Suspended
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is suspended
Location
Canada
Overview
This program places PhD holders in government host offices for a 12-month policy fellowship. It supports policy challenges through research expertise, with annual funding of $70,000-$80,000 for the fellow’s employment agreement.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is suspended
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Policy development
- Stakeholder engagement
- Preparation and maintenance of key policy documents
- Work on clearly defined policy challenges
Documents Needed
- Online application form
- Position description for host applications
- Two letters of reference for fellow applications
- Required uploaded supporting documents
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Provincial government offices
- Federal government offices
- PhD holders in any discipline
- Canadian faculty members
Who is not eligible
- Organizations that are not government offices
- Applicants without a PhD at the start of the fellowship
- Applicants who cannot work full-time for 12 months
- Current or past fellows seeking a second-year fellowship
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Travel costs for in-person interviews
- Relocation costs
- Holding the fellowship remotely as a general option
- Starting the fellowship outside the annual September cohort
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Ottawa, for some cohort activities and host offices
Selection criteria
- Clarity of the policy issue and challenge
- Added value of the position for the fellow
- Support structure, including mentoring and reporting
- For fellows: research distinctions, leadership, communication skills, and commitment to the program
How to apply
1
Prepare Host Application (Hosts)
- Develop a position description including policy issue, tasks, and required competencies.
- Ensure the fellowship position complies with eligibility requirements.
- Check the Guidelines for a Successful Host Application for a checklist.
2
Submit Host Application (Hosts)
- Complete the CSPF Host Application form online.
- Submit the form by the deadline for host applications.
- Confirm submission through the automated email receipt.
3
Prepare Fellow Application (Fellows)
- Prepare supporting documents and letters of reference.
- Review Guidelines for a Successful Fellow Application for details.
4
Submit Fellow Application (Fellows)
- Complete the CSPF Fellow Application online form.
- Submit the application by the deadline for fellow applications.
- Receive confirmation of application submission via automated email.
5
Application Adjudication
- Applications are reviewed to assess eligibility and suitability.
- Shortlisted semi-finalists are notified by Mitacs.
6
Interviewing (Fellows and Hosts)
- Hosts review semi-finalist applications and select candidates for interviews.
- Arrange and conduct interviews remotely with selected fellows.
- Both parties complete a ranking survey post-interview.
7
Matching (Mitacs)
- Mitacs facilitates matching based on rankings and preferences.
- Unmatched candidates have an opportunity for a secondary matching round.
8
Finalize Agreements (Fellows and Hosts)
- Hosts prepare an employment agreement with their HR department.
- Fellows negotiate and sign the agreement with their host office.
9
Begin Fellowship
- Attend CSPF Orientation.
- Commence the fellowship in September, following the agreed terms.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility.
- Shortlisted candidates are selected for interviews by host offices.
- Selected fellows and hosts rank preferences for matching.
- Mitacs confirms matches and host offices prepare employment agreements.
- Fellowships begin with orientation and training.
Additional information
- The 2023-24 call is on hold until further notice.
- The program uses a double-blind, concurrent application process.
- Professional development and networking activities are mandatory.
- Applications are reviewed in a cohort model running from September to August.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mitacs — Canadian Science Policy Fellowship Program
What is the Mitacs — Canadian Science Policy Fellowship?
This program places PhD holders in government host offices for a 12-month policy fellowship. It supports policy challenges through research expertise, with annual funding of $70,000-$80,000 for the fellow’s employment agreement.
Who is eligible for the Mitacs — Canadian Science Policy Fellowship program?
To be eligible for the Mitacs — Canadian Science Policy Fellowship program, you must:
Provincial or federal government offices only.
Full-time 12-month PhD-level fellowship.
Policy-focused role with mentoring support.
What expenses are eligible under Mitacs — Canadian Science Policy Fellowship?
Policy development
Stakeholder engagement
Preparation and maintenance of key policy documents
Work on clearly defined policy challenges
Who can I contact for more information about the Mitacs — Canadian Science Policy Fellowship?
You can contact Mitacs by email at policyfellowship@mitacs.ca.
Where is the Mitacs — Canadian Science Policy Fellowship available?
The Mitacs — Canadian Science Policy Fellowship program is available across Canada.
Is the Mitacs — Canadian Science Policy Fellowship a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Mitacs — Canadian Science Policy Fellowship is a Researchers And Facilities
Who are the financial supporters of the Mitacs — Canadian Science Policy Fellowship?
Mitacs — Canadian Science Policy Fellowship is funded by Mitacs