If you’re an ambitious undergraduate student dreaming of conducting world-class research in Canada, the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI) program may be the golden opportunity you’ve been searching for. This prestigious program offers top-performing international students the chance to work with Canadian university professors on cutting-edge research across a wide array of disciplines — all while receiving full funding and enjoying an unforgettable academic and cultural experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know about securing funding for the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship — from understanding what the program is all about, to crafting a winning application, and navigating the process from start to finish.
What is the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship?
The Mitacs Globalink Research Internship is a highly competitive program that connects international undergraduate students with Canadian professors for a 12-week summer research internship. It typically runs from May to October each year.
Open to students from select partner countries and regions, the program is fully funded and covers:
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Round-trip airfare
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Visa and immigration support
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Health insurance
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Stipend for living expenses
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Accommodation support
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Professional development opportunities
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Access to networking events and cultural activities
More than just a research opportunity, GRI is a gateway to deeper academic relationships, potential graduate studies in Canada, and enhanced global career prospects.
Why Apply to the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship?
Before diving into the how, it’s important to ask why you should apply. Here’s why thousands of students compete annually for a spot in this prestigious program:
1. Research with Top Canadian Institutions
Mitacs partners with over 70 Canadian universities. You’ll be matched with a professor whose project aligns with your interests, giving you real-world research experience.
2. Professional Development
Mitacs organizes workshops and training programs to enhance your communication, project management, and leadership skills.
3. Cultural Experience
Beyond academia, GRI provides opportunities to explore Canadian culture, travel, and meet peers from around the globe.
4. Pathway to Graduate Studies
Many interns return to Canada to pursue Master’s or PhD programs, some with continued funding through Mitacs initiatives.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship, you must meet the following criteria:
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Nationality: Be a citizen of one of the Mitacs partner countries (e.g., India, China, Brazil, Mexico, Vietnam, etc.).
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Enrollment: Be a full-time undergraduate student at an eligible university in your home country.
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Academic Standing: Have a minimum grade point average (typically 3.5/4.0 or equivalent).
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Field of Study: Must be studying in an eligible field (STEM, social sciences, humanities, business, etc.).
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Time Commitment: Must be available to undertake a 12-week internship between May and October.
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Graduation Timeline: Should have at least one semester remaining in undergraduate studies after the internship (not your final year).
Eligibility criteria may vary slightly by country, so it’s important to check your country-specific requirements.
Step-by-Step Guide to Securing the Internship and Funding
Step 1: Start Early
The Mitacs GRI application process begins well in advance — often nearly a year before the internship takes place. The application window usually opens around August or September for internships starting the following summer.
Give yourself plenty of time to prepare required documents and select projects thoughtfully.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Having the right documents in order is crucial. Typical requirements include:
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Academic transcripts (translated into English or French, if required)
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CV/Resume (highlighting academic and research experience)
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A valid passport (with enough validity to cover your stay in Canada)
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Recommendation letters (often one from a professor)
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Language proficiency proof, if applicable (some projects require English or French fluency)
Make sure your transcripts and documents reflect your academic strength and are correctly formatted.
Step 3: Browse and Select Projects
When the application portal opens, you’ll be able to search through hundreds of available research projects across Canadian universities.
You can typically apply to up to seven projects but must rank them in order of preference. Take your time to:
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Review project descriptions
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Understand required qualifications
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Assess alignment with your academic background and interests
Pro tip: Focus on projects where your existing skills and coursework match the professor’s research needs.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once you’ve prepared your documents and selected your top projects, it’s time to apply.
The online application portal will guide you through:
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Uploading your documents
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Writing a statement of interest for each project
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Submitting recommender details
Your statement of interest is a critical part of the application. Tailor it for each project, clearly explaining:
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Why you’re interested in the topic
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What relevant skills you bring
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How the internship aligns with your career goals
Keep your tone professional, focused, and enthusiastic.
Step 5: Await Shortlisting and Interview Invitation
If your application stands out, you may be shortlisted and contacted for an online interview by a prospective supervisor.
During the interview:
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Be prepared to discuss your academic background and technical skills
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Demonstrate curiosity about the project
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Express your motivation and interest in coming to Canada
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Ask thoughtful questions about the professor’s work and expectations
If successful, the professor will recommend you for the program. Mitacs then finalizes the selection.
Step 6: Receive and Accept Your Offer
If selected, you’ll receive a formal offer letter from Mitacs, including the details of:
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Your host university and professor
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Project information
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Financial support package
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Important dates
You must accept the offer by the deadline and begin preparing for travel, accommodation, and visa processes.
Step 7: Apply for Visa and Travel Documents
Mitacs provides support letters and guidance for the visa application process. You’ll typically require a visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada for the internship. Some projects or institutions may require a work permit or special documentation.
It’s important to:
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Begin the visa process immediately after acceptance
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Ensure your passport is valid for the full duration
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Follow your local embassy’s processing times
Step 8: Final Logistics and Onboarding
Before departure, Mitacs hosts pre-departure webinars and orientation sessions to prepare you for life in Canada. Topics include:
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Health insurance
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Cultural adjustment
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Housing
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Expectations during the internship
You’ll also be connected with other interns and receive details about arrival, airport pickup, and contacts at your host institution.
What is It Like to Be a Mitacs Intern in Canada?
Imagine spending your summer on a university campus in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or another Canadian city — immersed in a collaborative research environment, contributing to real-world innovation, and living alongside students from all over the world.
Here’s what you can expect as part of the experience:
Academic Enrichment
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Work in labs or research centers alongside Canadian researchers
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Contribute to publications, experiments, or fieldwork
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Build skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and communication
Cultural Exploration
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Attend Canadian festivals, explore cities, visit natural parks
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Experience Canadian life through university-organized activities
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Interact with locals and fellow international students
Networking and Career Growth
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Attend Mitacs-organized networking events
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Meet with industry professionals and guest speakers
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Lay the foundation for graduate studies or professional opportunities in Canada
How to Stand Out in the Application Process
Because competition is fierce, here are some tips to make your application shine:
1. Customize Each Statement of Interest
Avoid generic responses. Show genuine interest in the professor’s work and highlight how your experience matches the project.
2. Demonstrate Research Aptitude
Even if you don’t have direct research experience, highlight:
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Lab courses
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Independent projects
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Technical skills (programming, data analysis, literature reviews)
3. Highlight Soft Skills
Professors want students who are collaborative, curious, and reliable. Mention experiences that showcase problem-solving, communication, or teamwork.
4. Build a Strong Academic Profile
Aim for top grades, particularly in relevant coursework. Consider additional certifications or research-oriented electives.
5. Choose Your Recommenders Wisely
Pick someone who knows your academic and professional qualities well — ideally a professor or supervisor in a related field.
Post-Internship Opportunities
Completing a Mitacs Globalink internship opens doors to future academic and professional paths.
Mitacs Globalink Graduate Fellowship
As a GRI alumnus, you may become eligible for further funding if you choose to return to Canada for graduate studies.
Graduate Admissions Advantage
Having research experience at a Canadian university improves your chances of being admitted to Master’s or PhD programs.
Long-Term Career Impact
Research internships enhance your résumé, especially if you’re aiming for roles in academia, industry research, or high-tech innovation fields.
Final Thoughts
Securing a Mitacs Globalink Research Internship is a life-changing experience for international students. From immersive academic research to cultural exposure and long-term career benefits, the program offers much more than a summer internship. It’s a launchpad into the global research community and Canadian academic excellence.
By understanding the eligibility requirements, planning early, and submitting a standout application, you position yourself as a top candidate for one of Canada’s most competitive and rewarding international student programs.
So, if you’re ready to take your academic journey to the next level, start preparing today. Your Canadian research adventure awaits.
Zara Adeyemi