AICTE – Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI) Scheme

About this scheme

The AICTE – Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI) Scheme is a bilateral collaboration between AICTE (India) and Mitacs (Canada), established via a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2018 and renewed in March 2026. The programme sends Indian undergraduate engineering and technology students to Canadian universities for a fully funded 12-week research internship. Each year, up to 300 Indian students are selected on a competitive, merit-based basis. Students apply through the Mitacs online portal, selecting a minimum of 3 and maximum of 10 research projects from at least 3 different Canadian provinces. Matching is based on CGPA, research interests, statement of interest, and reference letters. The total funding per student is CAD $12,000 — CAD $9,000 contributed by Mitacs Canada and CAD $3,000 by AICTE. This covers round-trip airfare, airport transportation, a monthly housing stipend, a weekly food and incidentals allowance, visa/immigration fee reimbursement, comprehensive medical insurance for the full duration, up to CAD $300 toward university enrolment fees, and up to CAD $200 for conferences or workshops. The internship must take place for 12 consecutive weeks between May 1 and October 31, with start dates between May 1 and July 31. Students work full-time (40 hours/week) under a faculty supervisor at a Canadian university, gaining hands-on research experience and professional development. Priority sectors under the renewed 2026 MoU include quantum computing, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, cleantech, cybersecurity, health and life sciences, information technology, and commercialisation and digital transformation. Students must be enrolled in a full-time B.E. or B.Tech programme at an AICTE-approved institution, have completed at least 2 years of undergraduate study, have 1 to 3 semesters remaining, and hold a minimum of 70% cumulative grade. No language proficiency test is required for Indian applicants. Applications are made entirely through the Mitacs Globalink portal; no separate application to AICTE is needed.

Eligibility

• Citizenship: Indian national
• Programme & Institution: Full-time B.E. or B.Tech programme at an AICTE-approved institution listed in the Mitacs eligible institutions PDF
• Year of study: Must have completed at least 2 years of undergraduate study (typically 3rd-year students), with 1 to 3 semesters remaining as of Fall of the internship year
• Minimum CGPA: 70% cumulative grade or equivalent
• Age: At least 18 years of age at the time of application
• Language: Fluent in oral and written English and/or French; no language proficiency test required for Indian applicants
• Availability: Must be available for 12 consecutive weeks between May 1 and October 31; must start between May 1 and July 31
• Prior GRI history: Must not have been awarded a Globalink Research Internship in the past

Benefits

• Total funding of CAD $12,000 per student (CAD $9,000 from Mitacs + CAD $3,000 from AICTE)
• Round-trip international airfare contribution
• Airport transportation in Canada
• Monthly housing stipend
• Weekly food and incidentals allowance
• Visa and immigration fee reimbursement
• Comprehensive medical insurance for the full internship duration (including 2 days before and after)
• Up to CAD $300 toward university enrolment or administration fees
• Up to CAD $200 for conferences, symposia, workshops, or industry expos
• Access to on-campus Globalink mentors in Canada
• Professional development through Mitacs EDGE courses
• GRI certificate of completion

Required documents

• Official Academic TranscriptsAll years since starting undergraduate programme; in English or French
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)Mitacs template or equivalent
• Reference LetterAt least 1, maximum 2; from a post-secondary academic supervisor or researcher
• Statement of InterestExplaining reasons for pursuing research in Canada
• Passport(optional)Not required at application stage; must be valid until at least January of the following year if selected

Frequently asked