The Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI) is a fully funded 12-week internship in Canada for international undergraduate students. This prestigious program, funded by the Canadian government, offers students from partner countries the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research at Canadian universities, gaining hands-on experience and exploring Canada’s vibrant research landscape. The program covers a wide array of disciplines, from science, engineering, and mathematics to social sciences and humanities, and is designed to foster international collaboration and build research networks.
Key Features of the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship
The Mitacs GRI offers:
- Duration: A 12-week internship in Canada, typically running between May and October each year.
- Host Institutions: Internships are offered at over 70 top Canadian academic institutions.
- Fields of Study: Open to students in disciplines ranging from natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics to social sciences and humanities.
Benefits of the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship
This fully funded internship includes:
- Airfare: Funding to help cover the cost of round-trip airfare to Canada.
- Airport Transfer: Funding to assist with transportation from the airport to accommodation.
- Housing Stipend: Financial support for accommodation during the internship.
- Enrollment Fees: A stipend to cover student enrollment fees at the host institution.
- Food and Incidentals: Stipend for food and other daily expenses.
- Health Insurance: Emergency health insurance coverage for the duration of the internship.
- Mentorship: Access to student mentors on campus.
- Professional Development: Opportunities to attend industry events, professional development courses, and networking events in Canada.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Academic Status:
- Must be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or combined undergraduate/master’s program at an eligible institution in a Mitacs partner country.
- Have 1-3 semesters remaining in their program as of fall 2025.
- Grade Requirements: Meet the GPA requirements specific to their country and international partner organization.
- Project Selection:
- Apply to a minimum of three and a maximum of ten research projects.
- Ensure selections span at least three different Canadian provinces.
- Language Proficiency: Be fluent in the language of the project (either English or French).
- Availability: Be available for a 12-week internship between May 1 and October 31, with start dates between May 1 and July 31.
- Previous Participation: Students who have participated in the Globalink Research Internship previously are not eligible to apply again.
Additional Considerations:
- Students affiliated with institutions on the list of Non-Restricted Organizations (NROs) or those receiving funding from NROs are not eligible for projects involving Sensitive Technology Research Areas (STRA).
Application Process
Here’s a step-by-step guide to the application process for the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship:
- Confirm Eligibility: Review all general GRI requirements and any specific eligibility criteria for your country and international partner organization.
- Valid Passport: Ensure that your passport from your home country is valid until at least January 2026.
- Reference Letter: Obtain a reference letter from a professor following the reference-letter guidelines in the Globalink Research Internship Information zip file.
- Update CV: Prepare a current CV (or use the Mitacs CV template in the Information zip file).
- Academic Transcripts: Gather your transcripts in English or French; if your institution does not provide them in these languages, get them translated and notarized.
- Language Proficiency Test: For some countries, proof of English or French proficiency may be required.
- Prepare Application Information: Include details about your academic discipline, program, research interests, skills, achievements, and motivation for pursuing research in Canada.
- Submit Application: Complete and submit your application through the Mitacs Globalink portal.
Application Deadline: September 18, 2024
Additional Information Required in Application
In the application, students will be asked to provide:
- Academic discipline and educational background.
- Research interests, previous achievements, and relevant skills.
- Personal statement on why they wish to pursue research in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible to apply for the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship?
Eligible applicants must be full-time undergraduate students from Mitacs partner countries, with 1-3 semesters remaining as of fall 2025, meeting age and academic requirements, and must be fluent in the project’s working language.
2. How long is the internship?
The internship lasts 12 weeks and must take place between May and October each year.
3. What financial support does the Mitacs GRI provide?
The Mitacs GRI covers airfare, accommodation, enrollment fees, food and daily expenses, and health insurance for the duration of the internship.
4. Can I choose my project location?
Yes, applicants must apply to at least three projects across three Canadian provinces, but final placement depends on project availability and the selection process.
5. Can previous Mitacs GRI participants apply again?
No, students who have previously participated in the Globalink Research Internship are not eligible to apply.
6. Are there language requirements?
Yes, applicants must be fluent in the language (English or French) of the project they are applying to.
For more details and to apply, please visit the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship official website.