Apply for the PICS Climate Internship Grant 2027 - up to $15,000 for B.C. organizations to hire a UBC, SFU, UNBC, or UVic climate intern.
Applications are officially open for the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) Climate Internship Program. PICS is a collaboration of four British Columbia universities - the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), and the University of Victoria (UVic) - and delivers this annual call with sponsorship from Coast Capital.
Eligible B.C. organizations can receive up to $15,000 to hire a student from a PICS university for a well-defined climate-action project. Internships run from late May to late August 2027. Hosts must hire their intern by 30 April 2027 so the student can join the launch workshop. Organizations apply by 20 November 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Students should watch the PICS careers page for internship postings between February and April 2027.
Quick Facts - PICS Climate Internship Grant 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Convening Organisation | Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) - UBC, SFU, UNBC, UVic |
| Sponsor | Coast Capital |
| Host Landmark | Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park & North Shore mountains - Vancouver, British Columbia 🇨🇦 |
| Award | Up to $15,000 toward intern salary and employment-related costs |
| Who Applies for Funding | Eligible organizations in British Columbia |
| Who Can Be Hired | Students at UBC, SFU, UNBC, or UVic only |
| Internship Window | Late May - late August 2027 (hire by 30 April 2027) |
| Organization Deadline | 20 November 2026 at 4:00 p.m. (Pacific) |
| Award Notifications | Mid-December 2026 |
| Student Job Postings | February - April 2027 on the PICS careers page |
| Official Gateway | Official PICS Climate Internship Application |
About PICS
The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions connects researchers, students, governments, Indigenous organizations, and communities across British Columbia. The Climate Internship Program funds practical student placements so host organizations can advance a climate goal while students gain paid, career-relevant experience. In 2026 the programme supported 30 B.C. organizations.
What the Grant Covers
- Up to $15,000 toward the intern’s salary and employment-related costs
- The host pays any amount above that ceiling
- Use recommended student research-assistant or co-op hourly rates as a fair-wage guide
Ineligible costs: overhead/administration, indirect cost recovery, and capital purchases (computers, equipment, furniture).
Eligible Host Organizations (British Columbia)
- Registered non-profit NGOs
- First Nations and Indigenous organizations
- Provincial government agencies and Crown corporations
- Local governments
- Cooperatives and social enterprises
- Private companies
Priority Projects
PICS prioritizes internships that:
- Deliver direct climate value or benefit to B.C. organizations or communities
- Offer a strong early-career development experience for a climate-related student
- Are likely to inspire further climate action or policy in other organizations or communities
Example intern tasks
- Literature, policy, and resource reviews
- Meetings, events, and community engagement support
- Field or desktop data collection and analysis
- New guidance or public information resources
- Draft reports, plans, recommendations, or presentations
How Applications Are Scored
| Criterion | Scoring |
|---|---|
| Direct climate value or benefit to communities/sectors | 1 - 5 points |
| Clear purpose, approach, and intended outputs | 1 - 5 points |
| Potential for broader impact through knowledge mobilization | 1 - 5 points |
| Clearly defined student role and responsibilities | Satisfactory / not satisfactory |
| Rooted in JEDI and reconciliation principles | 1 - 5 points |
PICS staff lead the review, with input from external technical experts.
Eligibility - Two Pathways
1. Organizations applying for the grant (deadline 20 November 2026)
Must be an eligible B.C. organization with a practical, time-bound climate project and a plan to supervise a student intern (including mentorship and, if relevant, fieldwork safety).
2. Students seeking an internship (postings February - April 2027)
Must be enrolled at UBC, SFU, UNBC, or UVic. Internships are not open to students at other universities. Watch the official PICS careers listings when hosts begin hiring.
Step-by-Step Application (Organizations)
- Read the official call: Open the PICS Climate Internship Program page and FAQs.
- Design a focused project: Define purpose, outputs, intern tasks (3 - 5 specific roles), supervision, JEDI/reconciliation approach, and knowledge-mobilization plans.
- Complete the online form: Use “Save and Resume” if needed. Submit before 20 November 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
- If funded: PICS sends an award letter. You recruit and hire a PICS-university student by 30 April 2027. The placement runs late May - late August 2027 in a cohort model.
- Questions: Email picsintern@uvic.ca.
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- UNESCO SCRS Research Continuity Grants for Africa 2026 (up to $2,000)
- EJN Virtual Media Workshops on the 30×30 Target and Marine Protected Areas 2027
- Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) 2026/2027
- African Climate Collaborative PhD Fellowships 2026 (UCT)
- CDC Public Health Informatics Fellowship Program 2027
- Global Leadership Dialogue 2027
- Browse all internships
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the organization application deadline?
Applications close on 20 November 2026 at 4:00 p.m. (Pacific). Decisions are expected in mid-December 2026.
Can students apply for the $15,000 grant directly?
No. Organizations apply for funding. Students apply later to the host’s internship posting (February - April 2027) and must attend UBC, SFU, UNBC, or UVic.
When do internships take place?
Late May to late August 2027. Hosts may extend (without extra PICS funds) if the student and PICS agree.
What can the $15,000 be used for?
Intern salary and employment-related costs only. Overhead and capital purchases are not eligible. The host covers any cost above $15,000.
