If you are reading this, you are probably dreaming of going to Canada on a fully funded internship. Maybe you have already heard about the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI), and you are wondering how to apply, how to get selected, and whether you even stand a chance.
I got it. I have been there.
In 2023, I was just like you — unsure, nervous, but full of hope. And today, I have not only completed the Mitacs internship in Canada in 2024, but I have also won a graduate scholarship at York University, one of Canada’s top schools.
So, believe me when I say: You can do it too.
My name is Muhammad Abdullah Baig, a Geoinformatics Engineer from Pakistan. I am passionate about GIS, AI, and global opportunities. I am the founder of Tech Scholar Club, and you can connect with me directly on LinkedIn.
This blog is your complete, step-by-step guide to winning Mitacs GRI 2025–26, with personal tips, real talk, and everything I learned from my journey.
What is Mitacs GRI?
The Mitacs Globalink Research Internship is a fully funded 12-week research internship in Canada. It’s open to students from select countries (including Pakistan, India, Colombia, Brazil, the UK, Bangladesh, China, and others). You get to work with Canadian professors on real research projects — and yes, they cover your costs.
Mitacs covers:
- Airfare ✈️
- Accommodation and food 🏠
- Travel insurance and health coverage 💊
- A research stipend 💰
You don’t need to pay a single dollar at the end of the day. It is one of the best opportunities for undergrads who want to explore research abroad.
Who Can Apply?
If you’re:
- In your 2nd or 3rd year of undergrad.
- From an eligible country.
- Studying at a university listed on Mitacs’ partner institutions list.
- With a decent CGPA (80% or more).
Then yes, you can apply.
Click here to see the official country-specific requirements and application process.
Some projects require English proficiency proof, but not all. IELTS is not mandatory unless the project explicitly asks for it.
Timeline for Mitacs GRI 2025–26
Start early. Mark your calendar. Here’s what the cycle looks like:
| Stage | Timeline |
| Application opens | August/September 2024 |
| Deadline | September 17th at 1 p.m. (Pacific time) |
| Interview (if required) | Oct–Nov 2024 |
| Results | Jan–Feb 2025 |
| Internship starts | May–July 2025 |
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Let me walk you through the actual process:
1. Register on the Mitacs Portal
Go to the link: Mitacs GRI portal and make an account. Simple stuff.
2. Build Your Profile
You will need:
- Transcript (official or unofficial)
- Resume (academic format)
- Proof of enrollment
- Proof of English (if required)
- A letter of recommendation from your academic supervisor or professor
3. Choose Your Projects (Max 7-10)
This is where many people mess up.
Don’t just randomly pick projects. I spent days filtering mine. Choose:
- Projects related to your skills.
- Professors with research interests like yours.
- Projects where your background fits.
Look at the skills required in each posting. If you have most of them — shortlist it.
4. Write Your Statement of Interest (SoI)
This is THE most important part of your application.
Your SoI should:
- Introduce who you are and what you study
- Show your interest in research
- Explain why you chose those projects
- Show how this internship fits your future goals
Don’t copy from Google. I wrote mine like I was talking to the professor.
➡️ Want a look at my winning SoI? Join my WhatsApp group, and I will send it to you.
5. Get a Recommendation Letter
Ask a professor who knows your work. Not someone random.
Tip: Request early. I asked my professor two weeks in advance and shared my resume and project list. Make it easy for them.
6. Final Review and Submission
Before hitting submit, double-check everything. Ask a friend to review your SoI.
My Mitacs Experience (2024 at York University, Toronto)
Once I got selected, everything changed.
I worked on a research project combining AI, remote sensing, and GIS. I collaborated with international students, presented my research at the Mitacs Symposium, and got mentorship from a top professor.
But beyond the academics, I explored Toronto, lived in the heart of the city, cooked for myself, and made lifelong friends. It was the most empowering 3 months of my life.
Oh — and I secured a graduate scholarship at York University as a result. I will be starting my master’s there soon.
Mitacs was a life-changer.
Tips to Ace Your Mitacs Application
- Start Early – Applications open in August. Don’t wait.
- Be Real in Your SoI – Speak from the heart. Explain your journey.
- Customize for Each Project – Professors know when you copy-paste.
- Show Passion, Not Just Grades – Projects want commitment.
- Highlight Skills, Tools & Projects – Mention what you have worked on.
- Keep Your Resume Academic – Include projects, research, publications, tools (e.g., Python, QGIS, MATLAB, etc.)
- Don’t Overthink — Apply Anyway! – I have seen average students get selected just because they applied smartly.
Free Resources for You 🎁
I am sharing everything I used during my application:
- ✅ My Winning SoI Template
- ✅ Resume Guide for Mitacs
- ✅ Project Selection Strategy Guide
- ✅ Research and Study Abroad Guide
📲 Join my WhatsApp community to get them all: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FuPZiUzRHyPA1VNdEEPLX7
Final Thoughts — You Can Do This 💪
You are not too late.
You are not underqualified.
And you are not alone.
I have helped many students craft their applications — and I am here to help you too.
If you are serious about applying for Mitacs GRI 2025–26, take the first step today.
👉 Subscribe to this blog for more updates.
👉 Join the WhatsApp group to get real-time tips, free resources, and direct guidance from me in the community.
🚀 Coming Soon on TechScholarClub:
- How to write a killer Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- CV tips for international scholarships
- Master’s scholarships in Europe, Canada, and Germany
- Internship opportunities in Japan, Korea, and Germany
- Technical blogs related to AI/ML GIS, remote sensing and emerging technologies.
Let’s win scholarships together.
Stay connected. Stay committed. Your global future starts here. 🌍
Hi there! I have a lot of queries in my mind can you plz tell how can I connect to you
You can send me connection request on LinkedIn and you can also join the WhatsApp community to ask your questions. I mentioned my LinkedIn in this post