
PhD in Canada for Indian Students
A PhD in Canada will allow you to work with leading experts and take advantage of cutting-edge technology. After receiving your doctorate, you can apply for one of the most generous post-study work visa programmes in the world. In Canada, there are approximately 100 research universities that offer PhD programmes. Other institutions exist, such as liberal arts colleges and community colleges, but they do not typically offer PhDs. Doctoral programmes are frequently offered by universities through dedicated graduate schools. PhD is the final step to the exit of education in 4 walls.
The doctorate in Canada is typically awarded as a final 'terminal degree.' This is the highest academic qualification a student can obtain. The majority of courses necessitate at least three years of full-time study and research. Some students may study for an extended period of time. Academic cohorts of students participate in collective training in addition to their more independent research activities. Courses frequently concentrate on key skills like research techniques and methodological principles.
Table of Contents
- Why Study PhD in Canada?
- PhD in Canada Course Highlights
- Popular PhD Courses in Canada
- Top Universities to study PhD in Canada
- PhD in Canada: Eligibility
- PhD in Canada: Admission Process
- PhD in Canada: Documents Required
- How to Apply for PhD in Canada
- Tuition Fees for PhD in Canada
- Scholarships for PhD in Canada
- Jobs & Salary After PhD in Canada
- Canada Students Visa Requirements
Why Study PhD in Canada?
Graduate students are increasingly choosing Canada as a destination. A PhD in Canada provides an excellent education at prestigious universities. Because of its global reputation for quality in education and research, Canada is an excellent choice for your master's or PhD studies. A PhD in Canada opens up a world of possibilities by allowing you to collaborate with top specialists and take advantage of modern, high-tech facilities at Canadian universities.
PhD programmes in Canada are frequently less expensive than those in the neighbouring United States, with some colleges significantly lowering or even eliminating international tuition. The cost of pursuing a PhD in Canada ranges from $3,500 to $18,000 CA$. If you successfully complete your doctorate, you will be able to live and work in Canada for up to three years, with the possibility of pursuing legal residency or even citizenship. All Canadian institutions that offer PhD degrees guarantee cutting-edge research facilities and the most academically qualified educators. This is just the tip of the iceberg, your study abroad experience is filled with amazing opportunities.
PhD in Canada Course Highlights
Duration |
3-6 years |
Research Universities |
Around 100 |
Academic Year |
September to April |
Fees |
4,000 to 19,000 CAD |
Funding up to |
Up to 40,000 CAD a year |
Work-study opportunities |
10 hours a week |
PGWP duration |
At least 3 years |
Popular PhD Courses in Canada
Top universities in Canada for PhD programmes offer courses in a variety of fields, including medicine and health, engineering and technology, applied sciences, and others. A PhD in Canada can be completed in three to six years of full-time study and research.
Program |
University |
PhD in Philosophy |
McMaster University |
PhD Program in Management |
McGill University |
PhD in Information |
University of Toronto |
Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies |
Wycliffe College |
Doctor of Philosophy in Biomolecular Science |
University of Lethbridge |
Doctor of Social Sciences |
Royal Roads University |
PhD in Conflict Studies |
Saint Paul University |
PhD in Communication, New Media and Cultural Studies |
McMaster University |
PhD in Theology |
Saint Paul University |
PhD in Administration |
University of Montreal |
Top Universities to study PhD in Canada
In Canada, PhDs are typically pursued with the full supervision of at least one academic supervisor. At the end of the course, students must submit a substantial doctoral thesis. A panel of examiners then reviews the thesis and research work.
University |
Tuition Fees per annum |
Acadia University |
$19,158 - $19,158 |
Bishop's University |
$18,779 - $25,456 * |
Brandon University |
$6,407 - $6,709 |
Brock University |
$23,504 - $23,504 |
Cape Breton University |
$19,203 - $19,203 * |
Carleton University |
$13,060 - $16,762 |
Concordia University |
$12,563 - $21,150 |
Dalhousie University |
$19,227 - $23,775 |
Lakehead University |
$15,334 - $15,334 |
Laurentian University (excludes Hearst University) |
$12,961 - $14,361 * |
McGill University |
$16,751 - $25,725 |
McMaster University |
$6,037 - $17,096 |
Memorial University of Newfoundland |
$3,222 - $4,833 |
Ontario Tech University |
$19,166 - $27,582 * |
Royal Roads University |
$16,248 - $17,754 * |
The University of British Columbia |
$9,131 - $9,131 |
Thompson Rivers University |
$13,532 - $13,532 * |
University of Alberta |
$11,186 - $11,186 |
University of Ottawa |
$16,334 - $27,519 |
University of Saskatchewan |
$5,397 - $5,397 |
University of Toronto |
$6,210 - $42,710 |
University of Victoria |
$7,763 - $7,763 |
Vancouver Island University |
$17,400 - $17,400 * |
PhD in Canada: Eligibility
The requirements for doctoral studies in Canada vary depending on the university and course, but you will generally need the following:
- A master's degree in a related field, with excellent grades and demonstrated research ability and potential.
- If English or French is not your first language and you have not previously studied in either language, you must provide proof of language ability. (In French-speaking Quebec, some programmes are offered in both languages.)
- A high score on a graduate admissions exam, such as the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (GRE).
- In exceptional circumstances, you may be able to study for a PhD with "accelerated admission," that is, without first earning a master's degree. In order to be considered for this process, you must have outstanding grades in the last two years of your bachelor's degree (a first-class average) as well as other evidence of your high academic potential, such as research publications.
PhD in Canada: Admission Process
Although the admissions process can vary between Canadian universities, you'll generally need to follow the following steps to apply for a PhD:
- Determine which PhD programme you want to pursue,
- as well as your supervisor and research topic. This could be an advertised, structured PhD where the scope of the research is already outlined by the university (particularly in the sciences), or it could be an open PhD where you suggest and outline your own research project (particularly in the arts and humanities). Once you've found a supervisor, some universities may request a letter of support from that person to be included with your application materials.
2. If you're applying for an open PhD, you'll need to submit a research proposal that follows your university's guidelines and generally outlines what you want to research and why this is a worthwhile project.
3. Apply online, paying the appropriate application fee and attaching all required documents. This may include all or some of the following:
- Statement of purpose - this should include an overview of your background and academic/professional experience, as well as any awards, publications, or relevant experience you can offer. You should also discuss your career objectives and anything else specified by the university while adhering to the word limit.
- Two or three letters of recommendation (including one from your intended supervisor). Where possible, your referees should be academics.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates - Canadian universities may require your university to mail an official transcript in English or with a perfectly translated document.
- Your Curriculum Vitae (CV), and, if applicable, language test results
- Portfolio of creative work (if applying for a PhD in the arts or humanities)
- You may also be required to attend an admission interview at some Canadian universities.
4. After being accepted, the next step is to apply for your study permit, which serves as your student visa for the duration of your stay. You should also get health insurance and look for orientation information on your university's website.
PhD in Canada: Documents Required
PhD admission requirements vary by university and field of study in Canada. However, most universities in the country require the following from international students seeking a PhD:
- Completed application form
- Resume
- Accredited master's degree in a related field with strong grades and proven research ability and potential
- Transcripts for your university degree or courses
- Statement of Purpose
- GMAT or GRE scores
- Recommendation letters
- English language test, such as IELTS or TOEFL
- Application fee
How to Apply for PhD in Canada
To apply for a PhD in Canada, follow the steps outlined below:
Step 1 - Go to the university's official website.
Step 2: Examine the course structure and eligibility requirements.
Step 3: Open the application form and fill in the required information.
Step 4 - If you do not already have an account, create one using the appropriate credentials.
Step 5: Outline your research.
Step 6: Submit academic transcripts, a Statement of Purpose, English proficiency scores such as IELTS and PTE, two letters of recommendation, a Curriculum Vitae, and a Portfolio.
Step 7: Submit your application and pay your PhD tuition in Canada. It is possible to pay with a debit or credit card.
Step 8: Prepare for the interview and then apply for a study permit. One must be able to demonstrate sufficient funds.
Tuition Fees for PhD in Canada
A PhD programme in Canada is less expensive than programmes in the United States and the United Kingdom. It costs between $4,000 and $19,000 per year. International students pursuing a PhD in Canada are eligible for a variety of scholarships provided by both the Canadian government and the respective Canadian universities. The scholarship amount varies from $15,000 to $40,000 per year.
University |
Fees in CAD |
Times Higher Education Ranking 2022 |
University of Toronto |
4,500 to 8,900 |
18 |
McGill University |
19,000 |
44 |
University of British Columbia |
8,700 |
37 |
McMaster University |
16,000 |
80 |
University of Montreal |
7,500 |
88 |
University of Ottawa |
6,900 |
162 |
Western University |
11,180 |
201-250 |
University of Alberta |
9,200 |
125 |
University of Calgary |
12,600 |
201-250 |
University of Waterloo |
13,400 |
201-250 |
Simon Fraser University |
5,955 |
201-250 |
Dalhousie University |
11,995 |
251-300 |
Queen’s University |
12,927 |
251-300 |
Laval University |
27,790 |
251-300 |
University of Manitoba |
9,500 |
301-350 |
Scholarships for PhD in Canada
Fortunately, many PhD scholarships are available to help international students afford to study in Canada, with many awards based on academic merit. The Canadian government maintains a helpful website with a scholarship search tool that allows you to find scholarships based on your country of origin. Other good places to look are the official websites of Canadian universities, which may have their own scholarship search tool to assist you in finding one that is relevant to your situation and country of origin.
University |
Type of Scholarships |
University of Alberta Scholarships |
Alberta University Scholarships 2023 Without IELTS |
University of Concordia |
Concordia University Scholarships 2023 in Canada |
University of Calgary |
University of Calgary Entrance Scholarships 2023 |
University of Waterloo |
University of Waterloo Scholarships 2023 |
University of Manitoba |
University of Manitoba Scholarships 2023 |
Canadian Government Fully Funded Scholarship. |
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship 2023 |
University of Toronto |
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2023 |
McGill University |
McGill University Scholarships 2023 |
University of British Columbia |
University of British Columbia Scholarships |
Queens University |
Queens University Scholarships Without IELTS |
Jobs & Salary After PhD in Canada
Following completion of your PhD in Canada, you will be able to pursue teaching and research positions, as well as work with industry titans. Your specialisation will influence your choice of job or research sector. This will also have an impact on the salaries you are offered. The table below shows some of the most popular job profiles after obtaining a PhD in Canada, as well as their salaries:
Job Title |
Description |
Range |
Research Scientist |
They design and conduct experiments and investigations in a variety of fields such as geoscience, medical research, meteorology, and pharmacology. |
C$56k - C$106k |
Data Scientist |
Create algorithms and predictive models by designing data modelling processes. |
C$68k - C$111k |
Postdoctoral Research Associate |
A postdoctoral research associate is in charge of the research department, including writing research reports, analysing research methods, and gathering data. |
C$38k - C$64k |
Assistant Professor, Postsecondary / Higher Education |
They help full professors by guiding and supervising graduates and spending time conducting research and studies. |
C$67k - C$126k |
Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General) |
A project manager is responsible for planning and developing the project concept. They must form and lead a team, as well as monitor project progress. |
C$82k - C$159k |
Research Engineer |
Preparing cost estimates and analysing cost parameters may also fall under the purview of research engineers. |
C$55k - C$107k |
Research Director |
They will be in charge of developing and monitoring the cluster's R&D plans, as well as maintaining a competitive innovation portfolio and managing research partnerships. |
C$52k - C$94k |
Canada Students Visa Requirements
The study permit is a document that the government issues that allow them to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. To study in Canada, most foreign nationals require a study permit. When you apply, you should include a letter of acceptance from the designated learning institution (DLI) that you intend to attend. There are other supporting documents that must be submitted to acquire the study permit.
- Valid passport
- Letter of Acceptance
- Sufficient funds
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