You want world-class research experience in Canada and a fully funded summer abroad that boosts your career fast. The Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI) is one of the most competitive and respected international research internships out there, and the 2026/2027 cycle is your chance to get in.
If you are a high-performing undergraduate outside Canada, you can spend 12 weeks working on cutting-edge projects under top Canadian professors. Mitacs covers your costs, supports your visa process, and connects you directly with labs and teams that match your interests. No application fee. Real mentorship. Real results.
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Applications for the next intake are open on a rolling basis each year. Selection is competitive, so prepare now and apply early.
Why the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship stands out in 2026/2027
This program is tailor-made for international undergraduates who want research experience that opens doors to top graduate programs and employers. You will collaborate on real projects, build your publication record, and grow a global network in Canada’s innovation ecosystem.
Mitacs handles the heavy lifting: matching you with a supervisor, arranging funding, guiding your visa application, and supporting your arrival. You focus on research and results.
Program at a glance
Item
Details
Program
Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI) 2026/2027
Location
Canada (multiple universities across provinces)
Host
Canadian university research supervisor (Mitacs partner institutions)
Duration
12 weeks
Start window
Between May and October (one 12-week block)
Funding
Fully funded package: travel, housing allowance, stipend, health insurance, local support
Fields
All major disciplines: STEM, health, environment, business, social sciences, arts and humanities
Level
Undergraduate students (final years preferred)
Citizenship
International students from Mitacs partner countries/territories
Language
English and/or French, depending on project and location
Visa
Visa/eTA and, if required, work authorization support provided by Mitacs
Application fee
No fee
What the Mitacs GRI covers (Fully Funded benefits)
Mitacs structures the award so you can focus on research, not bills. While exact amounts can vary by country and university, the package typically includes:
Round-trip international airfare to Canada
Housing allowance for the entire internship
Stipend for daily living and local transport
Health insurance coverage for the internship period
University enrollment and research placement at the host lab
Visa and travel support documents, plus pre-departure guidance
Events, industry sessions, and professional development workshops
Bonus: Outstanding interns may later qualify for the Mitacs Globalink Graduate Fellowship to support a future master’s or PhD in Canada.
Who can apply (Eligibility)
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You must meet all core criteria at the time of application and throughout the internship.
Eligibility area
What Mitacs requires
Enrollment
Currently enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at a recognized university outside Canada
Academic standing
Strong GPA as defined by your home institution and Mitacs partner guidelines
Study stage
Returning to your home university after the internship with at least one semester remaining
Availability
Able to commit to a 12-week placement between May and October
Citizenship/Residence
Citizen or permanent resident of a Mitacs partner country/territory and studying there at the time of application
Language
Ability to work in English or French, depending on project requirements
Documents
Official transcripts, CV, statement of interest, project preferences, and referee contact details
Compliance
Eligible to obtain a Canadian visa/eTA and any required work authorization for the internship
Note: Eligible partner countries/territories are listed on the official Mitacs website and typically include nations such as India, Mexico, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Tunisia, Ukraine, and others. Always check the current list before you apply.
What you will do during the internship
Contribute to a professor-led research project aligned with your academic background
Design experiments, analyze data, write code, or complete fieldwork as needed
Join weekly lab meetings and contribute to research discussions
Prepare interim updates and a final presentation or report
Collaborate with graduate students and postdocs, expanding your network
Attend professional development sessions run by Mitacs
Why this is a powerful move for your career
Get a named, fully funded Canadian research placement on your CV
Build references and mentorship ties with Canadian faculty
Strengthen your profile for master’s/PhD admissions and scholarships
Experience life and work culture in Canada’s top universities and labs
How to apply for the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship
Review eligibility: Confirm you meet the enrollment, GPA, and country criteria for 2026/2027.
Explore projects: Search the Mitacs project database and shortlist opportunities that fit your skills.
Prepare documents: Get official transcripts, a sharp CV, and a tailored statement of interest ready. Have referee contact details available if requested.
Create your account: Register on the Mitacs application portal and complete your profile accurately.
Select projects: Rank multiple projects to maximize your matching chances.
Submit application: Double-check entries, upload files in the required format and language, and submit before the deadline.
Interviews: If shortlisted, meet online with prospective supervisors. Be ready to discuss your skills and motivation.
Receive offer: If matched, you will get a formal invitation and next steps for visa and travel.
Pre-departure: Complete visa/eTA and any required work authorization with Mitacs support, arrange housing using your allowance, and attend pre-arrival briefings.
Key documents you will likely need
Official or certified transcripts in English or French
Updated CV or resume focusing on coursework, projects, and skills
Short statements of interest tailored to your chosen projects
Valid passport with enough validity for the internship period
Referee contact details as requested by Mitacs
Timeline and deadline for 2026/2027
Mitacs typically opens student applications in mid-year for placements the following summer. Shortlisting, interviews, and matching run soon after, with travel in the next year.
Application window: generally mid-year in 2026 for summer 2027 placements
Placement period: 12 weeks between May and October 2027
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.
Visa and travel support
Mitacs provides the documents and guidance you need for your Canadian entry and, if required, work authorization. Requirements vary by nationality and project location. Start your visa/eTA process as soon as you receive your offer to avoid delays.
Official invitation and host details for visa purposes
Instructions for completing visa/eTA and any work permit steps
Health insurance coverage for your internship period
Tips to stand out
Target projects where your coursework directly fits the methods or tools used
Show results: link to GitHub, a paper draft, poster, or class project that proves your skills
Tailor each statement to the supervisor’s recent work and lab focus
Rank several projects you would truly accept to increase matching odds
Ask a professor who knows your work to be your referee and to respond quickly
After the internship: Pathway to graduate study in Canada
Mitacs Globalink alumni can be eligible for the Globalink Graduate Fellowship, which helps fund a master’s or PhD at a Canadian university. Performing well during your internship strengthens your chances and your supervisor may even recruit you for future studies.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mitacs GRI fully funded?
Yes. The award covers major costs such as airfare, housing allowance, stipend, health insurance, and host university enrollment. Specific inclusions can vary slightly by partner country and placement.
Do I need prior research experience?
No. It helps, but it is not mandatory. Strong academics, clear motivation, and relevant skills are what matter most.
Can I choose my professor or project?
You rank multiple projects in the portal. If shortlisted, you may interview with supervisors. Final placements depend on mutual fit and availability.
What GPA do I need?
Mitacs requires strong academic standing. Minimums vary by country and institution. Check the official guidelines for your region.
Will Mitacs sponsor a Canadian work permit?
Mitacs provides the letters and guidance you need to obtain your visa/eTA and any required work authorization for the 12-week research placement. You must complete the application steps as instructed.
Can I apply if I graduate before the internship starts?
No. You must return to your home university with at least one semester remaining after the internship.
How to find the official call and apply
All current details, eligible countries, and the application portal are on the official Mitacs website. New projects are posted each cycle, so check regularly and submit early.
