Pursuing a PhD in Canada can open the door to several academic, professional and personal opportunities. Canada is known for its excellent education system and world-class research facilities, making it an ideal destination for those seeking advanced degrees in their field of choice.
In 2022, Canada welcomed a record-breaking 550,000 international students. This number is expected to increase in 2023 as more international students decide to pursue their PhDs in Canada.
Table of Contents
Pursuing a PhD in Canada gives you the opportunity to be part of an innovative and progressive research environment. Canadian universities typically offer research-based doctoral programmes which last between four to six years. Unlike the American model, which starts with a year or two of taught classes and exams before settling on a thesis topic, Canada’s PhD curriculum is much more grounded in extensive research.
The top seven reasons to pursue this degree in Canada include
With its world-class universities and academic institutions, Canada offers a wealth of research opportunities for international students.
Tuition fees for PhD programmes in Canada are generally lower than those of other countries ranging from $ CAD 6,000 to 20,000 annually. Universities also offer generous stipends, assistantships and other benefits to PhD students.
Canadian universities provide excellent educational opportunities for international PhD students and offer many diverse fields of study. In contrast to master’s and bachelor’s degree holders, PhD graduates in Canada experience lower levels of unemployment and higher earnings.
Canadian universities are known for providing a supportive learning environment for students, making it easy to explore interests and conduct your own research.
Pursuing a PhD in Canada can open the door to many potential job opportunities both inside and outside the country. When it comes to career paths outside of academia, PhDs are predominantly finding jobs in private industry – more specifically an estimated 20-25% of recent graduates.
Canada is a country known for its high quality of life with affordable housing, excellent healthcare, and beautiful outdoors. International PhD students in Canada can take advantage of these benefits while pursuing their studies.
Canada is a diverse country and provides international students with an opportunity to learn about different cultures, lifestyles and languages. With access to world-renowned universities, top-notch research facilities, and plentiful funding opportunities, pursuing a PhD in Canada is well worth the investment. Once you’ve been through this article, you may decide on Canada as opposed to say a PhD in the UK.
Canada is a fairly affordable choice for international students. There are various scholarships and funding opportunities available to help offset the costs of tuition, living expenses, and other related expenses. Tuition fees for a PhD in Canada vary depending on several factors including but not limited to: research field, school, programme duration and student status (international versus domestic).
Here’s a quick look at the list of PhD programme fees of the top 10 universities:
For a more detailed view, with rankings, see this table:
| Sr No | University | Times Higher Education World University Rankings | Fees |
| 1 | University of Toronto | 18 | Starts at $27,811 |
| 2 | University of British Columbia | 40 | Starts at $18 627.84 |
| 3 | McGill University | 46 | Starts at $10,667.14 |
| 4 | McMaster University | 85 | Starts at $6,307.20 |
| 5 | University of Montreal | 111 | Starts at $7,546.76 per session. |
| 6 | University of Alberta | 118 | Starts at $8,700 per year |
| 7 | University of Ottawa | 137 | Starts at $5,825.85 per year |
| 8 | University of Calgary | 201-250 | Starts at $8,242.68 per year |
| 9 | University of Waterloo | 201-250 | Starts at $7,396.00 per semester |
| 10 | Western University | 201-250 | Starts at $35,973.00 for the entire programme |
Admission requirements for PhD programmes in Canada vary by institution and subject, but there are some general eligibility requirements. Prospective applicants must possess a Master’s degree in the same subject for admission to any doctoral programme. Besides this, the other general eligibility requirements for PhD in Canada are
It’s common to be asked for your Grade Point Average (GPA) when applying to a Canadian doctoral programme while submitting your academic transcripts. To get accepted into one of these programmes, applicants need at least a 3.0 GPA or higher. Students must also show that they have taken advanced courses in their field of study.
Universities and graduate schools use scores from the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) to assess potential students’ aptitude for higher learning. Requirements can change between universities, so be sure to do your research beforehand.
Depending on your chosen province of study, a Canadian Doctoral degree can be attained in either English or French. While the majority of universities teach primarily in English, those located within Quebec for example may offer instruction exclusively in French.
If you are a native speaker or have already studied the language at the university level, that should be enough to meet the criteria. Otherwise, you must take and pass a language test before submitting your application as part of its requirements.
Having some experience in the field you are applying to can be beneficial, although it’s not always mandatory. Admissions committees may want to know that students have relevant work experience or volunteer activities in their chosen field prior to applying for a doctoral programme in Canada.
Applicants for PhDs are usually required to show a strong interest in research through their statement of purpose or a research proposal. This is an important part of the application process and should detail why you are applying for the programme, what you hope to gain from it, and your future goals. Having a good research statement can help strengthen your application.
Your resume should include the following information: academic achievements, work experience, extra-curricular activities, and awards. It’s important to provide an accurate and detailed description of your qualifications so that admissions committees can get a better idea of who you are and what you bring to the table.
Canadian universities may conduct a PhD interview as an assessment of your application and capability, or simply to become more acquainted with you. You must be prepared to answer questions about your chosen field and research, experience, interests and career aspirations. It is best to research potential topics of discussion before attending such an interview and practice as best you can.
Admission to a doctoral programme in Canada requires two or three academic references from previous professors or employers, who can be contacted for a reference only after you have received their permission. Ensure that your references are aware of their role in the application process so they can provide the most honest and accurate assessment of your abilities and knowledge.
Potential PhD students should research possible dissertation supervisors and acquaint themselves with the research areas of their prospective Schools prior to applying. This allows them to understand the type of research they would be expected to undertake and make an informed decision.
Finally, make sure that you meet all the deadlines for your application and keep a track of all the documentation you are sending. This will help ensure that you submit a complete and accurate application package.
In Canada, a PhD degree can open the doors to a number of exciting career opportunities. With an advanced research-based degree under your belt, you can expect to find employment opportunities in areas such as teaching and research at universities or research institutes. You may pursue an academic career in the public or private sector, or use your knowledge to launch a successful business venture.
With the right qualifications and experience, you can also find work in areas such as policy analysis, consulting, communication and media, government departments and non-profit organisations. There is also the potential to work abroad, either in academia or for Canadian-based multinational companies.
PhD holders in Canada can expect to earn an average salary of $97,500 per year or $50 per hour. New entrants into the job market could bring home a minimum annual income of $58,032; whereas those with experience may draw up to as much as $128,975 annually.
After completing their doctoral studies at a Canadian designated learning institution, international students may take advantage of the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) or a work visa which grants them the opportunity to stay in Canada for up to three years.
If you would like to work in Canada after acquiring your PhD, make sure to apply within 180 days of earning it. The fee is CAD $255 (USD $200), and the application can be done online through a process that usually takes around 100 days. Students are allowed to obtain gainful employment during this period as long as they hold a valid study permit.
Through the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) programme, you can gain employability experience that will help you meet the eligibility criteria for Canada’s Experience Class programme and qualify as a permanent resident.
TC Global provides a range of services catering to applicants interested in pursuing a PhD in Canada full-time or part-time.
Our experienced team can help you with:
TC Global’s team of professionals in the field of higher education, have detailed knowledge of the Canadian admission process to help you get into an accredited Canadian PhD programme of your choice. We provide comprehensive and end-to-end counselling and support services to help you make a successful transition to pursue a PhD in Canada.
Canadian universities offer top-notch doctoral programmes spanning a wide range of disciplines. The best universities in Canada for PhD depend on the individual student’s needs and interests, but some of the most prestigious universities include
| Sr No | University | Times Higher Education World University Rankings |
| 1 | University of Toronto | 18 |
| 2 | University of British Columbia |
40 |
| 3 | McGill University | 46 |
| 4 | McMaster University | 85 |
| 5 | University of Montreal | 111 |
Source: University of Toronto
The University of Toronto (U of T) is a renowned pioneer in both teaching and research, with deep roots entrenched across Canada and the world. In only ten years, its entrepreneurs have secured over $1.5 billion in investments while creating more than 500 prospering start-up businesses. As one of North America’s leading study destinations, U of T draws students from over 170 countries worldwide.
What students say: “U of T encourages students to look at the world as a practical laboratory to apply new ideas and explore different avenues.”
Jasmeet
Journalist, Activist, Recent Alumna
U of T continues to make a global impact with the innovative ideas, contributions and inventions of its diverse community of more than 640,000 graduates. The AUTM (Association of University Technology Managers) recognizes U of T as an esteemed frontrunner for invention licensing, options and research-based startups.
PhD students are encouraged to explore opportunities to apply their research in the real world, and U of T’s five campus clusters ensure interdisciplinary collaborations between researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs.
The eligibility requirements to pursue a PhD from the University of Toronto are:
Students can apply via the University of Toronto School of Graduate Studies online admissions application. The application fee is $125, CAD. The fee for PhD students starts at $27,811.
The university offers a range of scholarships, fellowships and grants for international students. Some of these include
Source: University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is a top-tier institution committed to producing exceptional graduates with values rooted in global citizenship. Through their rigorous courses and research, they strive to create an environment that promotes civil progress and sustains the well-being of people not only from BC but across Canada, as well as worldwide.
What students say: “I have been exposed to a world of cutting-edge research, and it has been very rewarding.
Boluwatife Awonaike
PhD Student, Environmental Science
UBC is consistently acknowledged as one of the top 20 public universities worldwide for its cutting-edge research and teaching. Over $1.5 billion has been invested into UBC’s infrastructure and facilities in recent years from government sources, non-profits and industry partnerships. Researchers at UBC file 250 patents on average annually.
The eligibility requirements to pursue a PhD from UBC are:
Aspiring PhD students can apply online on the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.
UBC offers a wide range of scholarships, fellowships and bursaries to help support students during their academic journey. Some of the prominent awards are:
Source: Wikipedia
As one of the world’s most renowned universities and Canada’s premier institution of higher learning, McGill University is home to over 30% of international students from more than 150 countries. It is famous for its research excellence and strong emphasis on experiential learning.
McGill offers an enriching experience with world-class professors, innovative teaching methods, and exciting research opportunities.
At McGill, the average entering grades are among the highest in Canada. The university’s dedication to excellence has enabled its students to win more awards than those at any other Canadian institution – both nationally and globally. McGill University currently has over 698 postdoctoral scholars pursuing research in various disciplines.
The eligibility criteria for the PhD programme are as follows:
To apply for this course, students fill out the application online and pay a non-refundable PhD programme deposit of $300 which will be credited towards tuition. Students must upload all required supporting documents and ensure they follow the instructions for transcripts and letters of recommendation references. The international student fee starts at $10,667.14
International students can explore scholarships such as the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships and University Research Awards. Additionally, McGill offers a number of scholarships including
Source: Wikipedia
Since 1887, McMaster University has been an innovative leader in teaching and research. We are dedicated to inspiring curiosity, inquiry and discovery both inside and outside the classroom. Our revolutionary approaches to learning have recently earned us international recognition when we were presented with the coveted Global Teaching Excellence Award by the Higher Education Academy of the United Kingdom.
McMaster University is not only one of the top universities in Canada but also an international leader – consistently ranking within the world’s Top 100. According to Times Higher Education’s 2023 World University Rankings, it placed 85th out of over 1,800 institutions.
McMaster University is devoted to providing its students with the highest calibre of education, as well as offering global opportunities for experiential learning through international collaborations and various programmes. With this fulfilling vision in mind, they have set out to guarantee that all individuals within their community receive invaluable hands-on experience
Aspiring PhD candidates need to fulfil the following eligibility requirements:
All students must submit a preliminary application which helps the university determine whether or not they qualify to submit a formal application. Qualifying candidates will receive an application link from the university and would be required to pay a $110 CAD fee.
The fee for international PhD students starts at $6,307.20 per year
PhD students can apply for scholarships such as:
Source: University of Montreal
By studying at the renowned University of Montreal (UdeM), you get to discover one of the most acclaimed university cities in the world – Montréal! This bilingual and multicultural city is celebrated for its diversity, merging North American ingenuity with an undeniable European grace. With UdeM, experience an unparalleled academic journey with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches.
The University of Montreal is one of Canada’s leading research institutions, attracting over $600 million in funding annually. With this substantial amount of funds, it has become a hub for groundbreaking and innovative discoveries within the university setting.
The University of Montreal is home to several renowned laboratories, including the world-renowned MILA research centre – a leader in deep learning; IRIC, one of the most productive institutions in immunology and cancer research; and CRDP – Canada’s premier public law research centre. These units are at the cutting edge of innovation within their respective fields, pushing boundaries with ground-breaking discoveries.
To be admitted as a doctoral student, candidates must:
Students can submit one application per admissions cycle and fill out the online application form here. The fee for international students starts at $7,546.76 per session.
Some of the scholarship options include:
We understand that applying for a PhD is an important career decision and can be a stressful process. With so many universities and PhD programmes in Canada, it can be overwhelming to find the right one for you. You want to make sure that you are getting into a top-ranked programme with generous scholarship options, but don’t have the time or resources to research all of your options.
At TC Global, we simplify international education, learning, and mobility through connecting students, universities, and a global community on a single platform where there are over 1000+ education providers and over 80,000+ courses.
Our platform enables students to study anywhere in the world in just a few steps. From search and discovery and finding the right course fit for you, to applications, visas, and departure – we see you through it all. We can help get you zero in on Canada’s best PhD courses.
To move forward with us, download our app or visit tcglobal.com and sign in to create an account on our student platform and onboard with us in quick, easy steps.! 🚀
Then simply set up a visit Calendly.com/tcglobal to pick a Relationships Team closest to you and choose a slot to meet with a Relationship Member.
You May Also Like
Choose Insight topics that you are interested in to subscribe for your personalized newsletter.
