MITACS Globalink Research Internship 2026

The MITACS Globalink Research Internship 2026 has officially opened! This prestigious fully funded opportunity offers international undergraduate (or undergrad/master’s combined) students a 12-week research experience at Canadian universities, running between May 1 and October 31, 2026. Students dive into hands-on research across disciplines—from STEM to social sciences—supported by world-class faculty mentors.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

This internship covers nearly all expenses so you can focus fully on research and growth:

Return airfare to Canada, plus airport-to-accommodation transport
Housing stipend, food allowance, and incidentals
Health insurance throughout your stay
Support with student fees (up to CAD 300)
Mentorship and access to professional development workshops
Invitations to industry and academic events
Certificate of completion to add to your credentials

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible:

You must be at least 18 years old and enrolled in a full-time undergrad or undergrad/master’s program at an approved university in your home country
Expect to have one to three semesters left as of Fall 2026
You must meet your country’s grade/GPA requirements and be fluent in the project’s language—English or French
You must apply to at least three—but no more than ten—research projects, each in a different Canadian province
Availability to start between May 1 and July 31 and complete the full 12-week period by October 31 is required
If awarded previously, you are ineligible for another MITACS Globalink internship

Where Can I Intern?

MITACS partners with over 70 Canadian universities, spanning coast to coast. Each institution offers unique research projects across many fields—so your interests, whatever they may be, are likely to find a fit.

How to Apply

Check eligibility for your country and institution via the MITACS portal.
Prepare these documents:

Academic transcripts (in English or French)
Current CV
Reference letter from a professor (meeting MITACS formatting guidelines)

Log in to the Mitacs Globalink Student Portal and select your target projects (3–10, across provinces).
Submit your completed application before September 17, 2025, at 1 p.m. Pacific Time.
Make sure your application status shows “Complete”—there is no separate “Submit” button; it auto-submits when the deadline hits.

Tips for a Strong Application to MITACS Globalink

Securing a place in this highly competitive internship begins with careful preparation. First, choose your projects wisely—diversify across Canadian provinces and research disciplines to improve your chances. Customize your CV to highlight relevant coursework, technical skills, and extracurricular experiences. When writing your statement of interest, be concise and sincere; emphasize what motivates you to join the specific project and how it aligns with your future goals. Make sure your recommendation letter is written by a professor who is familiar with you and can attest to both your academic competence and personal character. Avoid common mistakes like applying without meeting GPA or eligibility criteria, rushing your documentation, or selecting projects in only one province. Finally, research your target universities and their labs to personalize your application and demonstrate genuine interest.

What Past Interns Say: Real Outcomes from MITACS Alumni

MITACS Globalink alumni often speak of the experience as “life-changing” and “career-defining.” Many participants return to Canada later for graduate studies, while others publish research papers or collaborate further with their Canadian mentors. One former intern from India described how her internship in quantum computing at the University of Waterloo helped her land a full master’s scholarship the following year. Another student from Brazil shared how their MITACS experience built long-term networking opportunities that continue to influence their research today. These stories highlight the program’s tangible outcomes, not just for academic growth but for international career prospects and future collaborations.

Living and Studying in Canada as a MITACS Intern

Interns live in one of Canada’s safest, most livable cities, whether it’s Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto, or smaller research hubs like Halifax or Saskatoon. You’ll experience diverse cultures, bilingual environments, and inclusive academic spaces. Universities provide access to libraries, research labs, cafeterias, and often offer recreational facilities like gyms and student clubs. MITACS interns also benefit from campus orientations, local excursions, and peer mentoring. The experience offers not just academic exposure but personal development through cross-cultural friendships, independence, and new perspectives on life.

MITACS vs. Other Global Research Internships: What Sets It Apart?

While many internships abroad offer research exposure, MITACS stands out in several ways:

Fully Funded Structure: Few internships are as comprehensive—covering travel, housing, food, insurance, and project-related costs.
Flexibility Across Disciplines: MITACS offers roles in sciences, engineering, arts, business, and health sciences—accommodating a wide range of interests.
Strong University Network: With 70+ host institutions, you aren’t limited to a handful of cities or labs.
Career Pipeline: Many interns later receive admission offers from Canadian graduate schools, thanks to the strong academic ties built during their internship.
No IELTS/TOEFL Barrier: Unlike DAAD or some U.S. internships, there’s no mandatory language test—just functional fluency in the research language.

Why This Internship Stands Out

Fully funded: Travel, housing, insurance, meals, and support are all taken care of.
Global research access: Collaborate with top academics and explore Canadian innovation up close.
Professional development: Industry events, workshops, and community building are woven into the experience.
Alumni opportunity: Strong completion can open doors to further grad school or research pathways.

Apply now

FAQs

Can I apply without a valid passport?
Yes—as long as you can provide a valid one if selected.
Are IELTS or TOEFL scores required?
No, formal language tests are not required. However, you must be fluent in the language of your chosen project.
When will I hear back after applying?
Offers are typically announced between mid-December and mid‑February. You’ll receive an email and can track status via your portal.
Can applications be edited after submission?
No—you can edit before the deadline, but once the portal marks it “Complete,” it’s final.
What if my university isn’t listed?
Contact Mitacs support; they may confirm eligibility or guide you further.

Takeaway: The MITACS Globalink Research Internship 2026 is a rare, hassle-free pathway for undergraduates to gain rich research experience in Canada. Fully funded, professionally enriching, and globally recognized—this opportunity is not to be missed. Be sure to apply by September 17, 2025 via the Mitacs portal.