relevant experience, your interest in the program, and its connection to your career plans)
  • Academic recommendation letter
  • A copy of your English proficiency exam score (if available)
  • A copy of your Canadian visa/confirmation of visa application (if available)

You will be asked to provide the areas of research/industrial interest and, for research stream applicants, names of professors you would like to work with at the University of Waterloo. Please research this ahead of time to ensure a high success rate of matching with potential projects in the areas of your interest.

Timeline: Applicants are encouraged to apply at the earliest possibility as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The final application submission deadline is 9:00 am EST, Dec. 1, 2024. All applicants will be notified of the final decision on their application by Dec. 31, 2024.

Due to the current border crossing restriction in Ukraine, applicants should consult the current regulations to ensure that they can travel outside of the country.

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
Preferred summer program stream
Do you have a valid Canadian visa for the period of the internship?
If yes, please include a copy with your application.
Mandatory for research stream; can state N/A for industrial stream.
Mandatory for research stream; can state N/A for industrial stream.
Mandatory for research stream; can state N/A for industrial stream.

Resume / CV, academic transcripts, personal statement (up to 300 words explaining your relevant experience, your interest in the program, and its connection to your career plans), academic letter of reference, a copy of your English proficiency exam score (if available), and a copy of your Canadian visa/ confirmation of visa application (if available).
 


One file only.
100 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf.

FAQ

Find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the Summer Program for Students from Ukraine. 

Do you have questions that other students may want to know the answer to? Please submit your questions to starseng@uwaterloo.ca  

Please note: we do not endorse nor are we responsible for the content contained in external links and list them here as a courtesy. 

Expand Collapse

Program Overview

When does the program take place?

May 5th to August 22nd, 2025 Arrival dates for 2025 are May 3rd or 4th, with departures planned for August 23rd. 

Can I participate in this program remotely?

The program is only offered entirely in person. 

What activities can I participate in?

You will be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities organized for the program. 

Can I take classes as a visiting student?

No, you are a visiting student and not a registered student but your supervisor may allow you to attend a class unofficially. 

What do I do about my exams and/or defense at my home institution?

Be sure to make any arrangements needed to arrange timing of exams, defenses, etc. and let the Director know what arrangements need to be made. 

Supervision and Research

Can a Postdoctoral Scholar supervise me?

A Postdoc can be a daily supervisor, but a faculty member has to be the main supervisor. 

How will I be matched?

Research: if you are happy with the supervisor selections you have indicated we will try to facilitate a match asap. If you are not happy with the choices indicated, please up-date your choices asap. 

What if I don’t get a match with my choices?

You will be asked to indicate a second selection, and you will get access to the project selection repository of potential projects and supervisors. 

When will I know who I’ve been matched with?

Matching should be completed by April. 

Can I indicate more than three choices for supervisors?

Provide three choices initially, if you are not matched provide other potential supervisors when/if asked. 

How are projects determined?

Project assigned to you may be individual to your interests or can be shared with a group. In most cases a project will be related to the supervisors lab in which you will be working.  

Faculty members/supervisors can generally best define a proposed research project based on their research experience. 

Industrial stream students are matched later than research students. 

Industry groups will do presentations and you would attend the presentations and rank your top three selections. Matching would then follow this selection process. 

What are the outcome expectations from Research Supervisors?

Engagement and effort are key. Supervisors will indicate required deliverables. Labs in Canada are small. Students receive constant guidance from the supervisor or Postdoctoral scholars or senior students within a group. Communication with your supervisor is very important throughout your visit. 

Can I change my choice from Research to Industry and vice versa?

Once you have applied you cannot change for the time period of the program but opportunities to explore other options during your stay will occur.

I don’t remember who I selected as a possible supervisor what can I do.

You received a reply indicating your selections once you submitted them. Look for that email. 

Research and Industry students need to follow all application and registration requirements. 

Industry participants will have transportation provided for commuting, if out of town and lunches will be provided. 

Living Accommodation

Where will I live?

During your visit you will be housed and fed on campus in a dormitory with a meal plan. Your accommodations here will provide you with all necessities: bedding, towels, access to laundry facilities, and meals. You will need to bring your own basic hygiene products, clothing, and gadgets.  

Please let us know if you have any dietary or other accommodation needs. During your stay, you will reside at United College residence, located on the UW Campus grounds.  

What are the living arrangements?

General living arrangements are two participants per room. In the past, matches have been done with Ukraine students and Rising Stars program participants, based on questionnaires completed prior to matching. 

What do meal plans include?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided. Kitchen facilities for individual meal preparation are not included. Dorms will reach out to you regarding dietary restrictions. 

Please reach out via email with any special accommodations, or considerations. 

Can visitors stay with us?

No, accommodations are shared and can not facilitate guests. 

Do we have to provide referees?

No, you do not require references for the Summer program. However, references are required for application for admission to any full-time graduate programs. 

Visa and Documentation

What happens after my invitation letter is signed and returned?

You need to complete the registration requirements so you can get an Offer letter to begin the Visa application process. Canadian Visa application is very step by step, take care to follow all of the Visa application requirements. You will need a temporary visitor visa NOT a Work Visa or Study Visa  

Do I need to apply for my visa permit in person?

You should be able to apply for application on-line? However, you may have to go to visa office in person at some point. Information about processing times is available at the site indicated below. 

Application processing times will vary by your location. Check for a location close to you to apply for your Visa with a processing time less than 90 days. 

Do I need to show proof of financial status?

 You can indicate University of Waterloo as providing the financial support for your visit. You can also include your signed program invitation letter. You can provide an estimate of the program funding at ~10k if a monetary equivalent is required. 

What financial documentation do I include with my Visa application?

The  Letter of Acceptance I received should be uploaded under the Invitation Letter slot. 

The Letter of invitation should be attached under both the Proof of Financial Resource of Supporter and Proof of Means of Financial Support slots 

It is also advisable to include a cover letter to explain the points above with your application. 

Is there a specific deadline for obtaining my Visa?

Once we receive your signed letter of invitation, we will do our best to hold your spot in the program until you can obtain your visa. In short, when planning to get your visa, start as soon as possible to avoid delays. 

Can I start my Visa application once I receive my invitation letter?

No, you must have your Offer of Admission to begin the Visa application process. You may include both letters with your Visa application. 

What would be the best answer to indicate on purpose of your visit?

Not business or returning student. Choose the one most closely aligned with your visit. The likely choice would be to visit Canada as a tourist    

What do we indicate for funds associated with my visit, amount required?

You can indicate University of Waterloo as providing the financial support for your visit. You can also include your signed program invitation letter. You can provide an estimate of the program funding at ~10k if a monetary equivalent is required. 

Travel and Arrival

Where do I fly from?

Your travel should begin with a flight from the closest airport to where you have indicated your residence is located? 

I am studying in a country other than my home country, can I apply from here?

Apply from a country close to your current location. 

When can I arrive?

Arrival arrangements will be made for May 3 and departure will be August 23rd. 

Do I need a bank account in Canada to receive my finances?

You will open an account when you arrive and likely receive your stipend in total, at once. 

Communication

What communication channels are available?

WhatsApp chats will be set up for information sharing. 

How will I receive official communications?

The majority of communications from the University of Waterloo will be via email. Additionally, WhatsApp will be used for informal participant communication. 

Health and Insurance

Is health insurance required? Do we need to arrange that?

Health insurance will be provided by OHIP for those eligible. Those without insurance will be contacted and informed of the requirements once they arrive. 

Application Processes

Do I need a test of English Language proficiency to participate in this program?

You do NOT have to provide proof of English language proficiency for this program. However, you will be required to provide proof of language proficiency for an application to a full-time program of study only. 

Who do I contact with questions about my admission?

Please contact the admission contact indicated in your confirmation email for questions about the application process and any required documents.