Jordanian University Students Head to Canada Through Global Research Internship Program
In the presence of the Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Azmi Mahafzah, along with presidents of public and private universities, and with the participation of the Jordanian Ambassador to Canada, Sabah Al-Rafie, via video conference, a ceremony was held on Tuesday to celebrate Jordanian university students who have been accepted into the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI) Program in Canada.
Dr. Mahafzah emphasized that the selected students reflect the high caliber of Jordanian talent and its ability to compete on the global stage. He noted that their acceptance into this highly competitive program represents a national achievement and demonstrates the quality of higher education outcomes in Jordan.
He stated: "Our students' participation in the Mitacs Globalink Program at leading Canadian universities is more than a research internship; it is a transformative experience that strengthens their research capabilities, enhances their readiness to engage in world-class academic environments, and contributes to the continued advancement of Jordan's higher education sector."
For her part, Jordan's Ambassador to Canada, Sabah Al-Rafie, highlighted that the participation of Jordanian students reflects the strength of the bilateral relationship and the effective cooperation between Jordan and Canada in key sectors such as higher education, scientific research, and innovation. She noted that the initiative is the result of successful institutional collaboration aligned with Jordan's national efforts to empower youth while facilitating knowledge exchange and the transfer of expertise.
She added that the program provides Jordanian students with the opportunity to engage in advanced research environments, develop specialized skills in technology and innovation, and build international academic and professional networks.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship affirmed that these opportunities are part of its ongoing efforts to expand international partnerships and create high-impact pathways for Jordanian youth in technology and innovation, in line with the objectives of Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision to develop globally competitive digital talent.
The Ministry explained that this initiative is the outcome of the Jordanian delegation's visit to Canada, organized under the Youth, Technology and Jobs (YTJ) Project, in partnership with the private sector through the Jordan Source Program. The visit resulted in the establishment of a strategic partnership with Canada's Mitacs organization, enabling 25 Jordanian students to join the 2026 Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI) in advanced fields including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and robotics.
Dr. Alaa Ensheiwat, Chairman of the Board of DigiSkills Association, stated: "This achievement reflects the maturity of Jordan's digital skills ecosystem and underscores the importance of investing in young talent and connecting them with world-class opportunities that enhance their readiness for the future labor market."
He added that programs such as Mitacs provide students with a valuable platform to gain advanced practical experience while building strong academic and professional networks that support their future careers.
Dr. Al- Ensheiwat further explained that the program enables students to work on applied research projects at Canadian universities while receiving full financial support covering travel, accommodation, and living expenses, in addition to benefiting from professional development opportunities and networking with leading academic and industry institutions.
He also noted that the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship provided partial funding for several participating students, while the Government of Canada fully funded others, reflecting the confidence of international partners in the capabilities and potential of Jordanian talent.
The event concluded with an open dialogue with the participating students, during which they shared their aspirations and expectations for the experience ahead. Ambassador Al-Rafie commended the students for their role in representing Jordan and strengthening the Kingdom's academic presence on the international stage.