PSI START Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any fees to apply?

No.

Do I have to pay a fee to attend the ten-week online school, research internship, or the PSI START Bridge program?

No.

Is there any financial support?

Research interns will be paid through a Research Award. Perimeter Institute will also cover economy travel expenses between each intern’s home institution and Toronto Pearson Airport. Ground transportation from Toronto Pearson Airport to Perimeter Institute will also be provided. Interns will be provided with lunch on weekdays (excluding holidays) at Perimeter Institute.

While there are no participation fees for the online school, Perimeter Institute recognizes that participation in an online program may be a financial burden to some students. Financial support, such as IT equipment, is available to participants based on their needs.

If I’m uncertain whether I’m eligible to apply, what should I do?

Please contact psi-start@perimeterinstitute.ca.

How do I submit my reference letters?

Upon completion of the online application, the system will automatically contact your referees with details on how to submit their reference forms. Referees will be asked to evaluate your abilities and motivation, academic background, group collaboration skills, and commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.

What kind of visa do I need for the in-person research internship?

You need a visitor visa and/or eTA.

Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to take part in the in-person research internship?

You are required to be fully immunized against COVID-19 or to submit a request for an accommodation before the start of the internship. “Fully immunized” means you have received a full series of a vaccine or a combination of vaccines accepted by Health Canada or the World Health Organization AND received your last dose at least 14 days ago.

Is there a chance that the research internship will take place online rather than in person?

We hope to bring all interns to Perimeter, but if this is not possible due to COVID-19 then the research internship will take place online. We are taking direction from the Public Health Agency in Ontario, Canada, and will continue to update our website with any changes.

Will my chances of being selected for the online school change if I also apply for the internship? 

No. Applications will be considered based solely on your submitted application materials.

Are the internship positions awarded based on performance during the online school? 

No, internship positions will be awarded by the end of February 2022 and will be based on your online application.

Are the PSI START Bridge positions awarded based on performance during the online school? 

Yes, invitations to the PSI START Bridge program will be based both on your initial application and performance during the ten-week online school.