Globalink Research Award
Grow your potential, expand your innovation horizons, build new or strengthen international research collaborations with another university, through the Globalink Research Award (GRA) program. Open to full-time senior undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, the award enables talented researchers to undertake one 12 to 48-week project or two 12 to 24-week projects with a host supervisor inbound to Canada or abroad from Canada.
How It Works
Program Details
The Mitacs Globalink Research Award (GRA) program supports research collaborations between Canada and eligible countries and regions through intern(s) international mobility.
Under the joint supervision of a home and host professor, successful senior undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows can do one or two 12-24 weeks internship(s).
The program is offered through two streams:
- Allocation stream: Participating Canadian universities receive a set number of internship units per year. Each university will manage their allocation. Rules and conditions may vary. Please contact your local Mitacs advisor for details, before starting to develop a project.
- Quantum stream: Open to all Canadian universities. The project must be in the quantum sector (includes but not limited to: Quantum computation (hardware), algorithms, and software – Quantum communication, networks, and cryptography – Quantum metrology, sensing, imaging, and materials.). No limit of projects per Canadian university and does not count in the university’s allocation.
Funding
- Each intern will receive $6,000 per internship unit (IU):
- $6,000 research award to conduct one 12- to 24-week research project in the other country. This is one internship unit (IU).
- $12,000 research award to conduct one 24- to 48-week research project or two 12- to 24-week research projects in the other country. This is two internship units (IUs).
Awards are offered in partnership with Mitacs’s Canadian academic institution partners and are subject to available funding.
Applicants are encouraged to seek support from other funding sources to cover all expenses and use prudence when allocating funds to travel and accommodations.
Mitacs funds must be spent according to the budget in the application and Tri-Agency eligible expenses. See Mitacs use of funds for details of eligible expenses for Mitacs programs.
Additional International Partners Funding
Please note that any additional funding offered by our partners listed below is outside of Mitacs purview and interested applicants should contact the appropriate partner directly.
Germany
| Partner | Munich Quantum Valley gGmbH (MQV) |
| Intern level and eligibility | Master’s and PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows. |
| Travel direction | Travel to and from Canada |
| Eligible universities | Research groups | Munich Quantum Valley |
| Sector(s) | Quantum Technologies (MQV research topics) |
| Project duration | Up to six months (graduate students) and up to one year (postdoctoral fellows). |
| Award Amount | Provided directly by MQV to successful applicants: 2000€ supplemental to MITACS GRA program |
| Process | Applications are processed on a rolling basis. Up to 10 positions per year are fundable. Proposed work must be directly related to MQV research in Germany or Canada and conducted with an MQV-associated researcher. |
| Contact | [email protected] |
India
| Partner | Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru (IISc) International visiting faculty program at IISc |
| Faculty eligibility | Full-time faculty members at all levels — Assistant Professor (AP), Associate Professor (AcP), and Professor (P) — affiliated with any Canadian university. Applicants must be a Canadian foreign national or an Overseas Citizen of India. |
| Travel direction | Travel from Canada |
| Eligible universities | Indian Institute of Science (IISc) |
| Sector(s) | All sectors – All IISc departments and centres |
| Project duration | Minimum three months (90 days) and up to one year (within the IISc academic year – August 1 to July 31) |
| Award Amount | Monthly honorarium on par with IISc faculty in Indian Rupees (Assistant professor: 100 000 INR; Associate professor: 150 000 INR; Professor: 200 000 INR) + round-trip economy-class airfare. * Can be provided with the campus accommodation on availability and payment basis |
| Process | Applications can be submitted through the host faculty/department at IISc or to the Office of International Relations. It must consist of the applicant’s CV with the list of selected publications, summary of the various activities/programs planned during the IISc visit (1–2 pages), and passport copy (see flyer for more information) |
| Contact | [email protected] and [email protected] |
| Partner | Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru (IISc) International visiting faculty program at IISc |
| Intern level | Postgraduate students (Masters/PhD) and postdoctoral fellows affiliated with any Canadian university. |
| Travel direction | Travel from Canada |
| Eligible universities | Indian Institute of Science (IISc) |
| Sector(s) | All sectors – All IISc departments and centres |
| Project duration | Minimum three months (90 days) and up to one year (within the IISc academic year – August 1 to July 31) |
| Award Amount | Monthly fellowship on par with IISc students/researchers in Indian Rupees (Masters: 12 400 INR; PhD: 37 000 INR to 42,000 INR; Postdocs: 60 000 INR). * Can be provided with the campus accommodation on availability and payment basis |
| Process | Visiting students/researchers must identify the host faculty/department at IISc and submit their application to the Office of International Relations. It must consist of the applicant’s CV, summary of the research work planned during the IISc visit (1–2 pages), a recommendation letter from the home institute/supervisor, and passport copy (see flyer for more information) |
| Contact | [email protected] and [email protected] |
South Korea
| Partner | QCenter |
| Intern level and eligibility | Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Only Korean citizens are eligible. |
| Travel direction | Travel to Canada |
| Eligible universities | All universities in South Korea |
| Sector(s) | Quantum technologies |
| Project duration | Up to six months (graduate students) and up to one year (postdoctoral fellows), with a possible extension. |
| Award Amount | Provided directly by the QCenter to successful applicants: Graduate students: KRW 30,000,000 to 40,000,000 (approximately $27,000 to $37,000 CAD) Postdoctoral fellows: KRW 70,000,000 to 90,000,000 (approximately $64,000 to $83,000 CAD) |
| Process | 2–4 calls annually; selection via application and interview. The intern from Korea is the applicant. To obtain application materials or for any questions, interested applicants should contact QCenter directly |
| Contact | [email protected] |
Eligibility
Intern:
- Must be registered as full-time senior undergraduates, graduate students, or postdoctoral fellows at an eligible Canadian institution or eligible international institution and remain as such throughout their Globalink Research Award
- Postdoctoral fellows may apply if their date of graduation from a PhD program is no more than five years prior to the proposed start date of the research project and they have postdoctoral status at an eligible institution
- Cannot undertake a research project at an institution where they have previously completed a degree
- Cannot undertake a research project in a country where they hold citizenship
- Permanent residents or citizens of Canada who are enrolled in an eligible country other than Canada and who wish to do a project in Canada are eligible to apply
- Permanent residents or citizens of Canada who are enrolled in a Canadian institution and who hold citizenship in an eligible country may apply to do a project there
- Must be the legal age of majority in Canada (18 years of age or older)
- Must meet travel requirements for their intended destination, including visa and/or immigration requirements and associated documentation
- Cannot hold more than two Globalink Research Award or Mitacs-JSPS Summer Program Award IUs per academic lifetime. Globalink Research Internship (GRI) and RISE-Globalink Research Internship participation does not affect GRA IU limit.
- Interns may not participate in more than one MITACS internship at the same time
Supervisor:
- Must hold a faculty position at an eligible university
- Must be eligible to supervise graduate students
- Supervisors at Canadian institutions: Must be eligible to hold Tri-Agency funding
Country Eligibility
The program supports research and travel to academic institutions between Canada and most countries (allocation and quantum stream). Outbound mobility is possible between Canada and all countries except those classified as “Avoid all travel” or “Avoid non-essential travel” by the Government of Canada. For inbound mobility, all countries are eligible except for Russia and North Korea.
Please note that this list is subject to change at any time and participants are required to check the status at the time of application and prior to travel. Additionally, participants must adhere to any regional “Avoid all travel” or “Avoid non-essential” travel advisories.
How to Apply
Please note the application process may vary depending on the Canadian university and its internship unit allocation. Please check with your local Mitacs Advisor to determine if your project fits the funding requirements for your institution and to request the link to the GRA Application Portal.
Awards are offered in partnership with Mitacs’s academic partners and are subject to available funding. It is recommended applicants apply at least 16 weeks prior to the planned start date.
Application process
- Review all eligibility and award guidelines from Mitacs and the Canadian institution.
- Participants connect with one another to discuss project interests. Please note that Mitacs does not connect interested interns and academic supervisors.
- Academic supervisors at Canadian institutions obtain endorsement from the Canadian institution beforepreparing the application. Please contact your local Mitacs Advisor for more information on the rules and process at your university.
- Complete the application: in addition to completing all the fields in the portal, applicants will be required to submit a research proposal and a Mitacs Pre-Departure form. Additional information will be provided in the application portal.
- All supervisors and intern(s) must log in and fill in their personal information. There is a research security question that is visible only to each participant. All participants must log in and respond themselves.
- When the portal application is complete, all participants must log in again and sign-off on the project.
- Obtain the Canadian university signature:
- Projects that are being proposed though the Allocation stream must be counted towards the Canadian institution allocation of internship units. The Vice President Research (VPR) or designate signature is required.
- Projects that are being proposed through the Quantum stream do not count in the Canadian institution allocation and is open to all Canadian universities. The Vice President Research (VPR) or designate signature is not required.
- The Office of Research Services (ORS) or designate signature will be required on all completed applications from the Allocation stream or the Quantum stream.
- Applicants should allow 1-3 weeks to obtain the appropriate university signatures.
8. Submit your complete application 12-16 weeks prior to project start date:
- Local Mitacs Advisors, academic supervisors at Canadian institutions and the intern who created the application are the only ones who are able to submit the application through the portal. All participants will receive a confirmation email once the application is submitted.
- Interns cannot travel until Mitacs has issued both an outcome and award letter
- Approved recipients will receive funds to support intern travel and accommodation expenses, research-related expenses, and stipend. Mitacs funds will be sent to the Canadian institution’s Office of Research Services (or equivalent) and administered as a research grant in the Canadian supervisor’s name.
- Projects must begin within one year of the outcome letter being issued
- Projects with a second unit must end within two years of the start date of the first unit
- Interns should not leave the host country during an internship unit.
- All participants (student or postdoctoral fellow, home and host supervisors) submit an exit survey.
Additional resources for partner organizations:
Questions? Consult our FAQ section below or contact [email protected]
MITACS TERMS, CONDITIONS & POLICIES
MITACS TERMS, CONDITIONS & POLICIESView and download our documents
Release of funds
Mitacs forwards the GRA funds to the Canadian institution after Award Letter is released to participants. The Canadian institution releases funding to participants in accordance with institutional policies and procedures.
Use of funds
Mitacs funds may be used to support the direct costs of research as specified in the Tri-Agency’s Financial Administration guidelines and in accordance with your academic institution’s guidelines for research expenses. Please direct any questions about eligible expenses for Mitacs projects first to your academic institution and second to your Mitacs Advisor or grant management contact.
- Mitacs does not claim any ownership of Intellectual Property developed through research projects and internships that are funded
- It is recommended that the participating organizations and institutions undertaking a research collaboration through Mitacs-funded projects come to a mutual understanding on the Intellectual Property implications of the project(s)
All applications submitted to Mitacs undergo a rigorous review process to ensure the quality of proposals that receive Mitacs funding. For full details, please see the Mitacs Globalink Research Award section on our Adjudication page.
Responsibilities
AI Adoption Call (G7 Countries)
Canada is committed to advancing leadership in artificial intelligence within the Group of Seven (G7) countries, with a focus on globally competitive and domestically translatable research.
The GRA G7 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adoption Call supports this commitment by promoting academic collaboration through student and researcher mobility between Canada and the other G7 countries: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The call prioritizes high-quality academic research in AI and the translation of AI research into real-world applications. Ideal projects are those that advance foundational and applied AI knowledge, and demonstrate potential to support small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) adoption.
The number of internship units (IUs) under this call is limited and subject to available funding. Applications will be processed in the order they are submitted to Mitacs until the number of available IUs is reached.
Eligibility
In addition to the standard GRA eligibility requirements for interns and academic supervisors, interns and their host or home supervisors must be:
- Located at or travelling to an eligible G7 country
- Affiliated to a Full Partner Advisory Committee (FPAC) member institution; see the list of FPAC institutions below
FPAC institutions
| Carleton University Concordia University Dalhousie University École de technologie supérieure McGill University McMaster University Memorial University Ontario Tech University Polytechnique Montréal Queen’s University Simon Fraser University University of British Columbia Toronto Metropolitan University Université de Montréal Université de Sherbrooke Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières |
Université Laval University of Alberta University of Calgary University of Guelph University of Manitoba University of New Brunswick University of Ottawa University of Regina University of Saskatchewan University of Toronto University of Victoria University of Waterloo University of Windsor Western University York University |
How to Apply
The GRA G7 AI Adoption Call has a limited number of IUs available and is subject to funding capacity. Consult your local Mitacs Advisor to determine if your project fits the funding requirements and to request a link to the GRA Application Portal. We recommend applying at least 16 weeks before your project’s planned start date.
Note that applications will be processed in the order they are received, with the call closing once all available IUs are exhausted.
Please follow the application process below, as some steps differ from the application process for the standard GRA program. Standard GRA post-submission and program administration details apply.
Application process for GRA G7 AI Adoption Call
- Review all eligibility and award guidelines from Mitacs and the Canadian institution.
- Participants connect with one another to discuss project interests. Please note that Mitacs does not connect interested interns and academic supervisors.
- Complete the application: in addition to completing all the fields in the portal, applicants will be required to submit a research proposal and a Mitacs Pre-Departure form. Additional information will be provided in the application portal.
- All supervisors and intern(s) must log in and fill in their personal information. There is a research security question that is visible only to each participant. All participants must log in and respond themselves.
- When the portal application is complete, all participants must log in again and sign-off on the project.
- Obtain the Canadian university signature:
• The Office of Research Services (ORS) or designate signature will be required on all completed applications from the GRA G7 AI Adoption Call.• Applicants should allow 1–3 weeks to obtain the appropriate university signatures.
- Submit your complete application 12–16 weeks prior to project start date:
• Local Mitacs Advisors, academic supervisors at Canadian institutions, and the intern who created the application are the only ones who are able to submit the application through the portal.• All participants will receive a confirmation email once the application is submitted.
Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.