Canadian researchers and businesses often want to work with international partners. However, finding funding for travel and research exchanges can be difficult. The Mitacs Globalink Research Award provides funding for short-term, two-way research mobility between Canada and eligible partner countries. This program is run by Mitacs, a national not-for-profit that builds research and innovation partnerships.
The Globalink Research Award (GRA) is a federal-level program delivered by Mitacs. Its main goal is to support international research collaboration by funding short research exchanges between Canada and approved partner countries. These exchanges can be outbound (Canadian students or postdoctoral fellows going abroad) or inbound (international researchers coming to Canada).
Key features of the program include:
Unlike many business-focused grants, the Globalink Research Award is centred on academic and applied research. It can also benefit companies that work with universities or rely on research talent.
Note: The Globalink Research Award is specific to Canadian institutions and eligible partner countries. It is not open to US institutions or researchers based solely in the United States.
Eligibility for the Mitacs Globalink Research Award depends on both the individual and the institutions involved.
According to Mitacs program rules:
Mitacs updates the list of eligible partner countries. Even strong projects may be ineligible if the partner country is not currently approved.
The Globalink Research Award is not meant to fund entire research programs. Instead, it helps remove practical barriers to working together internationally.
Mitacs does not publish a fixed funding amount in the program overview. The award is meant to help with costs like:
The funding supports projects with clear goals that can be completed during the exchange.
Working with international partners lets Canadian researchers and businesses:
For businesses that work with universities, this can mean better research results and stronger talent pipelines.
GrantHub’s program search can help you discover other funding options for international research, so you don’t miss out on new opportunities.
The Globalink Research Award is often listed as open, but program status can change. Always check the current status on the Mitacs website. Applications must also follow Mitacs intake cycles and internal deadlines set by participating institutions.
The usual steps are:
Timelines can vary because institutions play a central role. Planning several months ahead is common.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if this and other international research programs fit your needs.
Choosing an ineligible partner country
Mitacs only supports exchanges with approved countries. Always check the current list before you apply.
Treating it like a travel grant
The award is for research outcomes. Projects focused just on travel are not likely to succeed.
Missing institutional deadlines
Your university may have earlier deadlines than Mitacs. Check both sets of dates.
Assuming funding can always be combined
You may be able to stack this award with other funding, but check the rules for all programs and your institution.
Q: Who can apply for the Mitacs Globalink Research Award?
Applicants are usually students or postdoctoral fellows at a Canadian institution, working with an eligible international partner. Supervisors on both sides are needed.
Q: How much funding does the Globalink Research Award provide?
Funding amounts vary and cover mobility and collaboration costs, not full project budgets. Check current guidelines and ask your institution for details.
Q: Does the program support both inbound and outbound research?
Yes. The award is designed for two-way international research exchanges.
Q: Is the Globalink Research Award taxable?
Tax treatment depends on whether the funding is a stipend or research support. Ask your institution or a tax professional.
Q: Can the award be combined with other grants?
Stacking may be allowed, but it depends on the rules of all funding programs and your institution’s policies.
The Mitacs Globalink Research Award is a practical way for Canadian researchers and businesses to build international research partnerships without paying the full cost of global mobility. If your business works with academic researchers or depends on research talent, programs like this can support your innovation goals.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and research funding programs across Canada — including opportunities for international collaboration — so you can see which ones match your business or research profile before you apply.
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