You might be standing at the lab bench or in a campus office, wondering how to turn an idea into funded research. I remember a time when a graduate student and a supervisor sketched a project on a café napkin and then found a route to real support. That small chat led to a partnership with a local industry contact and a clear path forward.
This guide helps you do the same. You’ll see how the Mitacs Globalink and Accelerate streams connect interns, supervisors at an academic institution, and a partner organization. Expect plain details on timelines, funding levels, and who does what.
By the end you’ll know whether the mitacs programs suit your goals and how to map your next steps. Ready to scope a 12‑week internship or a multi‑unit research collaboration? Let’s begin.
Your pathway to Canadian research: program overview
Explore the program options so you can match your project timeline and training goals to a host in Canada.
You’ll find a side‑by‑side view of the short, competitive 12‑week internship for international undergraduates and the modular four‑ or six‑month units that scale for longer work. These models help you align research projects with a canadian academic institution and local partner timelines.
Who benefits? Undergraduates typically take the 12‑week stream, while students postdoctoral fellows, recent grads and early researchers use the longer units. Each route includes training and professional development to boost skills and networks.
Funding notes: partners contribute to scale projects, and mitacs provide leveraged awards to support stipends and research costs. If your work crosses borders, the bilateral option covers travel and benefit‑to‑Canada requirements.
Please refer to country guidance early. For quick questions, contact an advisor at email protected to confirm fit and timing.
| Stream | Duration | Who | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12‑week research internship | 12 weeks (May–Oct) | International undergrads | Short, focused projects at a canadian academic |
| Flexible units | 4 or 6 months (scalable) | Students, recent grads, postdoctoral fellows | Partner contributions enable larger awards |
| Bilateral international | Varies with travel | Researchers with cross‑border partners | Requires travel plans and benefit‑to‑Canada case |
| Typical roles | Intern, supervisor, partner | Host at an academic institution | Coordination, training, and knowledge transfer |
Mitacs Globalink/Accelerate application
Start by framing a clear research project that links your supervisor, partner organization, and measurable outcomes.
Structure the proposal around feasibility, training goals, and benefit alignment. Confirm eligibility with your academic institution early and choose the right submission route: the central student portal or the digital RAP / non-digital pathway via your Mitacs Advisor.
Align a realistic start date with peer review: domestic peer review typically takes six to eight weeks. Remember, invoices may be issued to a partner organization before approval and are refundable if the proposal is declined. Please note no work should begin until the Award Letter is signed and funds are released to the academic institution.
Digital RAP has limits: award caps, no co‑funding with major federal grants, and conflict‑of‑interest rules. Some models are excluded, so check eligibility.
| Item | Timing | Key rule |
|---|---|---|
| Peer review | 6–8 weeks | No start before Award Letter |
| Invoices | May precede approval | Refundable if not approved |
| Eligibility check | Before submission | Review mitacs terms and conditions policies |
Review program terms and download program terms before you submit. Address intellectual property and publication expectations early, especially if the partner seeks commercialization.
Eligibility at a glance: interns, academic supervisors, and partner organizations
Knowing who is eligible helps you avoid delays and focus your proposal. Confirm status, age, and supervisor capacity before you draft project details.
Intern eligibility and status
Who may apply: You may apply as an undergraduate, graduate student, recent graduate (within two years), or postdoc if you meet local rules. Interns must be 18+ at project start.
Proof of status: Canadian citizens and permanent residents need ID. International students need a valid study visa. International postdoctoral fellows require a work permit when the project begins.
Academic supervisors at a Canadian academic institution
Supervisors should be faculty at a canadian academic institution and able to hold Tri‑Agency funds. The host academic institution confirms enrolment, recent‑graduate status, and signs compliance and administration forms.
Partner organization types
Partner organizations can be Canadian for‑profit companies, eligible not‑for‑profits, municipalities, or hospitals. Foreign partners may participate but must work with a Canadian lead.
«Check eligibility early it saves time and clarifies what documentation the host academic institution will require.«
| Role | Key requirement | Typical proof | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Enrolled or recent graduate | Transcript or enrolment letter | Host academic institution confirms status |
| Postdoc | PhD within 5 years (exceptions apply) | Degree cert. and CV | Parental leave exceptions considered |
| Supervisor | Faculty eligible for Tri‑Agency | Institutional affiliation | Must oversee research and admin |
| Partner | Eligible org type | Business or registration docs | Foreign orgs need a Canadian lead |
Globalink Research Internship 2026: student criteria and timelines
Start here to confirm whether you meet student criteria and key timelines for the 2026 research internship.
Please refer to country‑specific rules early. You must be at least 18 and enrolled full‑time in an undergraduate or combined undergraduate/master’s program. Meeting GPA and your country’s partner eligibility is essential before you apply.
Who may apply and country/partner requirements
You may apply if you meet age, enrolment and GPA thresholds in your country stream. Fluency in the project language (English or French) is required when stated.
Gather transcripts in English or French (or translated and notarized), a CV using the available template, and one reference letter per instructions in the downloadable Globalink Research Internship Information zip file.
Application window, project selection, and start rules
The call is open now and closes Wednesday, September 17 at 1 p.m. Pacific time. You must select between three and ten projects across at least three different Canadian provinces to be competitive.
Internships run for 12 consecutive weeks between May 1 and October 31. The permitted internship start date is between May 1 and July 31 only. You must start internship activities within that window and complete internship requirements by October 31.
| Requirement | Detail | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Deadline | Sept 17, 1 p.m. PT | Submit early to avoid last‑minute issues (email protected) |
| Project choices | 3–10 projects | Must be across ≥3 provinces |
| Internship length | 12 consecutive weeks | Start between May 1 and July 31; finish by Oct 31 |
| Documents | Transcripts EN/FR, CV, reference letter | See zip file for templates and instructions |
Plan ahead: check passport validity to at least January 2026 and gather language evidence if needed. After you submit, expect matching steps or interviews in some streams and supports for travel, housing and on‑campus mentorship when you start internship activities in Canada.
Accelerate domestic projects: scope, length, and research focus
Plan your project in four‑ or six‑month blocks so scope and outcomes stay realistic and measurable.
Modular units start at four months and can be structured as four‑ or six‑month units. Each unit carries $15,000 of funding with at least $10,000 reserved for the intern’s stipend or salary. A partner contribution starts at $7,500 per unit.
Scale by adding units or interns to deepen R&D, hit more milestones, and embed knowledge inside the partner organization. Multiple units let you phase work, expand team capacity, or extend commercialization steps.
Work with your academic institution early to align approvals, ethics, safety and facilities access. Internships require clear supervision standards and policies to keep work productive and compliant.
Students postdoctoral and other team members often lead applied tasks, knowledge transfer, and prototype steps. Set tangible outputs and reporting checkpoints for each unit to justify renewal or scaling.
«Design each unit with a milestone, budget line, and a clear handover to the partner organization.«
Accelerate International: bilateral projects and travel requirements
When your project crosses borders, plan for travel, institutional approvals, and proof that Canada benefits.
Benefit to Canada must be clear in your proposal. Examples include training Canadians or permanent residents, creating sustained research relationships, attracting foreign investment, or ensuring IP and commercialization rights remain in Canada.
Pre‑departure obligations
Please note you should submit proposals at least 16 weeks before your planned start date to allow time for review and travel approvals.
Interns travelling internationally must complete pre‑departure orientations, submit an International pre‑departure form, and acknowledge the code conduct with their home university.
Province notes and advisor support
Funding is limited in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario for 2024–25. Other provinces and territories are not restricted.
- Engage your Mitacs Advisor early contact email protected to be routed for province‑specific guidance.
- All interns are paid and administered by the participating Canadian academic institution, so plan stipends, payroll and insurance ahead of travel.
- Coordinate export controls, ethics approvals and data transfer plans when work spans jurisdictions.
«Justify travel by citing unique facilities, field sites, or partner networks that add clear value to the project.«
Funding and stipends: how awards and contributions work
Funding shapes what your project can achieve, so start by mapping each dollar to a clear task.
The standard four‑ or six‑month unit requires a $7,500 partner contribution for every $15,000 award. Of that award, interns receive a minimum of $10,000 as stipend or salary through your academic institution. This split reserves the remaining funds for research costs and reporting.
Standard awards and postdoctoral funding model
The postdoctoral fellows model uses a higher ratio: a $10,000 partner contribution for a $20,000 award. Use this route only for eligible postdoctoral fellows and flag the status early so the host can budget correctly.
Minimum stipend and invoicing notes
You’ll see clear invoice timing: partners are invoiced in advance of approval in some cases, but funds are refundable if a proposal is declined. Plan partner organization cash flow for multi‑unit projects to avoid gaps at project kickoff.
Please note specialized streams may have different parameters. Confirm specifics with your advisor before finalising budgets.
Globalink travel, housing, and enrolment supports
The internship stream supplements living costs. Travel and housing contributions cover airfare, airport transfers, and housing stipends. Additional supports include enrolment fees, food/incidentals, emergency health insurance, and campus mentorship.
«Stack institutional travel grants where allowed to stretch supports and keep the project compliant.«
- Budget flows to the academic institution; confirm how much reaches the intern.
- Signal postdoc status early to access the $20,000 award model.
- Highlight partner organization value talent pipeline and innovation outcomes to secure contribution approval.
How to apply to Accelerate: digital versus non‑digital process
Decide early which route fits your project. The digital RAP is fast when your proposal meets strict rules. Use the non‑digital path when you need custom approvals, joint funding, or postdoc models.
Digital RAP eligibility and award options
The digital route accepts standard award values: $10,000 and $15,000 (1:1 partner match). Cluster funding is available at $13,333 per unit (1:1.2) but requires at least 3 unique interns and a minimum of 6 internship units.
Please note exclusions: you cannot use the digital RAP if your project has joint funding with other funders, seeks the postdoctoral funding model, uses Indigenous Pathways, or has known conflicts of interest at submission.
Non‑digital proposal package and signatures
If you must use the non‑digital route, download program templates first and gather signed approvals. Your package should include the latest Accelerate template, intern CVs, supervisor sign‑off, partner contact signature, and a final sign by your Office of Research Services.
Please note processing, invoices, and approval timing
Peer review takes about six to eight weeks. Partners may receive invoices before formal approval; those payments are refundable if the proposal is not approved. Funds are released to the academic institution once partner contributions and approvals are confirmed.
| Step | What to include | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Choose route | Check award value, co‑funding, COI | Before submission |
| Prepare package | Download mitacs templates; gather signatures | 2–4 weeks (allow circulation) |
| Submit | Email your Mitacs Advisor (email protected) for non‑digital | Submission day |
| Review & invoice | Peer review ~6–8 weeks; partner invoices refundable if declined | 6–8 weeks |
| Funds release | Partner contribution received; funds sent to academic institution | After approval |
If you’re unsure which route fits, please contact your Mitacs Advisor (email protected) early to avoid wasted effort and to speed up program administration.
How to apply to Globalink: portals, documents, and the zip file
Start by mapping your skills to listed projects so you can quickly shortlist opportunities across provinces. Begin early and gather documents before the portal closes on Wednesday, September 17 at 1 p.m. Pacific time.
Quick checklist: you must apply to three to ten projects spanning at least three Canadian provinces and be available for a 12‑week consecutive internship. Start dates must fall between May 1 and July 31 and you must complete internship requirements by October 31.
Find projects, select provinces, and submit references
Use the portals to find projects that match your background. Save project IDs and rank preferences so you present strong reasons for each choice.
Ask referees early and share the zip file guidance so they can submit a compliant reference on time.
Transcripts, CV template, and language proficiency
Upload transcripts in English or French, or translated and notarized copies. Your CV may use the template in the Globalink Information zip file.
Please refer to country notes for language testing rules. If you need help navigating portals or documents, contact email protected and download mitacs or download program materials well ahead of the deadline.
«Plan early: confirm your academic institution eligibility and secure references to avoid last‑minute issues.»
Program terms, conditions & policies you must know
Before any work starts, confirm the program terms that shape research conduct, security, and reporting. These conditions policies live with the main policy bundle and matter for you, your supervisor and partner contacts.
Responsible Conduct of Research and the code conduct
Read the Responsible Conduct of Research policy and the code conduct carefully. They set expectations on integrity, safety and respectful collaboration.
Research security, Indigenous policy and approvals
Your host academic may require a research security review for sensitive technology. The Indigenous Research Policy explains engagement steps when work involves Indigenous knowledge or communities.
Download and keep program terms on file
Download program terms and save them with your project file. Program administration will use these rules to adjudicate proposals and check compliance during the project lifecycle.
| Policy area | What it covers | Who must act | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conduct & ethics | Integrity, reporting | Participants, supervisors | Protects research credibility |
| Security review | Sensitive tech, data | Host academic institution | Manages risk and export controls |
| Indigenous policy | Engagement, consent | Host and partner | Respects community rights |
| IP & publications | Ownership and sharing | All participants | Clarifies intellectual property |
«Internships require compliance steps; participants must attempt fulfill commitments and attempt fulfill project deliverables while they require active participation and transparent reporting.»
Intellectual property and publication expectations
Agreeing IP and publication rules early prevents delays and preserves research value.
How ownership is set matters for training, commercialization, and who benefits in Canada.
IP held in Canada and commercialization
You’ll learn how intellectual property can be structured so Canadian organisations hold or exploit results developed in your research project.
Hosts often assign joint or full ownership to an academic institution or partner organization to meet benefit‑to‑Canada criteria. Discuss commercialization pathways with your supervisor early.
Publications, confidentiality and knowledge transfer
Publication plans should balance partner confidentiality with academic dissemination and intern training.
Document methods, share code or prototypes under agreed timelines, and train partner staff so the partner can continue work after your placement ends.
«Discuss IP clauses and publication timing before public presentations to avoid surprises.»
Practical steps and guidance
- Ask your tech transfer office how to disclose inventions before open talks.
- Negotiate authorship and acknowledgements with supervisors and the partner organization in writing.
- Record knowledge transfer deliverables manuals, code repositories, and training logs for continuity.
| Topic | What to do | Who to consult |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Clarify joint vs. full ownership; aim for Canadian holding when needed | Supervisor, Office of Research at the academic institution |
| Commercialisation | Map routes: licence, spin‑out, or partner exploitation | Tech transfer office and partner organization |
| Publications | Set review periods and redaction rules to protect confidential data | Supervisor, partner contact |
| Intern support | Get disclosure training and file invention reports before talks | Tech transfer office; supervisor |
Roles and responsibilities before, during, and after the internship
Clear roles keep projects on track. Before you arrive, confirm enrolment, complete mandatory training, and make sure you are not booked into another placement at the same time. Interns must keep active student status and meet pre‑start checks set by the host academic institution.
During the placement, you should show require active participation by meeting milestones, attending supervision meetings, and submitting progress reports on time. Internships require active engagement: set a regular meeting cadence with your supervisor and partner contact to resolve issues early.
The host academic institution administers funds once partner contributions and approvals are received. Your host academic supervisor mentors, evaluates progress, and approves scope changes when needed. The academic institution also oversees ethics, safety, and facilities access.
Partner organizations commit supervision time, resources, and data access so you can fulfill project obligations. They must document deliverables and support handovers so results stay with the partner and the academic institution.
| Actor | Key responsibility | Proof or deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| Intern | Maintain enrolment; meet milestones; active participation | Transcripts, progress reports, final deliverables |
| Host academic institution | Administer funds; ensure compliance; provide oversight | Signed award letters, ethics approvals, payroll records |
| Host academic (supervisor) | Mentor; approve scope changes; evaluate progress | Meeting notes, evaluation forms, revised project plan |
| Partner organization | Provide resources; honour project obligations; enable handover | Access logs, resource confirmations, acceptance of deliverables |
«Document responsibilities early and keep a shared timeline to reduce delays and close the unit on time.»
Application timeline and peer review: what to expect
Start your timeline with the end in mind: build in review time before the internship start date so you avoid last‑minute rushes.
Peer review typically takes six to eight weeks. Allow extra time if reviewers ask for clarifications or if your file includes multiple interns or postdoctoral fellows. Complex proposals often require additional institutional signoffs.
Six to eight weeks review, revisions, and start date planning
Backward‑plan your start date. Count six to eight weeks for peer review, then add 2–4 weeks for revisions, finance checks, and ethics approvals. This buffer protects your chosen start date and onboarding schedule.
Please note that partner invoices may be issued before formal approval. These invoices are refundable if the proposal is declined. Brief your finance teams early to avoid cash‑flow surprises.
Program administration will email decisions and may request clarifications. Reply promptly and supply documents to speed approval. If timing stalls, escalate to your advisor at email protected with clear evidence of outstanding items.
- Plan the review window and add contingency for revisions and institutional signoffs.
- Keep your canadian academic supervisor, partner contact, and admin staff aligned on milestones.
- Set onboarding checkpoints: access to data, safety training, and workspace so you start productive work immediately after approval.
| Step | Who acts | Typical timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peer review | Program administration & reviewers | 6–8 weeks | Prepare for clarifications or revisions |
| Revisions & sign‑offs | Supervisor, academic institution, partner | 2–4 weeks | Institutional approvals and ethics may add time |
| Partner invoice | Partner finance | May precede approval | Please note: refundable if declined |
| Funds transfer | Partner → academic institution | After approval & receipt of contribution | Host academic institution administers funds |
«Fix a realistic start date, then schedule review and sign‑off windows around it to protect project timing.»
For a practical checklist and planning template, see the broader guide or the Knight Hennessy guide for grant timelines: Knight Hennessy guide.
Conflicts of interest, conduct, and compliance
Be proactive about disclosures to avoid delays during peer review. You and all project participants must declare potential conflicts of interest on submission so reviewers can judge the file fairly.
Declaring COIs and adhering to the code conduct
What to disclose: ownership stakes, employment ties with the partner organization, or close family relationships among participants. List these on your submission form and attach mitigation notes where relevant.
How to document mitigation: explain steps to separate supervisory decisions from partner operational control, and name alternate reviewers or supervisors when roles overlap.
«Transparent COI reporting speeds review and protects project integrity.»
- You’ll identify and declare conflicts early ownership, employment, or family ties to align with conditions policies.
- Document a brief mitigation plan so reviewers can fairly assess risk and benefit.
- Participants attempt fulfill transparency duties by updating disclosures if circumstances change during the project.
- Separate supervisory and partner decision roles to attempt fulfill project integrity and reduce real or perceived influence.
- Internship without overlap is mandatory no simultaneous internships so plan sequences cleanly.
- Please refer to your academic institution for definitions and any extra disclosures required.
| Item | Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership/employment | Declare and provide mitigation | Prevents biased decision-making |
| Family relationships | Disclose and name alternate supervisor | Ensures impartial supervision |
| Ongoing updates | Notify program admin if status changes | Keeps the file compliant during the project |
COI checklist to include: names and roles, nature of the relationship, mitigation steps, and confirmation that interns will not run concurrent placements. Submitting this checklist reduces back‑and‑forth at review time and helps you fulfil project obligations promptly.
Practical details: start internship logistics and travel
A few simple pre-departure steps let you focus on research from day one. Follow the checklist below to set an onboarding plan with your host academic institution and partner contact.
Pre‑departure forms & orientations
Complete the International pre‑departure form and confirm you have read and signed the code conduct. Attend the required pre‑departure orientation so you know local rules, health steps, and travel supports.
Emergency health insurance & travel
Emergency health insurance covers the internship duration for international interns. Your academic institution handles insurance for some travel cases; confirm which costs it covers before booking flights.
Internship without overlap: one placement at a time
You may not take part in more than one internship at the same time. Plan units sequentially so you can complete internship milestones and avoid conflicts with enrolment or payroll.
Arrival checklist and expectations
- Set your confirmed internship start date with the host academic institution and supervisor.
- Bring IT credentials, lab PPE, and required training certificates to get workspace access fast.
- Agree on communication cadence for the first four weeks so the active participation intern role is clear.
- Please note: funds are released only after approvals and partner contributions arrive delay bookings until confirmed.
«Secure approvals, set a realistic internship start date, and confirm insurance so your first week is research‑focused.»
| Item | When to complete | Who confirms |
|---|---|---|
| International pre‑departure form | 4–8 weeks before start | Host academic institution / program admin |
| Code conduct & orientation | 2–4 weeks before start | Program admin / home university |
| Emergency health insurance | Before travel | Host academic institution |
| Internship start date confirmation | At submission of travel plans | Supervisor and partner contact |
Get help: Mitacs advisors, partner organizations, and contacts
When you need province‑specific advice or quick status checks, seeking the right contact early saves time.
Please contact your Mitacs Advisor for province‑specific guidance. They confirm eligibility, explain funding limits in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario for 2024–25, and advise which submission route fits your project.
Brief your partner organizations and your academic institution office before the call. Share timelines, required signatures, and who will handle invoicing so everyone understands roles and deadlines.
Prepare key documents ahead of advisor calls to speed feedback: a brief project synopsis, supervisor details, partner contact info, draft budget, and proof of intern status. This reduces iteration and keeps reviews focused.
Questions? Reach out to the program administration team
For quick questions or status checks, use email protected. The program admin team routes urgent queries to the right office and can clarify process timelines or missing documents.
| Who to contact | When to contact | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Mitacs Advisor | Eligibility checks, province funding nuances | Project synopsis, supervisor name, partner organization details |
| Partner organizations | Budget commitment, resource planning | Cost breakdown, invoicing schedule, deliverable list |
| Academic institution office | Ethics, payroll, and admin sign‑off | Intern status proof, payroll forms, ethics submissions |
«Use advisor insights to strengthen training plans, construct a clear benefit‑to‑Canada case, or build a cluster funding approach with a mitacs partner.«
Ready to start your internship in Canada? Apply with confidence today
You can begin now: pick the pathway that matches your timeline, gather final signoffs, and lock in a realistic start date.
Choose the 12‑week student route or the modular units that fit your research plan, and liaise with your host academic institution to confirm timelines and approvals.
Before you start internship, complete a short checklist: transcripts, CV, supervisor sign‑off, partner contribution notes and ethics or security clearances where needed. Emphasize training outcomes and professional development in your files to stand out to reviewers and partners.
If you need help, please contact your advisor for province‑specific guidance, or email email protected for a quick next step. Finalise documents now so you can submit with confidence and meet your chosen start date.