The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has officially initiated the application process for the AICTE-Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI) 2027 programme. This move aims to enhance academic collaboration and provide research opportunities for Indian students on a global scale. The announcement was made on August 5, 2026, by AICTE Chairman Yogesh Singh during a formal event.

This initiative follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AICTE and Mitacs, Canada. The agreement allows for 300 eligible Indian undergraduate students to receive fully funded 12-week research internships at prominent Canadian universities each year starting from 2027, over a three-year period.

The inception of this programme can be traced back to the visit of Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney to India earlier this year, where he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their discussions underscored the significance of educational collaboration and talent mobility as key components of the India-Canada partnership.

Objectives of the Initiative

The two leaders expressed their desire to enhance cooperation in higher education by promoting skills aligned with industry needs, expanding joint programmes, and facilitating the establishment of offshore campuses for leading Canadian institutions in India. They also highlighted a collaborative approach to research in emerging technologies.

The AICTE-Mitacs partnership is envisaged to advance the Globalink Research Internship programme, which allows around 300 Indian undergraduate students per year to engage in research placements at Canadian universities. This endeavour aims to strengthen academic partnerships and bolster research quality and market-ready skills among students.

The GRI is a highly regarded programme that offers students the chance to work with experienced faculty across various disciplines, such as engineering, computer science, life sciences, and social sciences. Interns will conduct research in leading laboratories, gaining invaluable exposure in multicultural environments while enhancing their professional skills.

Application Process Details

The application window for the GRI 2027 programme is open from August 5 to September 16, 2026. During this period, qualified students will undergo a competitive selection process consisting of screening and matching to faculty members at the selected Canadian institutions.

Successful candidates will participate in the internships from May to October 2027. They will also receive ample pre-departure support and orientation to prepare them for their research experiences in Canada.

To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or integrated undergraduate-master’s programme, and have completed a minimum of two years of undergraduate studies. Additionally, students must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French, applying to multiple research projects across different Canadian provinces.

This AICTE-Mitacs initiative represents a significant step towards advancing India’s presence in global higher education, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s goals of enhancing international collaborations and academic mobility. By facilitating access to major research institutions, it aims to foster competent researchers and bolster bilateral academic relations, contributing to a robust innovation ecosystem for India and Canada.

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