Suspended
Mitacs — Canadian Science Policy Fellowship
Policy fellowship for government host offices
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
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Federal government offices
- Provincial 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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Mitacs — Canadian Science Policy Fellowship. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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:
Federal or provincial 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 (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 (MITACS)