Quick Read
- Internships in Canada run through Mitacs, co-ops, or study-permit work.
- Mitacs Globalink 2027 deadline: 16 September 2026, 1:00 PM Pacific.
- Up to 300 Indian undergrads get a funded 12-week research internship.
- Since April 2026, most co-ops no longer need a separate work permit.
- A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required for almost all paid internships, regardless of route.
Can Indian Students Do Internships in Canada?
Yes. Internships in Canada for Indian students fall into three categories, and each has a different visa mechanism behind it.
- Funded research internships, like the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship, place you at a Canadian university under a faculty supervisor for a fixed term, fully funded, with no existing Canadian study permit required.
- Co-op or work-integrated learning placements, built into your Canadian degree program, run under your existing study permit.
- Off-campus part-time or summer work, unrelated to a formal internship program, also runs under your study permit’s built-in work authorization.
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Choosing the right internship in Canada for Indian students hinges on one question:
Are you already enrolled in a Canadian degree, or are you applying from India? This single distinction determines which visa route applies and which programs you're even eligible for.
Note: A visitor visa can never be used for a paid internship in Canada, even a short one. Internship work in Canada always requires either a study permit with work rights or a dedicated internship program like Mitacs that issues its own authorization.
Related reading: Funded research internships for Indian students compared: Mitacs, DAAD WISE, and more
Mitacs Globalink 2027: The Deadline You Cannot Miss
This deadline is the most time-sensitive part of this entire guide. For the first time, Mitacs has launched an India-exclusive track through a partnership with AICTE, and the application window closes in weeks, not months.
The deadline: 16 September 2026, 1:00 PM Pacific Time (approximately 1:30 AM IST on 17 September 2026). Applications are not accepted after this cutoff, and Mitacs does not extend it for individual students.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program | AICTE-Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI) 2027 |
| Who it's for | Indian undergraduates in Engineering (BE/BTech) at AICTE-listed institutions |
| Slots | Up to 300 Indian students per year, for 3 years starting 2027 |
| Internship dates | 12 weeks, between May and October 2027 |
| Host institutions | 70+ Canadian universities across at least 3 different provinces (your project choices must span multiple provinces) |
| Eligibility | 1 to 3 semesters remaining as of Fall 2027; minimum cumulative GPA of 70% |
| Language requirement | No English test mandated for Indian AICTE applicants; you must be able to communicate in the language of your chosen project (English or French) |
Note on funding: Mitacs does not publish one universal stipend figure, and any source quoting a single fixed amount is not sourcing it from Mitacs directly. The award is a component package: a contribution toward round-trip airfare, transport from the airport to accommodation, a housing stipend, an enrollment fee contribution, a food and incidentals stipend, and emergency health insurance. The exact amount depends on your country of origin and host partner.
Counselor insight: Mitacs funds are released only after you arrive in Canada and require physical presence to process. This means your family needs to front the visa fee, biometrics appointment, flight booking, and first accommodation deposit before any Mitacs funding lands in your account. Budget for this upfront cash flow gap separately from the eventual reimbursement.
What you need before applying:
- A valid passport, valid until at least January 2028
- A reference letter from a professor, in the format Mitacs specifies
- An updated CV, either your own format or the Mitacs template
Internships in Canada for Indian Students: Stipend Comparison Across programs
Before choosing a route, it helps to see what each internship type actually pays. Figures below are in CAD with approximate INR equivalents.
| Internship Type | Typical Stipend/Pay | Duration | Is this program open to Indian students from India? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitacs Globalink Research Internship | Variable package: airfare contribution, housing stipend, food/incidentals, insurance (no fixed cash figure published) | 12 weeks | Yes, via AICTE partnership |
| University Co-op (Engineering) | CAD 3,000-4,300/month (Rs.2.07L-Rs.2.97L) | 4-8 months per term | Only if already enrolled in a Canadian co-op degree |
| University Co-op (Computer Science/Tech) | CAD 3,000-6,000/month (Rs.2.07L-Rs.4.14L), higher in later terms | 4-8 months per term | Only if already enrolled in a Canadian co-op degree |
| University Co-op (average, all faculties, Waterloo) | ~CAD 12,000 per 4-month term (~CAD 3,000/month, Rs.2.07L/month) | 4 months | Only if already enrolled in a Canadian co-op degree |
| IAESTE Technical Internship | A stipend covers local cost of living (housing, food, transport); varies by host country and role | 8-12 weeks | Yes, in principle, through IAESTE India's national committee, though placements in Canada specifically are limited and competitive |
| NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) | CAD 7,500-11,200 total (Rs.5.17L-Rs.7.73L) for 14-16 weeks | 14-16 weeks | No, it's restricted to Canadian citizens and permanent residents only |
| General off-campus part-time work | Provincial minimum wage, roughly CAD 15-17.40/hour (Rs.1,035-Rs.1,201) | Ongoing, 24 hours/week in term | Yes, under study permit work rights once enrolled |
Sources: AICTE-Mitacs Globalink Research Internship: Official Mitacs Page · Co-op Earnings: University of Waterloo · NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards: Eligibility · IAESTE Canada
Note: NSERC's USRA, one of the most visible research funding names in Canadian STEM, is explicitly closed to international students; it requires Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. Many Indian students spend time researching this program before discovering the eligibility bar. Mitacs Globalink remains the correct funded-research equivalent for Indian applicants.
Counselor insight: The pay gap between an Engineering co-op and a CS/Tech co-op at the same university can be significant, often CAD 1,000-2,000 more per month for tech roles at large employers. If you have flexibility in which stream to pursue and both interest you equally, factor the pay gap into your decision, particularly if you're relying on co-op earnings to offset living costs.
Co-op Internships in Canada: What Changed on 1 April 2026
If Mitacs isn't your route because you're already enrolled in a Canadian degree with a mandatory internship or co-op component, a major rule change now works in your favor.
As of 1 April 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) removed the requirement for a separate co-op work permit for eligible international students completing a required work placement. This now covers mandatory co-ops, internships, practicums, clinicals, and mentorship programs that are part of your degree.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Study permit condition | Must already authorize on-campus or off-campus work; request an amendment if missing |
| Institutional letter | Confirms the work placement is a mandatory requirement of your program |
| Placement length cap | Must be 50% or less of your total program length |
| Separate co-op work permit | No longer required as of 1 April 2026 |
| Social Insurance Number (SIN) | Still required to get paid |
Note: If your study permit does not carry the correct work-authorization condition printed on it, you must request an amendment before your co-op begins. Starting a work placement without this condition, even one required by your degree, is a status violation.
Counselor insight: Before this April 2026 change, co-op work permit processing alone could take several weeks and derail a student's internship start date. This bottleneck is now gone for most students, but check your specific study permit wording carefully; older permits issued before the policy change may still show restrictive conditions that need updating.
Related reading: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Canada
Employers Offering Internships in Canada for Indian Students
Beyond Mitacs and university co-ops, several major Canadian and multinational employers run structured internship programs that regularly hire international students already studying in Canada.
| Employer | Sector | Typical Pay (per Glassdoor-reported intern salaries) | INR Equivalent | Application Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RBC | Banking & Finance | ~CAD 70,600/year average, roughly CAD 5,880/month (Glassdoor: RBC Intern Salaries) | ~Rs.48.71L/year, ~Rs.4.06L/month | Co-op and summer intern postings via RBC's own student careers page |
| TD Bank | Banking & Finance | CAD 45,700-74,400/year annualized, roughly CAD 3,800-6,200/month (Glassdoor: TD Intern Salaries) | Rs.31.53L-51.34L/year, ~Rs.2.62L-4.28L/month | TD's Early Talent Programs portal, cycles in Jan, May, Sept |
| Scotiabank | Banking & Finance | Comparable to RBC/TD, company-wide intern data (Glassdoor: Scotiabank Intern Salaries) | ~Rs.31.5L-51.3L/year (comparable to RBC/TD) | Scotiabank's student careers page: co-ops start Jan, May, and Sept |
| Shopify | Tech (E-commerce) | ~CAD 63,000-69,000/year average, roughly CAD 5,250-5,750/month (Glassdoor: Shopify Intern Salaries) | ~Rs.43.47L-47.61L/year, ~Rs.3.62L-3.97L/month | Shopify's dedicated intern microsite; in-person requirement at Canadian or US offices |
| Deloitte Canada | Consulting & Advisory | CAD 18-28/hour, roughly CAD 3,100-4,850/month (Indeed: Deloitte Salaries Canada) | Rs.1,242-1,932/hour, ~Rs.2.14L-3.35L/month | Deloitte's student careers page; postings open fall, winter, and spring cycles |
Source: Glassdoor and Indeed figures are self-reported by employees and interns, not official employer disclosures, so treat these as directional ranges rather than guaranteed offers. Actual pay varies by role, city, and specific posting.
Note on visa sponsorship: Shopify's own guidance states it supports students already holding a valid work authorization, such as the study-permit work condition or (formerly) a co-op work permit, but does not typically initiate new visa sponsorship for intern-level roles. This pattern holds across most large Canadian employers: they hire international students who are already eligible to work, rather than sponsoring a new permit specifically for an internship.
Counselor insight: Indian students often assume named-company internships in Canada require a separate job search process. In reality, most flow through your university's co-op portal first. Register with your co-op office in your very first term, even before you're eligible to apply for placements, since employer information sessions and pre-placement workshops typically start a full term ahead of the actual application window.
Related question: What is the process and cost structure for study and work permits in Canada?
Mitacs vs Co-op vs Part-Time Work: Which Route Fits You?
| Factor | Mitacs Globalink | University Co-op | Off-Campus Part-Time Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requires Canadian study permit | No | Yes | Yes |
| Duration | 12 weeks | Varies, tied to program | Ongoing, 24 hours/week in term |
| Funding | Fully funded (variable amount) | Paid by employer | Paid by employer |
| Application route | Direct to Mitacs via AICTE partnership | Through your university's co-op office | Any employer, no formal program |
| Visa mechanism | Mitacs-issued authorization | Study permit (no separate permit needed as of April 2026) | Study permit work conditions |
| Best for | Students still in India wanting a Canada research credential | Students already enrolled in a Canadian co-op degree | Students wanting general work experience alongside study |
Which Path Fits You as an Indian Student Applying for Internships in Canada
If you're an Indian engineering undergraduate still studying in India and have 1-3 semesters left: Mitacs Globalink is your strongest option, but only if you apply before 16 September 2026. Start your reference letter request now; professors often take one to two weeks to prepare a proper recommendation.
If you're already enrolled in a Canadian degree with a mandatory co-op or internship component: Confirm your study permit's work condition with your international student office immediately, and get the mandatory-placement confirmation letter from your department before your co-op start date, since employers will ask for it.
If you're an Indian postgraduate student in Canada wanting general work experience, not a formal internship: Your study permit's built-in work authorization (20 hours/week during term, full-time during scheduled breaks) already covers this requirement. Apply for your SIN as early as possible since most Canadian employers won't process payroll without one.
Documents Required for Internships in Canada for Indian Students
| Document | India-Specific Detail |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | For Mitacs: valid until at least January 2028 |
| Reference letter from a professor | Mitacs requires this in a specified format; co-ops typically need departmental confirmation instead |
| Updated CV | Mitacs accepts your own format or their template |
| Study permit (co-op/part-time route) | Must show work-authorization condition printed on it |
| Social Insurance Number (SIN) | Applied for after arrival in Canada, via Service Canada |
| Proof of funds (Mitacs applicants) | Not required for the internship itself, but relevant if applying for a Canadian study permit separately |
| Institutional mandatory-placement letter (co-op route) | Confirms the work placement is a required part of your degree, not optional |
Internship Planning Calendar for Indian Students (2027 Cycle)
| When | Indian Academic Context | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| August 2026 | Odd semester begins | Shortlist Mitacs host institutions and projects; request your professor reference letter now |
| By 16 September 2026, 1:00 PM PT | Odd semester underway | Submit your AICTE-Mitacs Globalink application; this deadline does not shift |
| October 2026-January 2027 | Odd semester exams, even semester begins | Await Mitacs review; continue regular coursework as usual |
| February-April 2027 | Even semester underway | Results and host matching typically finalize in this window |
| April-May 2027 | Even semester exams | Arrange visa documentation and travel once your placement is confirmed |
| May-October 2027 | Summer break through into the next academic year | 12-week internship period runs within this window |
What to Do When Your Canada Internship Plan Hits a Problem
Your professor reference letter isn't ready before the Mitacs deadline: Request it the moment you decide to apply, not a week before. Mitacs will not extend the 16 September 2026 deadline for missing documents, so build in at least two weeks of buffer with your recommender.
Your study permit doesn't show a work-authorization condition for your co-op: Apply to IRCC for an amendment immediately; this amendment is a no-fee request, but processing still takes time, and you cannot legally start your placement without it.
Your co-op placement exceeds 50% of your total program length: This placement will not qualify under the simplified April 2026 rules. Speak to your co-op office about restructuring the term or confirm whether a separate work permit route still applies to your specific case.
If you haven't received your SIN before your internship start date: You can generally still start certain placements, but you cannot be paid until the SIN is issued. Apply as early as your study permit or Mitacs offer letter allows, since processing can take a few weeks.
Counselor insight: The most common reason Indian students miss the Mitacs deadline isn't disinterest; it's underestimating how long a proper faculty reference letter takes. Professors in India are frequently juggling multiple such requests in the same narrow window every year. Ask early and follow up politely rather than assuming a same-week turnaround.
Related question: What challenges have students faced in Canada and the UK regarding internships and loan repayment?
How an Internship in Canada Feeds Into Your Long-Term Plans
A completed internship, whether Mitacs or a university co-op, is the first link in a well-defined chain: internship experience strengthens your resume for full-time hiring, full-time Canadian employment builds your case for the Post-Graduation Work Permit period, and PGWP-era work experience is what most Indian graduates use to qualify for permanent residency. Here is what each stage actually requires and pays.
| Pathway Stage | Eligibility | Duration | Typical Salary (Entry-Level) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Graduate from a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institution; maintain full-time status; complete 50%+ of program in Canada | Up to 3 years, tied to program length | N/A (work authorization only) | IRCC: PGWP Eligibility |
| Entry-level Software/Tech role | Canadian degree or diploma, often with a co-op or internship on your resume | Ongoing full-time employment | CAD 65,000-83,700/year (Rs.44.85L-Rs.57.75L) | Glassdoor: Entry Level Software Engineer Canada |
| Entry-level Engineering role | Canadian engineering degree, co-op experience strongly preferred | Ongoing full-time employment | CAD 52,800-70,900/year (Rs.36.43L-Rs.48.92L) | Indeed: Entry Level Engineer Canada |
| Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry) | 1+ year of skilled work experience in Canada (NOC TEER 0-3), usually gained during or after PGWP | Processing typically 6 months post-application | N/A (immigration pathway, not a salary) | IRCC: Canadian Experience Class |
| Provincial Nominee program (PNP) | Varies by province; often requires a job offer or in-demand occupation, sometimes tied to the province where you studied or interned | Varies; adds significant CRS points if nominated | N/A (immigration pathway, not a salary) | IRCC: Provincial Nominee Program |
Counselor insight: Students often treat the internship and the PR pathway as two separate conversations. They are not. Which province you intern and study in can materially change your PNP eligibility later, since several provinces reserve dedicated nomination streams for their own graduates and local work experience. If permanent residency is part of your long-term plan, factor your internship location into that decision now, not after you've already accepted a placement.
Related questions:
- Is it easier to get PR in Canada with a study visa?
- What are the options for post-study work permits after completing a one-year specialized program in Canada?
3 Takeaways
- If you're targeting Mitacs Globalink for 2027, the real deadline is your professor's reference letter, not 16 September 2026 itself; start that request now.
- As of 1 April 2026, most co-op internships in Canada no longer need a separate work permit, but your study permit still needs the correct work-authorization condition printed on it.
- A Social Insurance Number is required for almost every paid internship in Canada, regardless of route, so apply for it the moment you're eligible rather than waiting until your first payday is at risk.
Verified by: LeapScholar's Canada counseling team, with hands-on experience guiding Indian students through Mitacs applications, co-op work authorization, and PGWP transitions.
Have questions about internships or work permits in Canada? Book a free session with a LeapScholar counselor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Internships in Canada for Indian Students
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Can Indian students do internships in Canada without a study permit?
Yes, through the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship. This program brings Indian students to Canada for a 12-week funded research placement without requiring an existing Canadian study permit, since Mitacs issues its internship authorization separately. All other internship routes, including co-ops and part-time work, require an existing Canadian study permit.
-
How much do internships in Canada pay?
Pay varies significantly by route. University co-ops typically pay CAD 3,000-6,000 a month, depending on the field, with tech and computer science roles at the higher end. General part-time work under a study permit pays provincial minimum wage, roughly CAD 15-17.40 an hour. Mitacs Globalink does not publish a fixed cash stipend; it instead covers a package of airfare, housing, food, and insurance costs that vary by country of origin.
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What is the deadline for Mitacs Globalink 2027 for Indian students?
The deadline is 16 September 2026 at 1:00 PM Pacific Time, approximately 1:30 AM IST on 17 September 2026. This is a strict cutoff; Mitacs does not accept late applications or extend the deadline for individual students.
-
Do I need a co-op work permit for internships in Canada in 2026?
Most eligible students can get it now. As of 1 April 2026, IRCC removed the separate co-op work permit requirement for post-secondary international students completing a mandatory work placement. Your existing study permit now covers the work placement, provided it has the correct work-authorization condition and your institution confirms that the placement is a required part of your program.
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Is NSERC's Undergraduate Research Award (USRA) open to Indian students?
No. NSERC USRAs are restricted to Canadian citizens and permanent residents only, regardless of your academic standing or which Canadian university you attend. Indian students in India looking for a comparable government-backed research internship should apply to Mitacs Globalink instead, which is specifically open to international applicants.
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Can Indian students get paid internships in Canada through IAESTE?
In principle, yes, through IAESTE India's national committee, which places students in technical, STEM-focused internships in member countries, including Canada. In practice, Canadian placements through IAESTE are limited in number and competitive, since IAESTE relies on host employers in each country making positions available that particular year.
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Do I need a Social Insurance Number for internships in Canada?
Yes, almost universally. Whether you're on Mitacs, a co-op placement, or off-campus part-time work, you need a SIN from Service Canada to receive payment. Apply as early as your eligibility allows, since processing can take a few weeks and you cannot be paid without it.
-
Are unpaid internships in Canada legal for international students?
Unpaid work placements are permitted only in narrow circumstances, generally where the placement is a formally assessed, mandatory part of an academic program and doesn't displace a role that would otherwise be a paid position. Outside of that, Canadian employment standards require at least minimum wage, so a standalone "unpaid internship" offer from a company unconnected to your coursework is worth verifying carefully before accepting.
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What happens if I miss the Mitacs Globalink 2027 deadline?
You cannot apply for the 2027 cycle if you miss 16 September 2026, since Mitacs does not accept late submissions. Look into the next Mitacs cycle for 2028, explore IAESTE placements, or focus on securing a strong co-op position once you begin a Canadian degree.
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