NEW DELHI: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has opened applications for the AICTE–Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI) 2027 programme, offering eligible Indian undergraduate students an opportunity to undertake fully funded research internships at universities in Canada. Applications opened on August 5 and will remain available until September 16.The programme follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between AICTE and Mitacs, Canada. Under the agreement, up to 300 Indian undergraduate students will be selected annually for three years beginning in 2027 to participate in 12-week research internships at participating Canadian universities.
Programme linked to India–Canada education cooperation
According to AICTE, the initiative follows discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the latter’s visit to India earlier this year. Education, research collaboration and academic mobility were identified as areas for deeper cooperation, alongside efforts to expand joint degree programmes, strengthen research partnerships and promote industry-oriented skills.The Globalink Research Internship places undergraduate students under the supervision of faculty members at Canadian universities across disciplines including engineering, computer science, mathematics, physical sciences, life sciences, business, social sciences, arts and humanities. The internships are conducted in person over 12 consecutive weeks between May and October.
Eligibility and application process
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or integrated undergraduate–master’s programme. They should have completed at least two years of undergraduate study, or be in the second year at the time of application. Candidates must also meet the language requirements specified for their chosen research projects and apply to a minimum of three and a maximum of ten projects across at least three Canadian provinces.Following the application deadline, candidates will undergo screening, matching and selection before being assigned to faculty supervisors at participating institutions. Selected students will also receive pre-departure support and orientation before travelling to Canada for internships scheduled between May and October 2027.
AICTE chairman on the initiative
AICTE Chairman Prof. Yogesh Singh said the programme aims to expand research opportunities for Indian students through international collaboration.“India’s demographic dividend can become a global innovation dividend only when our students are provided opportunities to learn, research and collaborate beyond geographical boundaries. The AICTE–Mitacs Globalink Research Internship is a transformational initiative that will empower talented Indian students to work with leading researchers in Canada, gain exposure to cutting-edge research ecosystems and develop global competencies essential for the knowledge economy.“AICTE has advised interested students to review the eligibility criteria and application guidelines before submitting their applications through the official programme portal.
