MHRC-Mitacs Annual 2027 Indigenous Mental Health Studentship

Special partners helping to advance innovative projects and foster excellence in health research:

Research Manitoba will proudly support BC-based Indigenous researchers.

Health Research BC will proudly support BC-based Indigenous researchers.

Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) will proudly support SK-based Indigenous researchers.

Indigenous Community Mental Health
$15,000 CAD
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 11.59pm ET
Between early- and mid-December 2026
By May 31, 2027
6 months

MHRC is proud to partner with Mitacs on this funding opportunity for Indigenous university, college or postgraduate students across the country to work with their academic supervisor and partner with a local service provider or Indigenous community organization.

Topic Area

MHRC and Mitacs are partnering through the Mitacs Indigenous Pathways Initiative, to support the brightest Indigenous university or college students conducting research in mental health at one of Canada’s many post-secondary institutions. These interns will share their time between academic institutions and partner organizations, tying together their research with the end-users to ensure the project is tailored to and appropriate for that community’s needs and people with lived experience.

This jointly funded Indigenous Studentship is part of MHRC’s 2026-2027 Studentship cycle, where students share their time between academic institutions and community service providers, tying together their research with the needs of the end-users — the community and people with lived experience. MHRC aims to drive systemic change by encouraging the adoption of effective, research-informed, and client-centric approaches to mental health treatment.

Objective

To support the next generation of mental health researchers and to ensure Indigenous researchers are actively engaged in innovative, useful and relevant mental health research
To narrow the gap between research and its impact on end-users
To strengthen relationships between Indigenous community mental health service providers and academia through collaboration and knowledge sharing
To contribute to the development of a more accessible and impactful mental health system in Canada

Eligibility

Eligible students must be:

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident self-identifying as First Nations, Inuit or Métis;
Enrolled in an undergraduate, masters, college or PhD program at an accredited Canadian university or college, with a background in psychology or related field/discipline; AND
Seeking to conduct a research project within the theme of Indigenous mental health.

In line with the Mitacs Indigenous Research Policy, all projects must have clear potential for impact on the relevant community, and therefore must partner with a community service provider and integrate the insights of people with lived experience into each stage of their project. Proposals must collaborate directly with Indigenous communities to develop their projects.

Please read the application guide for the complete application requirements

Application Guide
We are including an editable budget template to include in your application

Budget Template

Click Here to Apply

For questions pertaining to this partnership or application process, please contact:

Barani Ganapathi

Senior Consultant, Research Grants and Organizational Impact

Mental Health Research Canada

bganapathi@mhrc.ca

Sarah Fairlie

Senior Advisor, Social Innovation

Mitacs Inc.

sfairlie@mitacs.ca

FAQs

The $15,000 funding will be sent directly to the applicant’s academic institution and held by the academic supervisor. The funds will be disbursed based on the project’s timeline and it is the responsibility of the supervisor to ensure that they are used appropriately for the studentship’s purpose, covering research expenses and other project-related costs.
No, your community partner organization is not required to make a financial contribution to the studentship. However, they are expected to provide in-kind support, such as offering mentorship, expertise, resources and guidance that will help you carry out the research effectively. This could include providing access to community data, facilitating connections with individuals for interviews or consultations, and offering feedback on the project's progress. The partner organization plays a key role in ensuring that the research aligns with community needs and contributes to its success, making their non-financial support essential.
Yes, you are welcome to collaborate with more than one community partner organization, as long as each partner plays a meaningful role in the project. Your proposal should clearly define how each partner will contribute and how their involvement will enhance the project’s impact on Indigenous mental health. The participation of multiple partners can broaden the scope of the research and increase its relevance to different communities.
Yes, previous recipients of MHRC and/or Mitacs funding can apply for the Indigenous Studentship, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. However, applicants should clearly outline how this new project builds upon or differs from past funded work to avoid overlap.
Yes, interdisciplinary research that connects Indigenous mental health with fields such as public health, social work or Indigenous studies is welcomed, as long as the project maintains a strong focus on mental health outcomes and community well-being. Collaboration across disciplines can enhance the research's scope and relevance to Indigenous communities.
We encourage a range of research methodologies, including but not limited to community-based participatory research, qualitative studies (such as interviews and focus groups), quantitative research, or mixed-methods approaches. The key requirement is that the project must involve Indigenous perspectives and lived experiences at every stage, ensuring culturally relevant and impactful research outcomes.
Yes, students are expected to submit updates during the studentship and a final report outlining key findings, community impact, and any recommendations for further research. These reports must demonstrate how the project met its objectives and benefited the Indigenous community involved.
If project delays or challenges arise, maintain open communication with your academic supervisor and community partner. You may need to adjust timelines or goals, but significant changes should be discussed with MHRC and Mitacs, who will offer guidance. Extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, though the studentship cannot exceed six months without prior approval.