Globalink Research Award: Connecting Research Worldwide
Take your research abroad with the University of Toronto – Mitacs Globalink Research Award (GRA)!
This award offers funding for senior undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows to conduct 12–24-week research projects at U of T and abroad.
The GRA gives students a chance for academic growth, international research collaboration, and invaluable experiences. Don’t miss the opportunity to apply and embark on this remarkable research journey!
Contact us for the most up to date application process (the application process is subject to change): globalinkaward@utoronto.ca
Important Notice: Changes to the Mitacs GRA Program
- The Mitacs GRA Program has changed as of April 1 2025. Please review the highlighted changes below:
- All projects are now fully funded by Mitacs. International partner funding and/or U of T PI funding are not longer required.
- Mitacs has allocated U of T a maximum number of spots. Availability will be confirmed during the eligibility review process. Note: Quantum projects are excluded from this allocation.
- We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis, with allocation first come, first served. If you are looking to apply for a later date (e.g. Summer 2026), please reach out early to indicate your interest and confirm if spots will be available.
- Mitacs now hosts applications on a new portal. The old portal has closed as of April 1 2025, and no data has been retained from the old portal.
- Students cannot conduct a project in their country of citizenship. The only exception is for Canadian citizens and Canadian Permanent Residents also holding the citizenship of their host country.
- Opportunity to do two 12-24 week internship units: For projects that cannot be completed in 12-24 weeks, students have a possibility to apply for 24-48 weeks. Alternatively students can apply to travel for a second 12-24 week long period. As spaces are limited, applicants will need to submit a request for the additional internship unit.
- Please email globalinkaward@utoronto.ca if you have any questions or concerns.
GLOBALINK RESEARCH AWARD (GRA) Special Calls
- Fung Family Scholars Undergraduate Research Abroad Opportunity -> Funding for undergraduate Engineering students to conduct research at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in Summer 2025. Learn More via the Special Calls Tab (Application Deadline: Flexible)
- Quantum Technologies Initiative -> Supporting quantum research collaborations between Canada and select partner institutions; special funding offer for select Mitacs partners. Learn More (Application Deadline: Ongoing)
These special calls for the Mitacs Globalink Research Award present unique pathways for professors, students, and researchers to engage in cutting-edge projects and foster international collaborations. Explore these programs and seize the chance to contribute to innovative research endeavours, enhance your academic journey, and make a lasting impact in the world of arts and science.
If you have questions or need more information about these special calls, feel free to email globalinkaward@utoronto.ca.
Overview
The Mitacs Globalink Research Award (GRA) provides $6,000 CAD in funding for students to conduct a 12- to 24-week research project abroad. If projects cannot be completed in 12-24 weeks, students have a possibility to extend to 24-48 weeks, or to travel for a second 12-24 week period with additional funding.
Applications should be submitted 16 weeks (roughly four months) prior to the project start date, and acceptance notifications are typically received within 12 weeks.
Participants have up to a year to make travel arrangements after receiving the Outcome letter. Before departure, applicants must complete the Mitacs Code of Conduct and Ethics, as well as the International Pre-Departure forms. Grant funds are disbursed upon form submission. If possible, it is highly recommended to submit all documents, including the Mitacs Code of Conduct and Ethics, and the International Pre-Departure forms at the moment of project submission.
The GRA offers students a chance for academic growth, international research collaboration, and invaluable experiences. Don’t miss the opportunity to apply and embark on this remarkable research journey!
For more information, check out the Mitacs GRA website!
Application Process
*Please refer to the Inbound section or Outbound section for more specific details. For more information regarding the application process, refer to the “How to Apply’ tab on the Mitacs website.
Submit the application documents 16 weeks (roughly four months) in advance.
Inbound information section: Inbound GRA applicants are students and postdoctoral fellows registered at institutions outside of Canada awarded the GRA to conduct research at UofT.
Outbound information section: If you are a degree seeking student or postdoctoral fellow at U of T conducting research at external institutions or countries, you are considered an outbound applicant.
To begin, confirm the general details of your project (e.g. approximate length, topic) and a supervisor at both the host institution and your home institution.
Connect with potential supervisors directly to discuss possible projects, as Mitacs does not facilitate connections. Refer to the FAQs tab for further guidance.
Before preparing the application, ensure U of T endorsement by contacting Mitacs and/or globalinkaward@utoronto.ca to confirm the specific requirements and obtain the application materials.
- Note: as there are limited spots available, endorsement is only valid for 4-6 weeks from the email confirmation. Please submit as soon as possible after confirming endorsement to ensure spots are still available.
Next, work with your supervisors and your Mitacs contact to develop your application. Mitacs will give you access to the online application system, where you will submit your application package.
- Please note final signatures may take 1-3 weeks to obtain. Complete the application package, including the application information and research proposal, and submit it for signatures 16 weeks (roughly 4 months) before your project start date.
Note: during the final signatures stage, the University of Toronto will confirm that there are still spots available and that they are endorsing the project. Please ensure you submit your application package as soon as possible after initial endorsement to ensure spots are still available.
If it’s possible, it’s highly recommended to submit your pre-departure documents around the same time, including the Mitacs Code of Conduct and Ethics, and the International Pre-Departure Form.
You will hear the results of your application approximately 12-16 weeks after submission.
Timeline
The application process for the Mitacs Globalink Research Award spans several stages over a period of approximately 16 weeks (roughly four months, or one University of Toronto semester).
For example, to travel for your research project in May, start the application process around four to six months prior, in October or November. Have the application package ready to submit by December. You will receive the outcome of your application by April, and if successful, you can begin your project with the GRA.
Most importantly, you and your supervisors should submit the application package to Mitacs approximately 16 weeks (roughly four months) before the project start date.
Students interested in coming to the University of Toronto
Please check if your home institution is in an eligible country. For inbound mobility, all countries are eligible except for Russia and North Korea. If you have any questions or concerns, email globalinkaward@utoronto.ca.
Next Steps – Inbound: Coming to U of T
U of T Students
Check if your desired host institution is in an eligible location. Locations considered “Avoid all travel” or “Avoid non-essential travel” by Global Affairs Canada are not eligible. Please note that this status can change at any time and participants are required to check the status at the time of application and prior to travel.
If you need help understanding the Global Affairs Canada Travel Advisories, please reach out to safety.abroad@utoronto.ca.
Please note that the University of Toronto does not permit undergraduate students to travel to locations considered “Avoid non-essential travel” or “Avoid all travel” for university activities.
Graduate students looking to travel a destination considered “Avoid non-essential travel” or “Avoid all travel” should contact safety.abroad@utoronto.ca as soon as possible to discuss the process of making a request for approval.
Applications Prior to April 1 2025
Applications submitted prior to April 1 2025 fall under the older Mitacs program. Please see the information below for guidance.
International Partner Collaborations
Projects with international partners are fully funded by Mitacs program and their international partners.
Please refer to the below list of international partners, and please note the below information is subject to change. Refer to the Mitacs website for the most up-to-date information.
If your country or institution of interest is not listed, please check Other Eligible Countries and Regions below.
Argentina
- Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF)
Brazil
- Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF)
- Fundação Araucária Foundation
Chile
- Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF)
- Consejo de Rectores de las Universidades Chilenas (CRUCH-FUDEA)
Colombia
- Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF)
European Union
- Travel to other EU countries (not listed here) only where projects are a part of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) RISE program
France
- Aix-Marseille Université (AMU)
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS)
- France-Canada Research Funds Consortium (FCRF)
- French Embassy in Canada
- Institut national de recherche en sciences et technologies du numérique (Inria)
- Université Côte d’Azur
- Université Grenoble Alpes
- Université de Lorraine
Germany
- GSI Heavy Ion Institute (Helmholtz Association)
- Forschungszentrum Jülich (Helmholtz Association)
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
- Max Planck Society
- National Research Council and Aachen University (inbound to Canada only)
Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
Korea
- National Research Foundation of Korea
Mexico
- Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF)
- Universidad Technologica El Retono (UTR)
Singapore
- National Research Foundation of Singapore / AI Singapore (AISG)
South Africa
- National Research Foundation South Africa (NRF South Africa)
Taiwan
- National Cheng Kung University, Global Research and Industry Alliance (NCKU GLORIA)
Ukraine
- Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF)
- Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine
United States
- Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF)
For more information, check the “international partner information” tab on the Mitacs GRA website.
*If your desired international partner is not listed above, it indicates that the international partner is not currently collaborating with Mitacs. However, it is possible that your desired country may still be eligible for the Globalink Research Award (GRA). Refer to the information below for guidance.
Other Eligible Countries and Regions
Please check if your desired institution for the research internship is covered by a Mitacs International Partner (above) first. If not included on the international partner list, then your project may require co-funding from your U of T supervisor.
If the institution is not on the international partner list, please review below for non-eligible countries. If your country isn’t on the list below, contact globalinkaward@utoronto.ca to start the application process.
Mitacs determines this list by following guidelines from the Government of Canada’s Global Affairs Travel Advisories.
- Non-eligible countries and regions for outbound students — All other countries are eligible
Afghanistan
Ethiopia
Mauritania
South Sudan
Belarus
Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Myanmar
Sudan
Burkina Faso
Haiti
Niger
Syria
Burundi
Iran
Nigeria
Ukraine
Chad
Iraq
North Korea
Venezuela
Central African Republic
Lebanon
Papua New Guinea
Yemen
Democratic Republic of Congo
Libya
Russia
Eritrea
Mali
Somalia
- Non-eligible countries and regions for inbound students — All other countries are eligible
North Korea
Russia
Contact Us
Email us: globalinkaward@utoronto.ca
When emailing globalinkaward@utoronto.ca or Mitacs for the first time, please make sure to include the following information (if available):
- Your planned host institution and supervisor
- Your home institution and supervisor
- A brief description (1-2 sentences) of your planned research project
- Your planned project dates
If you are a degree seeking student at U of T conducting research at external institutions or countries: please refer to the Outbound section.
This section is for guidance for inbound Globalink Research Award (GRA) applications. Inbound GRA applicants are students and postdoctoral fellows registered at institutions outside of Canada planning to conduct research at U of T.
The Mitacs Globalink Research Award (GRA) provides $6,000 CAD for senior undergraduate, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in select Mitacs partner countries to conduct 12–24-week research projects at the University of Toronto. If projects cannot be completed in 12-24 weeks, students have a possibility to extend to 24-48 weeks, or to travel for a second 12-24 week period with additional funding.
If you are a U of T GRA supervisor, please refer to the U of T Faculty Members tab for more about your responsibilities.
Please connect with your home university to complete any required pre-departure steps before travel.
Learn more about the Mitacs Globalink Research Award.
To apply for the award, follow these steps below.
Check your eligibility
- Must be registered as full-time undergraduates, graduate students, or postdoctoral fellows at an eligible university or institution and remain as such throughout the Globalink Research Award. Postdoctoral fellows* may apply if their date of graduation from a PhD program is no more than 5 years prior to the proposed start date of the research project.
- Must come from an eligible Mitacs partner country. Please check your home institution country eligibility. If your home institution country is on the non-eligible countries list, please contact via globalinkaward@utoronto.ca.
- Cannot undertake a research project at an institution in Canada where you have previously completed a degree.
- 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.
- Must be the legal age of majority in Canada (18 years of age or older).
- Must meet the travel requirements for your intended destination in Canada, including visa and/or immigration requirements and associated documentation
- Cannot hold more than two Globalink Research Award or Mitacs-JSPS Summer Program Award per academic lifetime.
*Are you a postdoctoral fellow? If so, please check with your University of Toronto supervisor regarding the minimum salary/stipend requirements for hosting a visiting postdoctoral fellow. Please email globalinkaward@utoronto.ca with any questions.
Secure your home and host supervisor
As a prospective inbound student to the University of Toronto (U of T), you will need to secure an academic supervisor at your home institution as well as one at U of T.
Host Supervising Professors (at U of T)
- Must hold a faculty position at U of T
- Must be eligible to supervise graduate students and hold Tri-Council funding
Home Supervising Professors
- Must be recognized faculty members at their institutions
- Must be eligible to supervise graduate students
To secure a supervisor, graduate students could go to the Find a Supervisor website to look for more specific details and guidance.
It is recommended to check your home department’s guidance for ways to secure your supervisor. Contact faculty members in your home university for their guidance. You can also use University of Toronto department lists to find contacts in your area of interest, and explore U of T professors and their research areas. Then, you can contact potential supervisors directly.
Complete and Submit the Application
*Submit the application documents 16 weeks (rougly four months) in advance!*
- Contact globalinkaward@utoronto.ca to check your eligibility and confirm there is space for your project in the University of Toronto’s allocation.
- When emailing globalinkaward@utoronto.ca or Mitacs for the first time, please make sure to include the following information (if available):
- Your planned host institution and supervisor
- Your home institution and supervisor
- A brief description (1-2 sentences) of your planned research project
- Your planned project dates
- When emailing globalinkaward@utoronto.ca or Mitacs for the first time, please make sure to include the following information (if available):
- Complete the Globalink Research Award application materials
- Research projects must fit within the University of Toronto’s thematic research areas of strategic importance (PDF).
- Additional information on research project eligibility can be found on the Mitacs website.
- Application materials will be submitted via the Mitacs Globalink Research Award application portal. For access, email Mitacs, or to globalinkaward@utoronto.ca.
- Mitacs will support with obtaining final signatures and doing the final submission on your behalf.
Contact globalinkaward@utoronto.ca for specific application information and steps
If possible, it is highly recommended to submit the Pre-Departure form and the Code of Ethics form when submitting your application, as it decreases risks of delays or missing documents further in the process.
Planning start and end dates
Refer to the application timeline for more information.
Research projects are conducted over 12–24-weeks at University of Toronto. You may complete up to 25% of the total project length at your home institution. Please view U of T’s academic terms below if you would like to plan the start of your project in accordance with U of T’s academic terms. You may come for longer than one term.
For both Undergraduate students and Graduate students:
Your start date at the University of Toronto can be any time during the year. However, it is recommended that you start when the term starts (as stated below)
- Fall semester: September to December
- Spring/Winter semester: January to April
- Summer semester: May to August
When you receive confirmation from an academic supervisor at your home university and an academic supervisor at U of T, you can start preparing your application materials. Application process for the Mitacs Globalink Research Award.
Await the outcome of your application:
You will receive a “Review Results” letter from Mitacs – Globalink Research Award approximately 10-12 weeks after submission.
If successful?
Congratulations! You received the Globalink Research Award!
Upon receiving a successful application outcome, complete and submit the Pre-Departure form and the Code of Ethics form to Mitacs. Please connect with your home university to complete any required pre-departure steps before travel. If you have any pre-departure related inquiries, please reach out to your home institution for assistance.
Please note that your funding will not be released until these documents are completed and submitted.
*If possible, it is highly recommended to submit the Pre-Departure form and the Code of Ethics form at the moment of submission, to decrease risks of delays in the process.
Prepare for arrival
You will need to complete the requirements before your project:
- Check with your home university and complete any required pre-departure steps.
- Obtain appropriate health insurance for your time in Canada.
- Obtain appropriate visas and required permits. If you have any questions about this, please contact the following University of Toronto offices:
Postdoctoral fellows, contact:
Postdoctoral Fellows Office: sgs.postdoc@utoronto.ca
Undergraduate students, contact:
Your supervisor at U of T and/or globalinkaward@utoronto.ca
Graduate students, contact:
School of Graduate Studies International: sgs.international@utoronto.ca
Students or researchers from external institutions or countries applying for the Globalink Research Award to conduct research at UofT: please refer to the Inbound section.
This section is for guidance for outbound Globalink Research Award (GRA) applications. Outbound GRA applicants are degree seeking students or postdoctoral fellows registered at U of T planning to conduct research at external institutions or countries.
The Mitacs Globalink Research Award provides $6,000 CAD for senior undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows in Canada to conduct 12–24-week research projects at universities overseas. If projects cannot be completed in 12-24 weeks, students have a possibility to extend to 24-48 weeks, or to travel for a second 12-24 week period with additional funding.
If you are a U of T GRA supervisor, please refer to the U of T Faculty Members tab for more about your responsibilities.
Please note that the Mitacs Pre-Departure Form is signed by U of T Safety Abroad (safety.abroad@utoronto.ca) once all Safety Abroad requirements are complete.
Learn more about the Mitacs Globalink Research Award.
To apply for the award, follow these steps below.
Check your eligibility
- Must be registered as full-time undergraduates, graduate students, or postdoctoral fellows at an eligible university or institution and remain as such throughout the Globalink Research Award. Postdoctoral fellows may apply if their date of graduation from a PhD program is no more than 5 years prior to the proposed start date of the research project.
- Must be travelling to an eligible Mitacs partner country. All locations are eligible, except for those with an “Avoid non-essential” or “Avoid all travel” advisory from Global Affairs Canada. If your desired destination is considered “Avoid non-essential travel” or “Avoid all travel”, please contact via globalinkaward@utoronto.ca.
- Cannot undertake a research project at an institution where you have previously completed a degree.
- Cannot undertake a research project in a country where you hold citizenship.
- 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 the travel requirements for your 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 per academic lifetime.
Visit the Mitacs Globalink Research Award – “Eligibility” tab for more details.
Secure your home and host supervisor
As an outbound U of T student, you will need to secure an academic supervisor at a host institution as well as one at U of T.
To secure a supervisor, graduate students could go to the Find a Supervisor website to look for more specific details and guidance.
It is recommended to check out your department’s guidance of ways to secure your supervisor. For example, laboratory medicine and pathobiology students can refer to Finding a supervisor for your MSc or PhD for more information.
Plan your project start and end dates
Refer to the application timeline to plan your project.
Research projects are conducted over 12–24-weeks at a host institution. You may complete up to 25% of the total project length at your home institution (U of T).
Keep in mind that the host institution term dates may not be the same as U of T. Check with your host institution for any recommendations for when to arrive and start your project. Also, review the academic terms of your host institution to align the start of your project accordingly. Taking these factors into account will help ensure efficient project planning and coordination.
Complete the application and submit
*Submit the application documents 16 weeks (rougly four months) in advance!*
- Contact globalinkaward@utoronto.ca to check your eligibility and confirm there is space for your project in the University of Toronto’s allocation.
- Complete the Globalink Research Award application materials
- Research projects must fit within the University of Toronto’s thematic research areas of strategic importance (PDF).
- Additional information on research project eligibility can be found on the Mitacs website.
- Application materials will be submitted via the Mitacs Globalink Research Award application portal. For access, email Mitacs, or to globalinkaward@utoronto.ca.
- Mitacs will support with obtaining final signatures and doing the final submission on your behalf.
*Contact globalinkaward@utoronto.ca for specific application information and steps.
If possible, it is highly recommended to submit the Pre-Departure form and the Code of Ethics form when submitting your application, as it decreases risks of delays or missing documents further in the process.
Await the outcome of your application:
You will receive a “Review Results” letter from Mitacs – Globalink Research Award approximately 10-12 weeks after submission.
If successful?
Congratulations! You received the Globalink Research Award!
- Complete and return the signed Pre-Departure form to Mitacs. The form must be signed by U of T Safety Abroad: safety.abroad@utoronto.ca.
- In order for Safety Abroad to sign the Mitacs Pre-Departure form, students need to fulfill all of U of T Safety Abroad requirements.
- Complete and return the Code of Ethics form to Mitacs.
Please note that your funding will not be released until these documents are completed and submitted.
Have questions about your pre-departure steps? Email globalinkaward@utoronto.ca.
Prepare for your travel
You need to complete several steps before travelling for your project:
- Obtain appropriate health insurance.
- Obtain appropriate visas and required permits. If you have any questions about this, please contact your host institution and/or the embassy or consulate of your host country.
If encountering any outbound-specific questions, contact:
U of T Globalink Research Award team (globalinkaward@utoronto.ca): questions about funding, pre-departure steps, application process.
Safety Abroad (safety.abroad@utoronto.ca): questions related to planning travel, Safety Abroad requirements, Mitacs Pre-Departure Form.
Your host supervisor/host institution: questions about your project, visas, arrival process, on the ground support.
Please review the below information to understand the vital support faculty members provide to interns throughout their research projects, and the responsibilities of host supervisors and home supervisors in the Mitacs Globalink Research Award (GRA) program.
Supervisors’ Responsibilities
Host supervisor’s responsibilities
The host supervisor is responsible for ensuring that there is an administrative owner for the visit in place and will assist with the administrative processes as needed. In addition, the host supervisor will:
- Adhere to institutional policies for visiting researchers
- Provide ongoing direction and research support to the intern prior to and during the research project
- Advise the intern on appropriate travel arrangements and accommodation
- Provide the intern with any necessary documentation to support the visa application
- Ensure the intern has appropriate lab and/or office space and resources during the research project
- Submit an exit survey to Mitacs
Home supervisor’s responsibilities
- Adhere to institutional policies for research abroad
- Provide ongoing direction and research support to the participant prior to and during the research project
- Submit an exit survey to Mitacs
Additional responsibilities of the Canadian institution and supervisor
In addition to the above, the Canadian supervisors and institutions – whether home or host – have additional responsibilities, specifically:
- Supporting interns with the necessary preparations for travel abroad (institutional travel policy, immigration application support)
- Assuming fiduciary responsibility for the Mitacs grant
- For inbound students (hosting incoming students at the University of Toronto), assisting with administrative processes as needed and ensuring that there is an administrative owner for the visit.
Learn more by visiting the Mitacs GRA website – Responsibilities.
To be eligible, supervisors:
- Must hold a faculty position.
- Must be eligible to supervise graduate students (UofT supervisors must be eligible to hold Tri-Council funding).
Funding Process
- U of T supervisors will need to set up a MRA (My Research Application) before final signatures can be obtained and the application submitted. More information about MRAs.
- In most cases, the total Globalink Research Award funding will be released to the U of T supervisor’s MRA. The supervisor will then distribute funds to the student.
Submissions prior to April 1 2025
- If the project requires co-funding, U of T supervisors must have identified co-funding of $2,000 CAD to contribute to a total award value of $6,000 CAD. (Projects with Mitacs international partners are fully funded by Mitacs and their international partners).
- U of T supervisors must complete and submit the U of T funding form. This form must be submitted as part of the GRA application package. Please contact globalinkaward@utoronto.ca to request the funding form.
- If the project requires co-funding, the U of T Globalink Research Award team will later invoice the account noted on the abovementioned Funding Form for the co-funding.
Receiving students? See the Inbound section for more information.
Sending students? Please refer to the Outbound section.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Mitacs Globalink Research Award at the University of Toronto. Get quick and accurate information regarding eligibility, project supervision, institutional requirements, international partnerships, and more.
Visit the Mitacs website and click on the FAQ tab for general Mitacs GRA questions.
For UofT-specific FAQs, refer to the pages below.
