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Source verified April 9, 2026
Mitacs — Canadian Science Policy Fellowship
Policy fellowship for government host offices
Latest source updateLast Update: April 10, 2026Latest change: The CSPF page now emphasizes responsibilities and removes much of the previous application and eligibility guidance from view.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Latest change: The CSPF page now emphasizes responsibilities and removes much of the previous application and eligibility guidance from view.
CSPF page content updated
The Canadian Science Policy Fellowship page now opens with a Responsibilities section covering host office duties and Mitacs program responsibilities. The previous application guidance, eligibility details, and related how-to-apply instructions are much less visible, while the 2023-24 program hold notice and timeline remain on the page.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
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
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
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
- Step 1: Prepare the application
- Complete the online form.
- Gather the required supporting documents.
- Step 2: Submit the application
- Send the application through the online form.
- Ensure all required reference letters are submitted.
- Step 3: Interview stage
- Shortlisted applicants are contacted for interviews.
- Mitacs shares the host position description before the interview.
- Step 4: Matching and agreement
- Selected fellows and hosts rank preferences.
- Mitacs confirms matches and host offices prepare employment agreements.
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