This is the CNiP portal. Learn more at volunteeralberta.ab.ca.

Student FAQs

Applying

I want to be a CNiP intern! What do I do next?
The first step is simple, apply! Visit our application page, confirm your eligibility, fill in the form, and choose your password. As soon as you’ve created a login name and password, you can see the full internship descriptions and apply for internship opportunities through the website.

Am I eligible?
In simple terms, if you are a student attending a public post-secondary institution in Alberta you most likely qualify. Please check out our eligibility criteria for full details.

Eligibility

My college is not listed on the website as an eligible institution. Can I participate in CNiP?
Only students registered at the 26 publicly funded institutions in Alberta listed on the website are eligible. You must be enrolled at one of these schools to qualify for CNiP.                                                                   

I recently graduated from an eligible post-secondary institution. Can I apply?
It depends. You must be enrolled in an eligible program at an eligible post-secondary institution at some point during the academic year in which your internship begins (August 1st – July 31st). Therefore, students graduating school in December or April will continue to be eligible to begin an internship until July 31st of that same academic year.

I am starting post-secondary school next semester. Am I eligible for an internship?
You must be enrolled in an eligible program at an eligible post-secondary institution at some point during the academic year in which your internship begins (August 1st, 2023 – July 31st, 2024).

Therefore, students beginning school in September are eligible to begin an internship as early as August 1st of that same year (2023-2024). Students beginning school in January are also eligible to begin an internship on August 1st.

Please note that if you choose to begin an internship before you begin school, and then choose not to go to school, you forfeit your CNiP eligibility and will not receive your award.

I am not enrolled in full-time classes or a degree program. Am I eligible for an internship?
You are eligible for CNiP as long as you are enrolled in at least one class in a for-credit degree, diploma or certificate program at an eligible post-secondary institution during the academic year in which your internship begins (August 1st, 2023 – July 31st, 2024).

Open studies, continuing education and non-credit courses do not qualify a student for CNiP.

I am a student attending one of Alberta’s 26 qualifying post-secondary institutions but I am not a permanent resident of Alberta. Can I apply?
Yes! Permanent residency is not required! If you are student living in Alberta and attending one of Alberta’s qualifying 26 post-secondary institutions, you are eligible to apply for any of the CNiP opportunities. If you are an international student, you must have a Study Permit.

My permanent residence is in Alberta, but I go to school outside the province. Can I do an internship?
No, unfortunately you are not eligible. Students have to be registered at one of Alberta’s qualifying 26 post-secondary institutions.

I am currently in high school, am I eligible for an internship?
Unfortunately, no. You must be attending one of the 26 publicly funded Albertan post-secondary institutions in order to be eligible for CNiP. Once you begin an eligible program at one of these institutions, you will be accepted into CNiP.

Internship Details

I already volunteer somewhere. Can I get a CNiP award?
CNiP awards are only awarded to students who complete an approved CNiP internship with one of the program’s partners. No other positions are eligible for a CNiP award.

Can an intern do more than one project?
An intern can work on more than one project at their host organization, but students are only permitted to complete one internship per program year (August 1st, 2023– July 31st, 2024), which means only one award per year.

What is the time requirement for an internship?
The duration of CNiP internships for this pilot are determined by the organization that you are volunteering for. The details of your internship are included in your agreement letter. All CNiP internships are intended to be part-time and flexible around a student schedule.

Are the internships paid?
All interns receive a financial award upon completion of an internship, no matter the length of the internship. CNiP interns cannot receive compensation beyond the award.

Can I use an internship for a co-op placement or for school credits?
No, you are not eligible for the CNiP award if you receive other forms of ‘compensation’ for your internship including school credits, fulfilling a class requirement, or a wage.

What do I do if I have concerns about my internship and/or the organization I'm interning with? 

We recommend using our conflict resolution procedure. We also recommend that you contact Volunteer Alberta at [email protected] if you have any serious concerns or issues with the organization.

Award Details

What do I have to do to get the award?
At the beginning of the internship, you and the organization you’re placed with will work together to create goals and deliverables. Once the internship is completed, you and the organization complete forms online. We then will notify the organization so that they can arrange your payment.

Who evaluates the student to determine if the award is given?
Internships are evaluated based on the deliverables set out at the beginning of the internship between the student and the organization. At the end of the internship, both the student and the organization complete online forms confirming these deliverables are complete.