Alberta's economy continues to grow and diversify, and government is focused on preparing for the opportunities ahead. To support this, Alberta's government is making targeted investments to help ensure students develop the skills and abilities needed to meet the workforce demands of the future and succeed in a changing and competitive job market.
Through a $15-million investment over three years in the Mitacs Internship Program, Alberta's government is continuing to support valuable internship opportunities. This funding will help provide hands-on learning experiences for post-secondary students and recent graduates in the province's priority growth areas such as research and development, innovation and science.
"Hands-on learning is critical to helping students get the skills and training they need, and to prepare them for success in their careers. By working together with industry and the post-secondary system, we are ensuring students receive high-quality education while building the research and innovation labour force that the economy of the future will require."
Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education
The Mitacs Internship Program helps drive research commercialization in Alberta and complements other government-funded work-integrated learning programs. Internships also help industry partners achieve their innovation potential, respond to current business challenges and grow their competitive advantage. This $15 million in provincial funding, combined with federal and industry funding, will allow the Mitacs Internship Program to offer more than 3,000 Albertan student internships.
"Mitacs is honoured to receive this important investment from the Government of Alberta into innovation internships that will boost economic growth, productivity and competitiveness across the province while supporting talent development and retention. We're proud to contribute to strengthening Alberta's advanced education and innovation ecosystems."
Dr. Stephen Lucas, chief executive officer, Mitacs
Mitacs is a national non-profit that provides grant and internship programs for post-secondary students and recent graduates in the areas of research and development, innovation and science. Currently, 23 Alberta post-secondary institutions throughout the province have Mitacs funding agreements. Students can apply through their schools or directly with Mitacs.
Quick Facts
- Mitacs is a national non-profit organization that plays a key role in advancing Alberta's economic priorities by driving innovation, applied research and workforce development.
- Mitacs, founded by Canadian mathematicians in 1999, stands for Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex Systems.
- Its internship program connects industry with researchers and interns at Alberta's colleges, polytechnics and universities, empowering businesses to solve critical challenges, boost productivity and enhance competitiveness.
Twenty-three Alberta post-secondary institutions have current Mitacs funding agreements:
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
- NAIT
- SAIT
- Northwestern Polytechnic
- Red Deer Polytechnic
- Lethbridge Polytechnic
- Red Crow Community College
- Athabasca University
- University of Lethbridge
- Bow Valley College
- Keyano College
- Lakeland College
- Medicine Hat College
- Olds College
- Portage College
- Concordia University of Edmonton
- Mount Royal University
- Alberta University of Arts
- MacEwan University
- NorQuest College
- Kings University
- Ambrose University
Mitacs is also receiving $39.2 million of federal government and industry funding for 2025-28.
Since 2005, Alberta's government has also partnered with Mitacs to deliver the Globalink Research Internship program which supports internships and unique international research experiences in Alberta's priority sectors.
The program is open to Albertan and international learners.
Related information
- Mitacs internship programs for Albertans | Alberta.ca
- Mitacs Globalink Research Internship Program | Alberta.ca
- Connecting Students to Research Opportunities - Mitacs
- Mitacs: Bringing Innovation Into Reach - Mitacs
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