Go Global! Apply for a research internship in Montréal for 2027–28! The autumn application period ends on 16 November 2026
Take your research topic into an international environment
During Tampere University’s autumn application round, from 26 October to 16 November 2026, you can apply for an English-language research internship at École de technologie supérieure, or ÉTS, in Montréal for the 2027–28 academic year. The internship is particularly suitable for master’s and doctoral students in engineering and technology. Applicants must be studying in a relevant degree programme and have sufficient proficiency in English or French. After being selected by Tampere University, the student must find an ÉTS professor who agrees to supervise the internship. More than 60 research units at ÉTS conduct research in areas such as artificial intelligence, health technologies, aerospace engineering and transport electrification. Depending on the research project, facilities and equipment may include drones, 3D printers, flight simulators and high-performance computing environments. The research period can help you:
- advance your master’s thesis, another thesis project or doctoral research
- learn new research methods and use specialised research environments
- build connections with Canadian researchers and research groups
- develop your research communication and international working skills
- lay the groundwork for future research collaboration or a joint publication
What does a research internship exchange involve?
During the research internship, you will work on an agreed project under the supervision of an ÉTS professor. This is not a standard course-based exchange, as the period focuses on research. The project’s content, objectives, expected outputs and schedule will be agreed with the research group. You must remain enrolled at your home university throughout the internship. The opportunity is open to master’s and doctoral students in relevant fields and, in certain cases, students nearing the end of their bachelor’s studies. Applicants are responsible for finding an ÉTS professor who agrees to supervise them. When looking for a suitable supervisor, explore the university’s research units, academic staff and publications. Further information: Research Internship – ÉTS Montreal
Funding: Tampere University travel grant and possible Mitacs funding
Tampere University awards a travel grant (1 500 €) to students selected for the research internship. The travel grant is not available to students who are employed by Tampere University. Before your departure, agree with your faculty or degree programme how the research period can be included in your degree. It may be possible to have the period recognised as a thesis project, specialised assignment, research studies or other suitable studies. You may also be able to apply for a Mitacs Globalink Research Award. The programme is open to master’s and doctoral students and, in certain cases, students nearing the end of their bachelor’s studies. The project is jointly supervised by supervisors at the home and host universities. The award is currently worth 6,000 CAD for a research project lasting 12–24 weeks. The Mitacs award is separate, competitive funding, and selection by Tampere University does not guarantee that you will receive it. The number of awards available at ÉTS and the application schedule for the 2027–28 academic year have not yet been published. Check with the Mitacs representative at ÉTS at a later date to confirm whether funding is available and when the application must be submitted.
What to consider before applying
You do not need to have a confirmed internship position or an ÉTS supervisor by the end of Tampere University’s autumn application period. You can apply on the basis of a preliminary research topic, your objectives and your research interests. If you are selected, you will then begin looking for a suitable professor and research group at ÉTS. The internship can only take place if you find a professor who agrees to supervise you and you receive official approval from ÉTS. Once your internship position has been confirmed, agree on the following with your degree programme or doctoral supervisor:
- how the exchange period relates to your degree or doctoral research
- the objectives and expected outputs of the exchange period
- how any credits or research achievements will be recorded
- who will serve as your academic supervisor at Tampere University
In Canada, a research internship is considered work regardless of whether it is paid. For further information about research internships at ÉTS, contact international [at] etsmtl.ca.
Where else can I apply during the autumn application round?
Tampere University’s autumn application round is the main application round for student exchange destinations outside Europe for the 2027–28 academic year. In addition to the ÉTS research internship, you can apply to other destinations that are open to students in your field and at your level of study. Master’s students should check the destination description to see whether the host university offers teaching at master’s level, as the course selection at many exchange destinations mainly consists of bachelor’s level courses. The ÉTS research internship exchange is a particularly relevant option for doctoral students because it focuses on an individual research project rather than course-based studies. You should also explore the mobility grants and exchange opportunities for doctoral researchers. You can come and discuss your plans with us at the International Mobility Services drop-in hours. You can also find information about the application process, funding opportunities and available destinations in the Internationalisation during studies section of the Student’s Guide.
