15 Best Research Internships in Canada 2026 for International Students
Research Internships in Canada 2026 for International Students
Updated: August 17, 2025 • Curated list of top research internship opportunities for international students planning for 2026
Why do research internships in Canada?
Canada leads in innovation, biotechnology, health sciences, AI, environmental science, and more. Research internships help international students gain hands-on experience, build academic networks, and enhance their graduate school or career prospects.
Top Research Internships in Canada (2026)
1) Mitacs Globalink Research Internship
Overview: A fully funded 12-week summer research internship across Canadian universities in all disciplines including STEM and social sciences.
Qualifications: Must be nominated by your home university; undergraduate enrolled in eligible programs.
Timeline: Faculty submit projects in early-mid 2025; student applications open 7 August to mid-September 2025. Internships run May–October 2026.
Paid? Yes—covers airfare, stipend, insurance, fees, training. Mode: On-site. Location: Universities across Canada.
2) RISE Worldwide (DAAD + Mitacs) Research Internships
Overview: Funded research internships in Canada for undergraduate STEM, medical, psychology, and computer science students from partner countries.
Qualifications: Undergrads from partnering DAAD institutions in eligible disciplines. Timeline aligns with Globalink.
Timeline: Applications open 7 August–18 September 2025; project duration 10–12 weeks starting May–July 2026.
Paid? Yes—includes monthly stipend, travel, insurance. Mode: On-site. Location: Across Canada.
3) Mitacs Accelerate (with Industry Partners)
Overview: Paid research internships in partnership with companies, universities, or government, spanning multiple disciplines.
Qualifications: Post-secondary students or grads; need industry partner.
Timeline: Rolling; typically aligned with academic calendars.
Paid? Yes—$7,500 from Mitacs + $7,500 partner; total internship value ~CA$15K. Mode: On-site/hybrid. Location: Across Canada.
4) Fulbright Canada-Mitacs Globalink Research Internship
Overview: U.S.-based undergrads apply via Fulbright Canada to participate in Mitacs Globalink placements.
Qualifications: U.S. citizens enrolled in undergrad programs, nominated via Fulbright Canada.
Timeline: Next call opens August 2025 for Summer 2026. Apply through Fulbright Canada timelines.
Paid? Yes—package includes stipend and funding from Mitacs and Fulbright. Mode: On-site. Location: Canadian universities.
Details & apply via Fulbright Canada
5) University of Montréal – Research Stays & Internships
Overview: International research stays and clinical internships under UdeM professors for up to 12 months.
Qualifications: Foreign students with professor supervisors at UdeM.
Timeline: Rolling; contact professors directly beginning Winter 2025 for 2026 placements.
Paid? Often unpaid but may include research funding. Mode: On-site. Location: Montréal, QC.
6) CISEPO Global Health Research Exchanges
Overview: Research and training exchanges in global health through CISEPO’s medical cooperation network.
Qualifications: Students or professionals in global health or medical research.
Timeline: Varies by program—check main site for calls.
Paid? Varies. Mode: On-site or exchange. Location: Canada and partner regions.
7) University of British Columbia – Work-Learn International Undergraduate Research Awards
Overview: Research assistant awards for international undergrads at UBC.
Qualifications: International undergrads; selected via university programs.
Timeline: Deadline varies; check UBC’s Work-Learn listings—typically Winter 2025 for Summer 2026.
Paid? Yes (stipend). Mode: On-site. Location: Vancouver, BC.
8) NSERC Undergraduate Research Awards (Some Canadian Students Only)
Overview: NSERC offers funded research assistantships in STEM disciplines—but eligibility is split between domestic vs. international.
Qualifications: Must be Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person to be eligible for most awards. :
Timeline: Check NSERC and university deadlines in Winter 2025.
Paid? Yes (stipend). Mode: On-site. Location: Across Canada.
9) University Research Assistantships (Across Canada)
Overview: Many Canadian universities hire students as research assistants during Summer/Fall—often via department or faculty websites.
Qualifications: Undergrad or grad students with faculty support.
Timeline: Summer 2026 RA roles posted late 2025 or early 2026 depending on schools.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site. Location: Across Canada.
Tip: Monitor your university’s research office and professor emails for opportunities.
10) International Bilateral Fellowships via Mitacs
Overview: Fellowships administered by Mitacs for students from countries like Taiwan and UK in disciplines like AI, quantum, biodiversity, etc.
Qualifications: Graduate students or postdoctoral fellows from eligible countries.
Timeline: Some calls open year-round via Mitacs and partner agencies.
Paid? Yes (award of USD 6K+ depending on program). Mode: On-site. Location: Canada.
11) Virtual Research Projects via Riipen & Global Platforms
Overview: Remote project-based research internships with Canadian faculty or organizations—ideal for preliminary research tasks.
Qualifications: Students comfortable with remote collaboration.
Timeline: Rolling; check mid-2025 onward.
Paid? Varies. Mode: Remote. Location: Remote.
12) Perimeter Institute PSI-START Research Experience (Physics Focus)
Overview: Highly competitive summer research program for physics undergrads at Perimeter Institute (Waterloo).
Qualifications: Physics students with strong coursework; graduate-school track appeal.
Timeline: Annual calls in late Winter—apply for Summer 2026 in early 2025.
Paid? Travel and weekday lunches may be covered; not fully paid. Mode: On-site. Location: Waterloo, Ontario.
13) DAAD–Mitacs RISE Worldwide (German Undergrads)
Overview: Similar to RISE Worldwide, specifically for German undergrads seeking research placement in Canada.
Qualifications: German undergrads in eligible fields.
Timeline: Application window: 7 August–18 September 2025.
Paid? Yes. Mode: On-site. Location: Canada.
14) The Intern Group – Research Internship Placements
Overview: Structured placements in research roles across disciplines in Toronto (on-site or virtual).
Qualifications: Varies—usually undergraduate/graduate level.
Timeline: Rolling placement cycles into 2026.
Paid? May include stipend. Mode: On-site/remote. Location: Toronto.
15) University of Waterloo Virtual/Remote Research Projects
Overview: Various departments at UWaterloo occasionally offer remote research internships under faculty supervision.
Qualifications: Undergrad/grad students with relevant background; contact specific labs.
Timeline: Rolling; reach out in late 2025 for Summer 2026 options.
Paid? Varies (often unpaid unless funded). Mode: Remote. Location: Virtual.
Tip: Search your department jobs board or contact professors directly.
Tips for Research Internship Applicants
- Start early—Globalink & RISE windows are mid-2025 for Summer 2026. Rapid response is key.
- Engage your university’s international office or faculty to seek eligible opportunities and nomination portals.
- Prepare a strong research CV, academic transcript, and well-crafted statement of interest.
- Network with professors—many internal RAs and projects are not advertised publicly.
- Clarify work-permit requirements with your co-op or international office; Globalink covers visa-related costs.
- For country-specific programs (Fulbright, DAAD), confirm your eligibility and nomination deadlines ASAP.
