phd degree in canada

PhD programs

Take a deep dive into the topic you love with a phd, at the university of ottawa, you can:.

• Join a select community of researchers and work in state-of-the-art labs – uOttawa is ranked among the top 10 research universities in Canada.
• Study in the heart of the nation’s capital, a bilingual and multicultural setting where networks of senior stakeholders take action on major issues and influence decisions.
• Receive considerable financial support.

“One of the reasons I chose the University of Ottawa is for its multidisciplinary or multi-university thesis committees available to students in their first year of doctoral studies.”

Valérie Costanzo, LL.B., LL.M., lawyer, PhD candidate

Explore ways to finance your doctoral studies

The University of Ottawa has many scholarships or financial support options available to you. As a doctoral candidate, there is also the option to earn money while gaining valuable experience through teaching and research assistantships.

“Supervising doctoral students is a privilege: it allows for the discovery of new research challenges and for the development of sustainable relationships.”

Emmanuelle Bernheim, LL.D., PhD, Full professor, Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section

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Graduate studies in Canada

Transform your future with a graduate degree from a Canadian university. With a global reputation for education and research excellence, Canada is the ideal choice for your master’s degree, PhD or doctoral studies.

Canada is a global leader in research and innovation

Canadian universities conduct research at one of the world’s highest rates. Canada’s thriving research culture exceeds the G7 average in terms of impact in the fields of clinical medicine; biology; information and communication technologies; agriculture; fisheries and forestry; earth and environmental sciences; economics; and business.

To put it into context, Canadian universities conducted CAD 14.3 billion in research and development (R&D), representing 40% of the total 2017 Canadian R&D (Statistics Canada, Spending on Research and Development , 2020).

Canadians have a long, proud history of developing innovations that have changed the world, including the electric wheelchair, Canadarm space technology, IMAX film, Java programming language and wireless radio transmission.

We also have a long list of medical and scientific breakthroughs. Among them: insulin, the pacemaker, the HAART therapy treatment as HIV prevention, open heart surgery and transplantable stem cells. More recently, a Canadian PhD student made a groundbreaking cancer discovery at Queen’s University. Caitlin Miron discovered a chemical compound (DNA binder) that could ‘switch off’ cancers cells and prevent them from spreading (Global News, Canadian PhD student makes groundbreaking cancer discovery , 2017).

Why not add your name to the list? Our teaching and research programs offer endless possibilities for you to work with world-leading researchers in cutting-edge research laboratories.

Graduate program options

In virtually every field of academic study, Canadian universities offer graduate degree programs.

• Master’s degrees require 1 or 2 years of study after completing your bachelor’s degree. In Canada, your master’s studies can include a thesis, practicum, research paper or a course‑based program.
• PhD and doctoral degrees involve 3 to 5 years of study, including a thesis. This usually is pursued after completing your master’s degree. Your PhD path will include a dissertation that you prepare based on extensive and original research in your field.

Search colleges & universities

Canadian institutions offer both in-person master’s degrees and PhD programs as well as online or distance education options.

The case for higher education in Canada

• Canada is seen as the #3 destination in the world for the quality of education we offer international students (U.S News & World Report, Best Countries for Education, 2021 ).
• Graduate studies in Canada are affordable at an average cost of CAD 19,252 for a degree (Statistics Canada. Canadian and International tuition fees, 2020-2021 ).
• A total of 26 Canadian universities feature in the QS World University Rankings 2021, an achievement matched only by a handful of other countries ( QS World University Rankings, 2021 ).

Cost of graduate studies in Canada

Your graduate studies are a smart career investment. Canada’s master’s and PhD programs are recognized around the globe, and our relatively lower cost of living makes the opportunity even more appealing to international students like you. Even Canada’s larger cities are more affordable than many cities around the world. 

Graduate tuition fees in Canada can vary depending on the program and location you choose. 

Study costs

Scholarships to study in Canada

You may be eligible for a scholarship, fellowship or grant to complete your postgraduate studies in Canada. The Government of Canada, our provinces and territories and many educational institutions offer funding for international students.

Find scholarships

Admission requirements and credits

Each university in Canada has its own admission requirements. To learn out about admission requirements for the program you want to pursue, visit the website of the university you would like to attend. Contact the university directly to determine whether your existing credits can be applied toward that program.

To study at a Canadian university, you must provide proof of your English or French language capabilities, depending on the language you choose for your studies.

• English-language universities may require you to write a Test of English as a Foreign Language  (TOEFL),  International English Language Testing System  (IELTS), Cambridge English Assessment or the  Canadian Academic English Language Assessment  (CAEL).
• French-language universities assess students individually. To learn what a certain university requires, check with the Office of the Registrar at the school you wish to attend.

Keep exploring

5 steps to study in Canada

Explore the 5 key steps to follow to get ready to make Canada your study destination.

Common pathways to college and university

Canada's education system is flexible. Discover all the paths you can take to achieve your goals.

Top reasons to study in Canada

Discover the many reasons why international students choose to study in Canada.

School of Graduate Studies

Management, phd, program overview.

The Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto is home to Canada’s premier management doctoral program, one of the top-ranked PhD programs in the world. The Rotman PhD program is a growing, vibrant, and intellectually rich environment for those interested in developing new insights in management. This close-knit community of scholars value and celebrate insightful, breakthrough research. ​

The PhD program offers specialization in seven fields:

• Business Economics
• Operations Management
• Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management
• Strategic Management

Quick Facts

Doctor of philosophy, program description.

The Graduate Department of Management offers a world-class doctoral program. Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of two routes: 1) following completion of an appropriate master’s degree or 2) direct entry following completion of a bachelor’s degree.

PhD Program

Minimum admission requirements.

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants to all fields must also satisfy the Rotman School's additional admission requirements stated below.

Some depth in the cognate disciplines relevant to the field is required.

These requirements may be satisfied prior to entry to the PhD program through an MBA degree program coupled with a relevant undergraduate degree, or through an undergraduate degree in business, management, or commerce coupled with a discipline-based master's degree.

If the depth requirements are completed prior to entry to the PhD program, then the student is expected to complete the program in four years. If additional coursework is required, then the student may need an additional year to complete the program.

Applicants should provide:

transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended

a letter of intent for applying to the PhD program

an updated curriculum vitae (CV)

two reference letters

a valid GMAT or GRE score (optional)

proof of English-language proficiency, if applicable.

Program Requirements

Students are expected to be qualified in the three basic disciplines essential to the study of management: economics, behavioural science, and quantitative analysis/statistics.

Students in all fields normally complete coursework in one field and two areas of study during Years 1 and 2. In subsequent years of study, students concentrate on deepening knowledge through additional coursework and on generating unprecedented insights through research that culminates in a written doctoral thesis.

Coursework . Students must complete a minimum of 4.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) to satisfy requirements for one field and two areas of study.

A minimum of 2.0 FCEs comprise the field. These will normally be taken from 3000-level Management courses, but additional courses from other departments may be required.

2.0 FCEs: courses in the two areas of study are usually taken in cognate departments. Each area of study comprises at least 1.0 FCE.

Upon completion of the courses, students are expected to pass comprehensive examinations in the field.

Successful completion of the required course RSM3080H Research Methods in Business (0.5 FCE).

A thesis embodying the results of original investigation must be submitted and defended at a Doctoral Final Oral Examination in accordance with the regulations of the School of Graduate Studies.

During all years of study, students must maintain residency , whereby students are on campus full-time and consequently in geographical proximity to be able to participate fully in the University activities associated with the program.

Program Length

Phd program (direct-entry).

Some depth in the cognate disciplines relevant to the field of study is required.

If the depth requirements are completed prior to entry to the PhD program, then the student is expected to complete the program in five years. If additional coursework is required, then the student may need an additional year to complete the program.

In exceptional cases, and at the discretion of the Rotman School, admission to the program by direct entry may be approved for applicants with an appropriate bachelor’s degree with high standing (a least an A- average in courses relevant to the discipline) from a recognized university.

Coursework . Students must complete a minimum of 6.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) to satisfy requirements for one field and two areas of study. Direct-entry students must complete 2.0 of the 6.5 FCEs within Year 1.

A minimum of 2.0 FCEs in the field. These will normally be taken from 3000-level Management courses, but additional courses from other departments may be required.

2.0 FCE: courses in the two areas of study are usually taken in cognate departments. Each area of study comprises at least 1.0 FCE.

An additional 2.0 FCEs in any field related to the student's program of study.

“U of T prepared me well for my future career.”

How to apply for a PhD in Canada

If you are an international student planning to apply to a canadian university to study a phd, this guide will answer all the questions you might have, jens locher, .css-76pyzs{margin-right:0.25rem;} ,, shane moore, julian dierkes.

Once you’ve decided to apply for a postgraduate programme, starting the application process can often be the hardest part. If you’re planning to pursue your PhD in Canada, this guide will help you understand the application process and how to write a research proposal. 

While this guide covers the main questions that students might have around applying for a PhD in Canada, it is important to check the requirements for your university and ask the admissions team if you have any questions about the process. 

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How do i apply to do a phd in canada as an international student.

Once you have decided to apply to a PhD programme in Canada, you can use degree databases to find which university offers PhDs in your area of interest, such as  Universities Canada or provincial bodies such as Education Planner BC . Search engines or other global commercial degree directories may also help you identify a suitable programme.

Alternatively, you could search for which faculty members conduct research in your area via publication databases and then look up the universities where they teach.

If you already know which university you are most interested in, you should look at both its departmental/programme web pages and the pages of a central graduate school if applicable.

Unlike at undergraduate level, where you can apply via a central application system, application to graduate programmes is usually targeted to each programme, which can vary across institutions.

What qualifications do I need to apply for a PhD ?

We recommend that applicants check the admissions requirements for their programme of interest.

In terms of qualities admission committees may be looking for, these will vary by subject area – for example graduate programmes in natural sciences may look for different attributes from those in the performing arts. 

Graduate students in Canada are usually expected to work independently and be self-directed. As such, applicants may want to provide evidence of how they have taken initiative and shown self-direction and perseverance. Passion, curiosity, focus, commitment, collegiality and enthusiasm are all qualities that applicants may find mentioned on programme websites.

How do I look for a PhD supervisor?

The first step would be to check with your programme of interest to see if contact with a supervisor is encouraged or required. Processes vary and some programmes assign you supervisors based on interests identified in your application, some require commitment from a supervisor prior to the application, and some may determine supervisors after some initial coursework or rotations.

If a programme requires you to contact potential supervisors, begin by researching faculty members and their research topics. Most universities, including the University of British Columbia  (UBC), have a research supervisor database where prospective students can search faculty. 

Candidates should read recent papers by potential supervisors and look for a good match between their own interests and those of the faculty member. Reading graduate student stories can also help, as applicants will be able to see current research projects students are working on, and get a sense of the faculty or programme they are looking into.

Once you have found a faculty member you would like to work with, you can reach out to them individually. Prospective students should be aware that academics often receive many such requests every week. Plan carefully who to contact and customise each message to the particular faculty member, explaining your research interests and why you are interested in working with them.

Everything you need to know about studying in Canada Everything international students need to know about student visas in Canada

How should I write my research proposal?

Your research proposal is a crucial part of your application. It gives a sense of how prepared you are to conduct research and what directions of research you’re likely to pursue. A specific proposal is more likely to impress than some general ideas.

Your research areas and interests may change once you have entered your programme, so you will not be held to the ideas you’ve proposed. However, it gives prospective supervisors a sense of how your research aligns with theirs and that of the department in general.

Be sure to stay within the word count requested, and of course it’s essential you avoid any spelling or grammatical errors. We always recommend that applicants write several iterations of their research proposal and gain feedback from friends, colleagues and, if possible, professors at each stage. When you approach previous professors for a letter of reference, it’s worth sharing your proposal to get their feedback on it.

When should I start applying?

Applicants need to meet the application deadlines, which are often a year or more in advance of the desired start date (eg apply in December to start the following September). On top of that it is important to allocate enough time to prepare and complete various steps to be able to submit a completed application in time.

International applicants will need to ensure there is enough time to take the required English language tests. Applicants should also check if they have to complete any other courses before applying and that they have enough time to collect the necessary documentation and proofread everything. 

We recommend that prospective students review application timelines for their programme of interest and then plan backwards, ensuring they have time to complete all aspects of the application. All the steps may take longer than expected, so give yourself extra time to compile the strongest possible application.

How long will the application process take?

This will depend on each university, programme and sometimes supervisor. Once you have applied, the process will probably take a further two to three months at least. At UBC, many graduate programmes close applications in December and January, with offers being made February to April as a rough guideline. Depending on subject area, applications can close as late as April or May for a September start though.

What supporting documents do I need as an international student?

In general, required supporting documents won’t be too different from those for a domestic applicant, with the exception being proof of English language ability. Examples of supporting documents could be: 

• Transcripts of all post-secondary courses/degrees previously enrolled in
• Reference letters 
• Statement of interest/research statement
• English language test scores
• Depending on programme, test scores or portfolio

Many institutions allow applicants to apply with scans of their transcripts initially. However, once applicants receive an admission offer they will usually have to submit official copies, which may include translations for international applicants. 

International applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with other details, such as study permit procedures, work opportunities and health insurance. While not required for the application itself, these are important considerations for which to plan and budget if the application is successful.

Do I have to pay for my PhD application?

Most universities in Canada will charge an application fee. At UBC, the application fee for international applicants is CAD$168.25. UBC automatically waives these fees for applicants from countries identified among the world’s 50 least developed nations. Other universities in Canada may have similar measures in place, so be sure to check this.

Other than application fees, students should make a financial plan that incorporates tuition and living costs, as well as checking what financial aid you could be eligible for and which scholarships are available for international students. 

What would be your top pieces of advice for an international student applying for a PhD?

Deciding to go to graduate school is a big decision and often a difficult one if you do not have a clear understanding of what it will be like. It is important to go to graduate school for the right reasons, including:

• Being interested in a given field.
• Desiring to be part of an intellectual or professional community.
• Gaining qualifications for career progression.
• Acquiring expertise to change sector or professional area.
• Gaining experience and entry requirements for an academic career.

Also, it is important to think about where you would like to study. Location and lifestyle can make a significant difference. Think about how this will affect your life, and importantly, is it a place where you could live in the future?

Regarding being successful in the process, preparation is key. Most universities provide a lot of information on their websites about the process and how to prepare strong applications. Make use of these resources, take the time to read the advice and treat the application itself as an opportunity to show that you possess key qualities faculty members are looking for, such as paying attention to detail, and writing ability. 

• Shane Moore is marketing and recruitment manager at the University of British Columbia .
• Julian Dierkes is associate dean of funding at graduate and postdoctoral studies, and assistant professor, school of public policy and global affairs at the University of British Columbia .
• Jens Locher is assistant dean, strategic technologies and business initiatives at the University of British Columbia .

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Canadian Immigration Updates

Applicants to Master’s and Doctoral degrees are not affected by the recently announced cap on study permits. Review more details

Go to programs search

The Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program (ISGP) at the University of British Columbia was established in 1971, the first of its kind in Canada. It is one of the only Canadian programs to offer doctoral degrees in interdisciplinary studies, and is possibly one of the largest of its kind in North America.

The main purpose of the ISGP is to enable qualified graduate students to pursue advanced interdisciplinary research exceeding the provisions of existing departmental programs. There are no restrictions regarding the topic and in many cases the student draws upon expertise from several distinct faculties. The prospective student has to bring together three or four qualified faculty from different departments or units. Because there are no constraints on which fields are brought together, there are virtually no two students in the same sub-field. The ISGP is designed only for a highly motivated and superb student who can steer an independent course.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

What makes the program unique?

ISGP gives you the opportunity to:

• pursue interdisciplinary research that is individually designed by the student
• select courses and research supervisors from every department at UBC
• participate in interdisciplinary lectures, workshops and seminars
• apply for funding for exceptional students

The UBC Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program affords me the latitude to explore complex systems questions that span both the sciences and the arts.

A. Saskia Wolsak

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, program instructions.

Please see ISGP website for complete list of required documents.

1) Check Eligibility

Minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 90

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 6.5

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

Prior degree, course and other requirements

Document requirements, 2) meet deadlines, 3) prepare application, transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD)

IMPORTANT: In order to ensure stability and appropriate level of support from your supervisory team, it is crucial that at least one of your proposed co-supervisors is a  G+PS member  who is tenured or tenure track faculty member holding the rank of Assistant/Associate/Full Professor (verify by entering name  here ).

Citizenship Verification

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial support.

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Program Funding Packages

All full-time students in UBC-Vancouver PhD programs will be provided with a funding package of at least $24,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD from September 2024. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. Please note that many graduate programs provide funding packages that are substantially greater than $24,000 per year. Please check with your prospective graduate program for specific details of the funding provided to its PhD students.

Average Funding

• 6 students received Teaching Assistantships. Average TA funding based on 6 students was $9,532.
• 13 students received Research Assistantships. Average RA funding based on 13 students was $20,892.
• 8 students received Academic Assistantships. Average AA funding based on 8 students was $7,509.
• 44 students received internal awards. Average internal award funding based on 44 students was $12,361.
• 14 students received external awards. Average external award funding based on 14 students was $24,258.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Outcomes

72 students graduated between 2005 and 2013. Of these, career information was obtained for 66 alumni (based on research conducted between Feb-May 2016):

Sample Employers in Higher Education

Sample employers outside higher education, sample job titles outside higher education, phd career outcome survey, career options.

Many employers are increasingly interested in hiring people with broader backgrounds than are provided by traditional programs. For example, in some academic settings, it is a real advantage to be versatile enough to teach in several areas and to interact with researchers across a broad spectrum of interests. The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies offers a wide range of seminars and workshops on professional development. The UBC Centre for Student Involvement and Careers provides support in helping students navigate career options.

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

Completion rates & times, upcoming doctoral exams, wednesday, 5 june 2024 - 1:00pm - room 200.

• Research Supervisors

Advice and insights from UBC Faculty on reaching out to supervisors

These videos contain some general advice from faculty across UBC on finding and reaching out to a supervisor. They are not program specific.

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

• Kerr, Thomas (harm reduction, injection drug users, HIV / AIDS, safe injection site, addiction, HIV/AIDS, injection drug use, health policy and service evaluation, and community-based research methods)
• Kornelsen, Jude (providing an evidence base to inform decisions on the planning of rural maternity services; advancing our understanding of women)
• Kuhl, David (understanding compassion fatigue/vicarious trauma, burnout, moral distress, grief, and psychological well being in health care providers)
• Kwon, Brian (Spinal cord injury)
• Loock, Christine Ann (Brain, Behaviour & Development; Social Pediatrics; Health Inequities; Child-health medical-home: children/families, integration / patient care / community services; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; Pediatric Sleep Disorders)
• Ogrodniczuk, John (Mental Health and Society; Psychodynamic Psychotherapy; Personality Disorders; Group Psychotherapy; Men’s Mental Health; Alexithymia; Athletes)
• Shannon, Kate (epidemiology, HIV/AIDS, sex work, public health, community health, gender epidemiology, health prevention, social determinants of health, community-based research, gender inequities, sexual health, vulnerable populations, structural determinants, qualitative evaluations, HIV/STI prevention, Social determinants of sexual health, HIV/AIDS and access to care among marginalized populations, particularly youth, sex workers, and women at-risk and living with HIV)

Doctoral Citations

Sample thesis submissions.

• Ruin conversions : violence, architecture and commemoration in post-1944 Warsaw
• A co(s)mic guide to getting bent : shifting perspectives between science and literature in twentieth-century England
• Statue, bear or rogue : ecological objects in Shakespeare and Jonson
• Social and structural contexts of injectable opioid agonist treatment : a critical ethnographic study of people's experiences in Vancouver, BC
• Disruptive stories and cautionary tales : an anti-oppressive autoethnography on digital storytelling
• Developing a learning model for teaching film production online
• New approaches to understand species-habitat relationship using Indigenous Knowledge and scientific data
• The right to food matters : implementing the constitutional right to food in Mexico and Bolivia
• Navigating racism and resilience : an interpretive description study of ethnoracial minority youth experiences in Vancouver
• Exploring the experience and impact of incarceration for women living with HIV in Metro Vancouver, Canada
• Medications for opioid use disorder among young people : evidence to improve treatment experiences and outcomes in Vancouver, Canada
• Socioeconomic marginalization and overdose : implications for upstream approaches for overdose prevention during a prolonged public health emergency
• Sadhee sehayth (our health) project : health inequity in Canada’s universal healthcare system through the experiences of the Punjabi Sikh Diaspora living with cardiovascular disease
• Pampa and Pallay : the paradox of culture and economy in the Andean mountains
• Ritual as praxis : the responsibility of activists in the face of genocide; or, between ethics and politics

Related Programs

Same specialization.

• Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MA)
• Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSc)

At the UBC Okanagan Campus

Related disciplines.

• Doctor of Philosophy in Economics (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD)

Further Information

Specialization.

Interdisciplinary Studies allows students to design their own graduate program by bringing together three or four qualified faculty from different departments or units. Because there are no constraints on which fields are brought together, there are virtually no two students in the same subfield.

UBC Calendar

Program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, supervisor search.

Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

Raha AtashPa

I chose to study at the University of British Columbia (UBC) for its exceptional commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research and its globally recognized support for innovative art-based scholarship. UBC stands out as a leading institution that not only values but actively promotes the...

Jennie Pearson

Following my Masters studies, I was very fortunate to have joined the AESHA Project, a long term community-based project housed at UBC’s Department of Medicine, as a research assistant. With encouragement from my supervisors at AESHA, now my PhD supervisors, continuing my academic pursuits as part...

Ilke Geladi

I came to UBC for three reasons. First, I was looking for an interdisciplinary program that would encourage and support me to ask both biological and social questions in an applied manner with a problem-oriented mentality. The Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability is a top-ranked...

Darren Blackburn

I chose to study at UBC after an initial phone call with the program staff at the Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program (ISGP) office. I originally called with a long list of questions, expecting to be directed to the program website (an experience I had with other multiple other institutions...

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The Rotman PhD Program

Join a close-knit community of scholars at one of the world’s top-ranked centres of management research – at the University of Toronto, in the heart of Canada’s vibrant, culturally diverse financial capital. As part of Rotman’s PhD program, you’ll explore new ideas, develop insights that inspire solutions and help to spark broader conversations among corporate and public leaders

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PhD PROGRAM - APPLICATIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 ARE NOW CLOSED. Applications for Fall 2025 will be open in September 2024.  

The PhD in Management is a challenging 5 year program which features course-work, cutting edge research training, and close working relationships with some of the best management academics in the world.  The success of our program is evidenced in the impressive careers of our graduates.

PhD students work closely with faculty in our research-led culture which emphasizes rigor, creativity and innovation. The PhD curriculum is carefully designed to support students as publishing scholars as early as possible in their doctoral studies and we have a terrific track record of  placements in leading business schools. Our program is divided into 7 distinct streams of research: Accounting , Economic Analysis and Policy , Finance , Marketing ,   Operations Management and Statistics ,  Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management , and Strategic Management .

Questions? We Have Answers   Research What's Happening   PhD Courses @Rotman

The Rotman School is ranked 16th in the world by the Financial Times for its faculty and research. PhD students at Rotman enjoy an academic culture of collaboration and research excellence. Our doctoral program is delivered in seven streams that reflect the organization of the school as a whole: 

• Economic Analysis and Policy
• Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management
• Operations Management and Statistics  
• Strategic Management

PhD students at Rotman study in small classes and form close working relationships with faculty. Take a moment to get to know our program requirements. If you are a strong candidate with an appetite for academic excellence, we encourage you to contact us to learn more about the Rotman PhD.

Academics at Rotman Learn More    Research at Rotman See What's Happening

The Rotman PhD is for ambitious scholars who plan to teach and research at some of the world's top business schools. If you are looking to study with leading faculty, publish in noted academic journals, and build a global network of like-minded scholars, the Rotman PhD program is for you. Our goal is to prepare our PhD students for exceptional careers in the field of management, and all aspects of the doctoral program are developed with your professional goals in mind. Find out how the Rotman School at the University of Toronto has been the launching pad for many stellar academic careers.

Careers Learn More   Rotman PhDs on the Market   Research at Rotman See What's Happening

Are you a promising scholar driven to achieve success in your studies? At Rotman we believe that your success is fueled by support that extends well beyond scholarship. Your ability to achieve both during the program and after graduation depends on strong networks with faculty and your peers. We aim to give you the tools you need to complete your program while achieving a balanced life outside of the classroom. Explore these pages to relevant resources.

Student Life Learn More    Research at Rotman See What's Happening

Each year, the Rotman PhD program at the University of Toronto selects a small number of outstanding candidates who will go on to make significant contributions to management research and education. The admission selection process is highly competitive: on average only 15-20 doctoral students are admitted from a pool of 400-500 applicants. 

The faculty admission teams in each area look for excellent academic records that include strong backgrounds in relevant disciplines and/or previous work experience related to the intended area of concentration. Attention is also paid to test scores, letters of reference, and to the applicants' own written descriptions of their backgrounds, interests, and career goals. Explore these pages to learn about Rotman's highly competitive application process. 

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Study PhD In Canada: The Ultimate Guide

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Most of all are thinking of enrolling for a PhD in Canada, aren't we? Let us hone our chances for a unique intellectual trip! Students from all over the world travel to attend the best Canadian universities, where students receive higher employment rates with higher earnings. Check out our blog on the ten best universities in Canada . So we are here to drop the beans on what it takes to rock that doctoral journey up north, from gorgeous vistas to cutting-edge research. Start the journey to study for a PhD in Canada by reading this blog! Also, check out this blog to know the things to consider before you choose your major.

A Wise Choice To Study PhD in Canada?

The fact that more than a third of all research in Canada is carried out at its esteemed universities makes the nation appealing in terms of the availability of resources and job opportunities for graduates. In addition to having institutions that consistently deliver high-quality education, Canada also provides degrees that are recognised internationally.

1. High rates of employability for graduates with higher chances of top-notch earnings.  2. Work opportunities after graduation because one can stay and work for three years. 3. Overseas pupils' exposure to a variety of cultures. 4. Compared to other English-speaking countries, there are lower living and tuition costs. 5. High standards of living and life quality. 6. The Canadian Government allows massive PhD scholarships in Canada. 7. Contemporary facilities that are globally competitive.

Canadian University Rankings 

Keeping up with its neighbors in North America, Canadian universities for PhD are the best in the world in various disciplines. Here are the standings of the best universities in Canada that reflect globally.

Top-Tier Universities in Canada For PhD

1. university of toronto.

The University of Toronto consistently ranks among the top universities in the world and is largely regarded as one of the best Canadian universities for PhD. It provides a comprehensive selection of PhD programmes in many different fields, including the humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering, and professional programmes. The institution recruits outstanding professors and offers cutting-edge labs, libraries, and research facilities to enable groundbreaking research. The University of Toronto provides PhD applicants with a dynamic intellectual environment thanks to its diverse and welcoming community.

‍ 2. The University of British Columbia 

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a leader in Canadian higher education and is known for the quality of its research. The PhD programmes that UBC offers span a variety of academic fields, including the arts, sciences, engineering, business, and health sciences. The university's dedication to collaboration, creativity, and sustainability fosters an environment that is suited for cutting-edge research. The beautiful campus of UBC, which is tucked between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, offers a distinctive and motivating environment for PhD study. These are some of the reasons why the University of British Columbia is one of the best universities in Canada. To retain scholarship offers, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships is provided by the University of British Columbia.

3. McGill University

It is one of Canada's top institutions for research and one of the best universities in Canada, which is situated in Montreal, Quebec. It provides a wide selection of PhD programmes in many different disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and health sciences. Outstanding academics at McGill conduct groundbreaking research, and the university promotes a vibrant intellectual environment. Its cutting-edge libraries, research centers, and labs provide PhD students with many resources.

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4. University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is one of Canada's top institutions for conducting extensive research and is located in Edmonton. In disciplines like science, engineering, the arts, social sciences, business, and health sciences, it provides a wide choice of PhD programmes. The university's numerous research centers and institutes demonstrate its dedication to research and innovation. At the University of Alberta, doctoral students can access several funding possibilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and a collaborative research atmosphere. Thanks to all of this, the University of Alberta is one of the best universities in Canada.

5. University of Waterloo

For its accomplishments in the domains of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the University of Waterloo is well-known and is among one of the best universities in Canada . In disciplines including engineering, computer science, mathematics, applied sciences, and health sciences, it provides outstanding PhD programmes. The university is renowned for its cooperative education programmes, in which students switch between paid labor terms and academic terms to get valuable real-world experience. The University of Waterloo presents distinctive opportunities for research and industry engagement with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.

Supreme PhD programmes in Canada

In Canada, a wide range of academic specializations, including the natural sciences, the arts, and technical sectors, are available as PhD degrees. These PhD programmes in Canada cover all sorts of areas of interest regardless of their nature.

1. Business 2. Economics 3. Medicine 4. Engineering 5. Education 6. Biological sciences 7. Physics 8. Mathematics 9. Political sciences 10. Anthropology 11. Sociology 12. Psychology

How long does it take to study for a PhD in Canada?

Most of the students have a question in mind on how long is a PhD in Canada? Well many of the 4–6 year PhD programmes in Canada are research thesis-based.  A  generally have more in common with those in the UK than with those in the nearby USA. The PhD programmes in Canada are frequently more research-focused than American programmes, which start with one or two years of taught lectures and exams before determining a thesis topic.

How much does it cost to do a PhD in Canada?

Canadian institutions offer various scholarships specifically for PhD programmes. However, generally speaking, depending on the programmes, specialism, and university, a PhD in Canada might cost anywhere from CAD $8,000 to CAD $20,000 per year.

How to choose the right University in Canada?

Many colleges, universities, and other higher education facilities in Canada grant PhDs that are recognized internationally. You must take into account a number of crucial considerations while selecting the ideal location for your studies, including:

1. Program availability 2. University ranking 3. Faculty and staff reputation 4. Research facilities 5. Scholarships and funding options offered by the university 6. Graduate employability rate 7. Tuition fees 8. Location 9. Check out this blog to know the top reasons to study abroad .

Prerequisites for the PhD in Canada

Depending on the university and the subject of study, several criteria are required for Canadian PhD admission. In order to capitalize your Canadian doctoral dreams, these requirements will pave your way to success. However, in general, the following is what most universities in the nation demand of foreign applicants for PhD degrees:

1. Completed application form 2. Resume 3. Accredited master's degree in a related field with strong grades, proven research ability, and potential 4. Transcripts for your university degree or courses 5. Statement of Purpose 6. GMAT or GRE scores 7. Recommendation letters 8. English language tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL ‍ 9. Application fee

Fees and Funding Opportunities

Contrary to popular belief, studying abroad in Canada is more economical. Universities do, however, often charge more for international students. It's better to count beans and cross T’s while we go through the multiple Canadian PhD Fundings that a student can afford.

Canadian PhD fees

The typical annual cost of a Canadian PhD programmes is between CAD $2,500 to CAD $17,000, while some might cost up to CAD $25,000. It is higher than what an international student pays at home, but it is still less than in other developed nations like the UK and the USA. The expenses for your PhD may change from year to year if it is a part of a more organized plan. The cost of taught classes and examinations is typically higher than the cost of years that emphasize individual study.

Additionally, you could be requested to pay a few minor extra expenses for things like union dues and student services. Depending on the province you are studying in, Canadian PhD tuition varies. Only use these prices as a general reference.

Renent fee changes for international students

At particular universities, there are some fresh efforts for overseas students.

1. In 2018, the University of Toronto started charging domestic and international PhD students the same costs. Thus, you will pay the same amount for your PhD as a native Canadian student. 2. Brock University has started using its grants to pay the entire cost of an international PhD.

A Comprehensive Guide To Canadian PhD Funding

Canada being the second largest country in the world, it's hard to navigate the funding that can be tricky as a cat on a hot tin roof especially when you consider the distinctive approaches of its ten provinces. A cheaper funding than in the UK or USA is inflicted that can put you up in the queue with various funding opportunities including PhD scholarship in Canada. Here are a few PhD scholarships in Canada that one will be able to apply covering Canadian PhD funding

1. Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Program 2. Canadian Government PhD Funding  3. Vanier CGS (Canadian Government Scholarship) Program 4. National Research Council

Documentation for Pursuing PhD in Canada

Typically, you will submit your application directly to the graduate programmes overseeing your PhD. For various topic areas, some universities will offer separate graduate schools. Others will have a single large institution overseeing the administration of their advanced degree programmes. You'll need the following documents: 

1. Admission requirements 2. GPA scores 3. Graduate admissions tests 4. Language requirements 5. Application process  6. Interviews 7. Student visas

Employment Opportunities During PhD In Canada

You will be an excellent candidate for many kinds of positions in higher education, research, and other fields if you have a PhD. Furthermore, Canada will be eager to keep you, and the country's post-study visa programmes is set up to make that possibility as appealing as possible. Following the completion of a PhD, international graduates from Canadian universities are permitted to reside and work there for up to three years under the country's post-graduation work permit (PGWP) programmes. You must have pursued full-time study for your PhD and successfully finished your programmes. For an online application, the charge is typically CAD $255, and the processing time is around 56 days.

A PhD in Canada can open doors to a world of great learning, research opportunities, and cultural diversity. A PhD in Canada gives access to fulfilling careers and personal development with financial options, helpful services for international students, and potential routes to permanent residency. Accept the enlightening adventure of innovation and knowledge. Also, if you are planning to study in the USA, check out this guide for masters in finance in the USA to know everything, including the cost, requirements and top universities. Also, check out this blog to know everything about the types of intakes in Canada . You can also read our blog on the best fully funded scholarships in Canada .

Frequently Asked Questions

Why pursue a phd in canada, how long does it take to complete a phd in canada, what are the admission requirements for a phd program in canada, can i apply for permanent residency after completing my phd in canada, what career opportunities are available after obtaining a phd in canada.

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Top 10 PhD Programs in Canada for International Students 2022

Mar 4, 2024 | 8 min read

Know more about PhD programs in Canada with details such as duration, admission requirements, fees & PhD scholarship in Canada for international students.

Canada is home to several globally renowned research universities providing PhD programs in Canada for international students. Canada is the most preferred Study Abroad in Canada  for international students, mainly because of its affordability and also due to its multicultural student community and cosmopolitan environment.

PhD programs in Canada offer high-quality research facilities and opportunities to doctoral students. A PhD in Canada is offered in over 500 different graduate and postgraduate academic disciplines such as business, engineering, mathematics, management, etc. The duration of a PhD in Canada is about 4-6 years. The average tuition fees for a PhD in Canada ranges from $10,000- $20,500 per academic year.

International students are required to have high academic scores in addition to high scores in admission tests such as GMAT and GRE for PhD admission in Canada. International students with a PhD in Canada can avail of post-study work visa schemes. All details related to a PhD in Canada, such as top universities in Canada for PhD, admission requirements, fees, and scholarships in Canada for international students are  discussed.

Table of Contents

List of Top 10 PhD Programs in Canada for International Students

Top universities in canada for phd, why pursue a phd in canada, phd in canada course structure, admission requirements to study phd in canada, application process for phd in canada, phd in canada cost for international students, best phd scholarship in canada for international students, scope of pursuing phd in canada.

In the following table, international students can find the best PhD programs in Canada 2022:

Canada has nearly 100 research institutions offering doctoral degrees to both domestic and international students. These PhD programs in Canada are offered through dedicated graduate schools and colleges under the respective Canadian universities. Both public and private Canadian universities offer PhD programs in Canada to international students. Online PhD Canada are offered by some universities such as Royal Roads University and Athabasca University . Given below are some of the top universities in Canada for PhD along with their QS World Rankings 2022:

International students in Canada pursuing PhD programs in Canada gain the opportunity to work with leading researchers and avail of top-quality research facilities and opportunities. International students are also eligible for a Canadian work visa post-study in Canada. Online PhD programs in Canada are offered by some of the Canadian universities such as the Royal Roads University and Athabasca University. Online PhD in Canada is offered under various disciplines such as business administration, social sciences, etc. Listed below are some of the reasons for international students to pursue a PhD in Canada:

• PhD programs in Canada are offered in over 500 different graduate and postgraduate academic disciplines such as management, mathematics, business, engineering and technology, etc.
• Canada is home to nearly 100 renowned research universities offering high-quality education and research opportunities to students. Six of the Canadian universities are ranked in the top 150 universities in the world by several ranking agencies.
• Certain PhD programs in Canada do not require a master’s programs in Canada in the respective field. The student pursuing the master’s degree program is provided with the option to switch to the PhD program after the first year.
• Students pursuing PhD in Canada are expected to start working on their thesis and research soon after starting their PhD program. Students have the opportunity to work with top researchers in the respective fields.
• Canada offers affordable education as well as the standard of living to international students.
• International students with a PhD degree in Canada are eligible to apply for a post-study work visa in Canada that could lead to a permanent residence or citizenship in Canada. International students can live and work in Canada for up to 3 years after completion of their doctoral studies.

PhD programs typically require students to pursue a full-time course for a minimum of three years, but it is often found that students require much more time to do their research and complete their degrees. Usually a PhD program in Canada gets completed within a maximum duration of of six years.

The PhD is generally completed under the supervision of one or more academic supervisors in Canada. Students need to submit a substantial doctoral thesis at the end of the course. The thesis is then reviewed and evaluated by a set of examiners.

Additionally, you may be required to prepare a presentation to explain your research to the committee during your PhD oral defense. Your overall performance and the quality of your thesis play a major role in obtaining a PhD degree in Canada.

The admission requirements for international students to study PhD in Canada varies based on the program and the Canadian university. The basic requirement is for the student to have a master’s degree in the respective field of study. A PhD program in Canada takes up to 4-6 years to complete. Some of the PhD requirements in Canada for international students to study PhD in Canada are listed below:

• International students should have high academic grades in the master’s degree in their respective fields. Students should also have excellent research capabilities and potential.
• International students are required to submit the proof of English proficiency with test scores such as TOEFL, IELTS, etc. Students pursuing courses in French are required to prove French language proficiency.
• Applicants should have good GMAT/ GRE scores for admission to any doctoral program in Canada.
• Specific PhD programs in Canada do not require a masters degree from students. Students enrolled in master’s degree programs have an option to switch to a PhD program after the first year.
• A PhD student in Canada is expected to start working on their thesis and research work as soon as the start of the PhD program.

In Canada, the process for applying for a PhD may differ from one university to another. However, the common admission requirements of PhD offering universities in Canada remain the same. Let us look at the step-by-step process of obtaining PhD admission in Canada:

Select the Type of PhD Program you want to Pursue

Submit research outline, apply online and upload necessary documents, attend your interview, obtain your study permit.

You have the option to choose structured or open PhD programs in Canada. In a Structured PhD, the research outline is determined by the university. In an Open PhD, you must propose and outline your own research project.

Both courses require students to identify a supervisor who will guide them throughout the process. In addition to your application, some universities will require a letter of support from your supervisor.

If you have decided to pursue an open PhD in Canada, you must submit a research proposal outlining your project and its significance in the present. The research proposal must comply with the research guidelines set by your chosen university.

Fill out the online application form of the university of your choice, pay the application fees, and attach the important documents. PhD applicants are required to submit the following documents:

• Academic transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Two to three Letters of recommendation
• Portfolios (for creative fields)

You may be required to sit for an online/virtual interview by some Canadian universities before being admitted. So make sure you do not miss out on the interview date and prepare well in order to secure a seat at the university.

Following acceptance by the university, you need to apply for a Canadian study permit. You need the following documents to obtain your study permit:

• Health insurance
• Medical certificate
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Acceptance letter from a DLI
• Language proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
• The intent of returning to the home country

The PhD in Canada cost varies based on the different courses and also the university that is offering the doctoral degree. Generally, the PhD in Canada cost for international students is double the cost for Canadian students. The average fees of a PhD program in Canada for international students range between $8,000 - $25,000 per year. In addition to the tuition fees, international students are required to bear the living costs in Canada for the duration of their PhD program. Tuition fees of different universities offering PHD in Canada are shown in the table below:

There are several PhD programs in Canada with scholarships for international students. The PhD scholarship in Canada for international students is awarded based on academic merit and covers the charges for tuition fees, cost of research, and sometimes living expenses as well. A fully funded PhD in Canada will cover most of the costs associated with living, travel, accommodation, insurance, and flight charges. The average tuition fee for international students for PhD studies in Canada is $8,000 - $20,000 per academic year. A range of scholarships, fellowships, grants, and awards are available for international students provided by the respective universities in Canada for PhD. Both government-sponsored and independent scholarships are available to international students based on their country of origin. Listed below are some of the PhD scholarship in Canada for international students:

• The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
• The University of British Columbia Four Year Doctoral Fellowship
• Tomlinson Doctoral Fellowships
• University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship
• The Graduate Global Leadership Fellowship
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Ontario Trillium Scholarship
• University of Calgary Graduate Scholarship
• The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)

A doctorate opens up a world of possibilities for a student. Upon completion of your PhD in Canada, you have an array of career options available to you, from teaching to research work with industry giants. You will receive a salary based on the specialization you chose. Even so, we can still take a look at the salaries offered to PhD students at some of Canada's top universities:

Please note that the salaries shown above are the upper range of salaries offered to students. Some of the top research profiles and salary packages offered to PhD graduate in Canada are tabulated below:

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Department of Materials Science & Engineering

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is the most advanced research degree in the Faculty. Working under the direction of a supervisor, PhD students engage in original research that contributes to their field of study. Advanced course work accompanies the pursuit of the thesis.

As a PhD student, you’ll receive guaranteed base support funding for up to four years of study. Current graduate scholarship funding tables can be viewed here .

Admission Requirements

Successful completion of a research master's degree in engineering, with an overall average of at least B+ (78%+), from an accredited institution. Current MASc students within our department can apply to fast-track into the PhD program before completing the MASc degree requirements

View the  full graduate studies admission requirements here .

Program Requirements & Time for Completion

The program of study normally includes 2.0 FCE (four half-courses), including the weekly Graduate Research Seminar, the Graduate Ethics Seminar, and a thesis.

In the PhD program, the departmental seminar comprises a minimum of two seminars presented to the academic staff/students of MSE.

Within 12 months of initial enrollment, all PhD students must pass a general Qualifying Examination based on the course material taken within the Department and on the background knowledge in the student's field of specialization.

The required thesis is based upon research work carried out in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering.

PhD candidates typically take between two and six years to complete the requirements of the degree. Only full-time study is available.

See all program requirements here: MSE Graduate Student Handbook

Research Areas & Affiliated Core Professors

Additive & advanced manufacturing.

• Zou, Yu  – Extreme mechanics & Advanced Manufacturing
• Naguib, Hani E.  (MIE/MSE) – Smart & Functional Materials
• Hibbard, Glenn D.  – Cellular Hybrid Materials
• Coyle, Thomas W.  – Advanced Coating Technologies
• Thorpe, Steven J.  – Surface Engineering & Electrochemistry

Advanced Characterization & Forensics

• Perovic, Doug D.  – Electron Microscopy,  Microelectronics & Forensics
• Howe, Jane  – In situ  & correlative microscopy group

Biomaterials

• Sone, Eli D.  (BME/MSE) – Composite Biological Materials
• Hatton, Ben  – Functional & Adaptive Surfaces
• Matsuura, Naomi   (BME/MSE) – Nanotechnology, Molecular Imaging & Systems Biology

Coatings & Surfaces

• Nogami, Jun  – Nanostructured Growth & Characterization
• Ruda, Harry E.  – Advanced Nanotechnology & Semiconductors
• Lian, Keryn K.  – Flexible Energy & Electronics

Computational Material & Data Analytics

• Singh, Chandra Veer   – Computational Materials Engineering
• Zou, Yu   - Laboratory for Extreme Mechanics & Additive Manufacturing
• Hattrick-SImpers, Jason  – AUTOnomous DIscovery of ALloys (AUTODIAL)
• von Lilienfeld, Anatole  –  Professor & Clark Chair of Advanced Materials at the Vector Institute

Electronics, Photonics & Sensors

• Kherani, Nazir P.  (ECE/MSE) – Advanced Photovoltaics & Devices
• Ruda, Harry E.  – Advanced Nanotechnology / Semiconductors
• Lu, Zheng-Hong  – Organic Optoelectronics

Energy Generation & Storage

• Barati, Mansoor   – Sustainable Materials Processing
• Azimi, Gisele   – Strategic Materials

Nano, 2D & Composite Materials

• Singh, Chandra Veer  – Computational Materials Engineering
• Perovic, Doug D.  – Electron Microscopy , Microelectronics & Forensics

Smart Materials & Devices

Sustainable materials processing.

• Barati, Mansoor  – Sustainable Materials Processing

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PhD in Canada for Indian Students

• Updated on  
• Jun 1, 2023

Home to cross-ethnic communities, lively city culture, and thriving businesses, Canada is a go-to place when it comes to overseas education. In addition to that, the world-renowned educational institutions and multifarious offered avenues of research establish Canada as a sought-after destination when it comes to PhD courses. From Science to Fine Arts, the country offers an immense number of opportunities for research scholars to explore. If you are looking to pursue your PhD in Canada at one of its leading universities , this blog will provide you with the key essentials from eligibility criteria to the application process.

Also Read: Study in Canada

About PhD in Canada

Most PhD programs require at least three years of full-time study and research, although it is common for students to take longer than that to get their degrees. The maximum amount of time you have to do your PhD in Canada is six years. It’s normally performed with the help of at least one academic advisor. You must submit a strong PhD thesis before the end of the semester. This will be sent to a panel of examiners, who will go through your study and provide recommendations. Your PhD will next continue to an oral defence, during which you will be cross-examined on the topic of your study and may be required to prepare a presentation to explain your work to them. Your overall performance as well as your thesis will aid you in acquiring your PhD.

Why Study PhD in Canada?

Studying in Canada is no longer only a novelty; the country’s diversified society and hospitable government standards attract international students to enrol in Canadian universities. The incentives listed below entice students to pursue a PhD program available at one of the top universities in Canada:

• World-Class Universities : Around 3-4 universities in Canada make it to the top 150 list across the world. These top-ranking universities in Canada offer you cutting-edge research facilities and educators with the best academic knowledge.
• Post-Study Work Opportunities : You can stay back for up to three years through PGWPP after completing your PhD in Canada. It also paves your path to obtaining a Canadian PR . Not only that but throughout the academic year, PhD students in Canada can work for about 10 hours each week. This enables you to fund and support your everyday costs while also learning and getting experience in the field.
• Affordable Tuition Fees : The fees of pursuing PhD in Canada range from 4,000 (INR 2.4 lakh) to 20,000 CAD (INR 12 lakh). This is a lot lesser when compared with study destinations like the USA and UK.
• Scholarships : The number of scholarships for PhD in Canada for international students is humungous. Some of the popular scholarships are Ontario Trillium Scholarships, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Ontario Graduate Scholarships, and more. Some of these scholarships offer 15,000 (INR 9 lakh) to 40,000 CAD (INR 24 lakh) a year.

Top Universities for Studying PhD in Canada

Choosing to study in Canada is one of the best decisions you will make as it will open a world full of opportunities. The universities offer students ample opportunities to dive into a topic. Further, the best-in-class research facilities, renowned professors and academic scholars, and a diverse group of students help promote a creative culture and innovative thinking. A few of the universities which offer PhD degrees in fields ranging from management, economics, engineering to arts, culture, and society, and everything in between have been listed below.

Take a quick look at some of the Best Courses in Canada For Indian Students

Cost of Studying PhD in Canada

The table highlighted below shows the average estimated cost of studying PhD in Canada at the top Canadian universities:

Popular PhD Courses in Canada

Following is a list of some of the most common courses/fields of study taken by overseas students in Canada while pursuing their PhD:

• Natural Sciences
• Mathematics
• Social Sciences
• Medicine & Health
• Business & Management
• Engineering
• Computer Science & IT
• Agriculture
• Applied Sciences
• Environment Sciences

Intakes for PhD in Canada 

For all those who are planning to complete a Ph.D. in Canada, it is important to target the right semester as per the field and university of your choice. Canada mainly offers 3 semesters during the year and in all three semesters, it allows international students to seek admission to the universities of their choice. Here are the main three intakes in Canada – 

• Winter- January to April 
• Fall- September to December
• Summer- May to August

Here’s an interesting read on 10 Biggest Culture Shocks for Students in Canada

Eligibility Criteria

Be it Canada or any other country, you need to fulfill certain eligibility conditions to study abroad. Although the eligibility criteria might vary from university to university, given below are general eligibility or admission requirements that candidates must fulfill to pursue their Ph.D. in Canada:

• A postgraduate degree in a closely-related field with consistent grades. Further, extracurricular activities and prior research experiences are also preferred. For select Ph.D. degrees, such as an integrated masters-PhD program, a high-ranking bachelor’s degree is also accepted.
• A research proposal and a letter of recommendation from your chosen supervisor at the university.
• Minimum English Language ability proof in the form of acceptable IELTS / TOEFL scores.
• Acceptable scores in ability-testing examinations such as the GRE or GMAT depending on the nature of the course.
• After submitting their exam scores, candidates might be called for a personal interview round by the university as well.

Documents Required 

To help you get started with your PhD in Canada, pillow we have mentioned a list of documents that you will need during the application process- 

• Transcripts of your previous courses 
• Competitive exam scorecard 
• Photocopy of your passport 
• Detailed resume 
• Letter of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Research proposal (Optional)
• Other important certificates and transcripts 
• Canadian Study Permit

Also Read: What are the Requirements to Study in Canada?

How to Apply for PhD in Canada?

Here’s a step-by-step guide given for aspirants that will help them with the application process of pursuing PhD in Canada:

• Visit the official website of the university you are interested in.
• Check the course curriculum and the eligibility requirements.
• Click on the application form of the respective university.
• First, you need to create an account using your mobile number or email address.
• You will receive an email or SMS on your registered contact number with login details and verification.
• Use the login details provided and enter your personal details ( name, gender, date of birth)
• Enter your academic qualification and upload the required documents.
• Select the course and pay the application fee.
• The application fee is different for every university and can be paid through a debit/credit card or Internet banking.
• Submit your application form, you can also track your application form through your account.
• Students that have been selected will be required to attend a virtual interview by some universities.

Cost of Living in Canada

Given below is a breakdown of the different expenses which are important to consider while calculating the cost of studying and living in Canada for Indian students.  

Get your personalized cost of living calculated for studying abroad with the help of our Cost of Living Calculator Tool !

PhD in Canada with Scholarships

Several scholarship schemes support meritorious students aspiring to pursue a PhD in Canada. From providing full financial support to stipends and accommodation assistance, they help individuals explore research opportunities comfortably. A few scholarship options have been mentioned below.

• Ontario Trillium Scholarship at Waterloo University
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship
• Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship
• Graduate Global Leadership Fellowship at the University of British Columbia
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
• NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
• The University of Calgary Merit-based Scholarship
• Robert Hartog Graduate Scholarship
• University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship
• UAlberta Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship
• UBC four-year Doctoral Scholarship
• Hira and Renu Ahuja International Graduate Scholarship

Know How to Apply for Scholarships in Canadian Universities?

Canadian Student Visa 

For international students looking forward to pursuing a PhD in Canada, it is mandatory to have a Canadian student visa before they enter the Canadian borders. Once they have secured their student visa for the country along with an acceptance letter from the university, candidates are all set to pursue the course. It is important to note that along with the student visa, candidates must have a study permit which is valid as long as the duration of their PhD course. To apply for a student permit under the process of Student Direct Stream, you need to fulfill some prerequisites which are given below:

• A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution of post-secondary learning;
• Transcripts of recent secondary or post-secondary qualification;
• Proof of payment of first-year tuition fees.
• At the time of application of obtaining a Canada visa for Indians, the candidate must be living outside Canada.
• A medical exam before applying (if needed).
• Police certificate before applying (if needed).
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN $10,000 (INR 8 lakh).
• ‘Ministry of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion-issued ‘Certificate of Acceptance of
• Quebec (CAQ)’ (if you are planning to study in Quebec).
• IELTS 6.0 or higher in each section (reading, listening, writing and speaking), or
• Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) score of 7.0 or higher in each section (reading,
• listening, writing and speaking) which is equal to the Canadian Language
• Benchmark (CLB).

Also Read: Canada Student Visa IELTS Band Requirements

Post Study Work Permit in Canada

You need to pursue a course for a minimum duration of 8 months to be eligible to stay back in Canada. Courses with a duration of fewer than 8 months do not allow a student to stay back and apply for Post Graduation Work Permit . If you pursue a course that is of duration less than 2 years, he/she is eligible for a post-graduation work permit of equivalent duration as the course. For Example:

• 8 months course = 8 months Post Graduation Work Permit;
• 2 years course (master or diploma) = 3 years Post Graduation Work Permit 
• PhD in Canada = 3 years Post Graduation Work Permit 

Also Read: Canada Student Permit Guide 2023

Student Life in Canada

Canada invests a huge amount of money in education and its facilities. This makes the country among the most caught-after study abroad destinations. Let’s briefly go through the dynamic student life in Canada.

• Canada is known to have a multicultural environment that gives students a global perspective and also helps them build a stronger network. 
• The country is also known for welcoming the majority of immigrants which contributes to the progressive nature of the people.
• Students can explore endless leisure activities in  Canada. Being home to many world heritage sites and lively festivals, students can engage in various activities.
• Canada is also known to have the lowest crime rates in the world. Canadians experience fewer violent crimes and fewer break-ins, and police officers follow strict ethics which makes it safe for students. 

PR After Study in Canada

After earning a degree from a prominent Canadian university, obtaining permanent residency and immigration becomes simple. The government offers a variety of options to help international students become permanent residents. The Post-Graduate Job Permit (PGWP) is an alternative for fresh graduates who want to obtain work experience in the business.

International students can also apply for Permanent Residency in Canada through the following avenues:

• Students must have completed two years of study and one year of work experience following graduation to be eligible for this class.
• Students must have a working knowledge of the French language and have completed a CEGEP programme at a Quebec-based university.
• Students who participate in the Provincial Nomination Program can obtain PR more quickly.

Also Read: Best PR-Friendly Courses in Canada 2023

Scope of PhD in Canada

After earning your PhD in Canada, you have a variety of alternatives, ranging from teaching to conducting research with industrial giants. The occupations you pick or the research field you choose will be determined by the specialties of your project; as a result, the pay you will receive will vary depending on your choices.

Also Read: PhD Scholarships in Canada

Jobs and Salary

The following are some of the most common research profiles in Canada, as well as the wages associated with them for PhD graduates:

No, a PhD in Canada costs between 4,000 and 19,000 Canadian dollars. However, you can study for a PhD in Canada if you can get a scholarship that covers your tuition and living expenses.

To pursue a Ph.D. in Canada, you may need to take the GRE. This criterion is strongly reliant on the university of choice.

Yes, Ph.D. students in Canada are eligible for a small stipend. However, the stipend mostly provides basic assistance, and the amount is modest. As a result, if you plan on relying on your stipend, it’s time to reconsider and consider other options.

If you are looking to pursue a PhD or any other higher education degree but feel uncertain as to its suitability and prospects, get in touch with our experienced counselors at Leverage Edu on 1800572000. They’ll guide you throughout the process of selecting a suitable program and university that equip you with the right knowledge and exposure to kickstart your career.

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Hi , I am looking for a PHD in Canada preferably funded . My details are : Bachelor in science in 1999, MBA in marketing and international business with First class in 2002, Bachelor degree in Eucation in 2017 , International travel and work exposure in areas of marketing of education programs

Hello Amol,

PhD in Canada is a great academic choice! Thank you for providing your academic details. Our experts will the best ones to guide you with the best universities, eligibilities, application processes and the cost. Please connect to them at 1800-572-000 and book your first counselling session for FREE!

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6 Canadian PhD scholarships for international students in 2022

There are many excellent countries for international students wishing to pursue their PhD studies on a scholarship. Canada is one of them – it has been voted the most attractive study destination by agents in the 2021 survey , thanks to how well the Trudeau administration took care of international students at the height of the pandemic last year.

Canada is well-known for being a safe, stable, open and welcoming country as well. In the same 2021 survey, Canada emerged as tops for safety and openness – factors that are critical to all migrants seeking a life in a foreign land, especially for international students.

Understandably, a PhD can involve great costs since it takes on average three to four years to complete; if you are an international student, from a country with less global spending power, living and travel costs, will add up too.

International students wanting to study in Canada can now apply to these excellent Canadian PhD scholarships. / Source: Vaughn Ridley/AFP

Fortunately, Canada has several scholarships that can help alleviate these, offered by provinces and universities alike – both provincial and university-specific ones. We round up a list of six Canadian PhD scholarships to help you start your application for the 2022 academic year.

Ontario Trillium Scholarship – Western University

The Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) aims to attract outstanding candidates to come to Ontario for their PhD studies. Particularly, if you want to apply to Western University , you should express your interest to the graduate programme chair (Director or Associate Dean) of your admitting programme in order to be nominated for the OTS.

To be eligible for applying, you should be an international student, be willing to be physically present at the university at the time of studies, is not registered with any other Canadian institution, have an excellent academic record and research experience, and need to have achieved a minimum of 80% in two of your most recent years of full-time study. You may be required to demonstrate English language proficiency as well.

Successful applicants starting their PhD programme will get 40,000 Canadian dollars each year, which can be renewed for up to four years.

University of Alberta

Next on the list of Canadian PhD scholarships is the University of Alberta Graduate Entrance scholarship . Located in Alberta, the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at  University of Alberta disburses around CA$26 million in scholarships every year. 

If you plan to register for doctoral studies at the University of Alberta, you are eligible for this one-off Graduate Entrance scholarship worth CA$21,000. This may commence either on Jan. 1 or Sep. 1, and cannot be renewed at all.

You are allowed to hold any number of University of Alberta awards concurrently with this scholarship but not the Tri-Council Top-up awards at the same time. Examples include the Walter H Johns Graduate Fellowship and President’s Doctoral Prize of Distinction and the Graduate Entrance 14 Scholarship tuition fee top up at the same time.

University of Montreal

The third Canadian PhD scholarship offering is administered by the University of Montreal in Quebec. Ranked 88th in the world (Times Higher Education ranking 2022) and fourth in Canada for volume of research activities, this university attracts over 45,000 students out of which 8,500 are international.

In addition to the Doctoral Scholarship (CA$7,000 – renewable once, for students who have done their master’s degree at this university), you can apply for the Mackenzie King Scholarship (CA$8,500 for one year – application deadline is Feb. 1, 2022). You can submit an application for the University of Montreal exemption grant (ranging from CA$ 2,078.10 to CA$12,465.60 depending on your academic record, no separate application needed) as well.

For more information on other scholarships, you may check out the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies page.

University of British Columbia

One of the top 20 public universities in the world, the University of British Columbia is ranking 37th by the Times Higher Education rankings 2022, and one of three Canadian universities to make it to the top 50. Over 56,000 students study at the University’s two campuses in the Okanagan Valley and Vancouver.

For students wanting to do a PhD at this University, the Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) is an outstanding choice. You will receive CA$18,200 as your annual stipend, and full tuition coverage for up to four years of your PhD studies.

You can apply to your preferred Graduate Programme; all PhD applicants are qualified to apply for this Scholarship. Upon selecting the best applicants, the Graduate Programme will inform Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies about their choices.

University of Lethbridge

Located in Southern Alberta, the University of Lethbridge is one of Canada’s top three research universities, a record they have held for the past four consecutive years. The University is ranked among the 6% of world universities for research performance as well.

That is why the University of Lethbridge Graduate Research Award has been designed for incoming graduate applicants of all disciplines except Education. With a value up to CA$21,000, you can combine this Award with the Graduate Assistantship and/or any Research Stipend provided by a Faculty Member, but not with other scholarships such as the Dean’s Scholarship.

University of Windsor

The University of Windsor is the final university on this list of Canadian PhD scholarships. As a comprehensive university located in Canada’s southernmost city overlooking the Detroit River, the University of Windsor offers their 16,000 students a wide variety of courses.

PhD applicants can apply for the Graduate Entrance Scholarship worth CA$7,500 for up to four years. This Scholarship has three application deadlines: the first day of January, May and September – you must have achieved a minimum of 80% average as well.

Other awards for international PhD applicants include the Ontario Graduate Scholarship . Depending on how many months you have completed your PhD studies at the time of application, you may receive up to CA$15,000 (three terms of CA$5,000 each) of funding – the application deadline is Jan. 12, 2022.

All in all, these are great Canadian PhD scholarships if you are an international student looking to start your PhD studies in safe and stable Canada in 2022.

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• Studying in Canada for International Students: IDP Guide (2023)
• PhD in Canada: Universities, Fees, Programs

• English العربية

Study PhD in Canada

All you need to know to start your phd degree in canada.

If you want to know why you should opt for studying PhD in Canada, check out our top insights on programs, universities, fees, requirements, admissions and more.

PhD degree is often required when you apply for high-level management jobs, government expert positions, and careers like a university professor, researcher, or scientist in many fields.

Why choose Canada?

In fact, more than a third of Canada’s overall research is conducted at its prestigious universities , which makes the country attractive in terms of facilities availability and work prospects for graduates. Apart from the fact that Canadian Institutions are known for providing consistently high-quality education , Canada offers :

• Internationally recognised degrees.
• Globally competitive state-of-the-art facilities.
• High graduate employability rates.
• Post-study work options as you can stay and work for up to 3 years.
• Culturally diverse experience for international students.
• Low cost of living & tuition fees compared to English-speaking countries.
• High quality of life & high living standards.
• One of the world’s most peaceful countries.

Top PhD programs in Canada

PhD degrees in Canada are offered in a wide range of studies , including natural sciences, arts, and technical fields:

• Engineering
• Biological sciences
• Mathematics
• Political sciences
• Anthropology

How many years does it take to study PhD in Canada?

Programs in the universities of Canada are mostly research thesis-based, and last for 4 to 6 years. Generally, Canadian doctorate programs have more in common with the UK than the neighbouring USA. Unlike the American programs which begin with 1 or 2 years of taught classes and examinations before defining a thesis topic, the Canadian PhD program is often more research focused.

How much does it cost to do PhD in Canada?

There are many scholarships dedicated for PhD programs at the universities of Canada. But generally speaking, the cost of PhDs in Canada varies between CAD 8,000 to 20,000 annually depending on the program, specialisation and the university.

Check out more on the cost of study and living in Canada

How to choose the right university in Canada?

There are several higher education institutions, colleges, and universities in Canada that award internationally accredited PhD degrees. To choose the perfect place for your study, you need to consider some important factors, such as:

• Program availability
• University ranking
• Faculty and staff reputation
• Research facilities
• Scholarships and funding options offered by the university
• Graduate employability rate
• Tuition fees

PhD requirements in Canada

PhD admission requirements in Canada vary based on the university and the field of study. But in general, most universities in the country require the below from international students applying for PhD degree there:

• Completed application form
• 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

Can I work while doing PhD in Canada?

You can work in Canada as an international PhD student for as long as you’ve a valid study permit for your PhD degree. Furthermore, doctorate graduates in Canada can enjoy one of the world’s most generous post-study work visa schemes upon graduating. The Post-Graduation Work Permit ( PGWP ) allows you to live and work in Canada after graduation for up to 3 years.

Read more about Canada student visa

Kick start your education journey to Canada! Speak with your IDP Education counsellor now to turn your study ambition into action!

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• 17 April 2024

Canadian science gets biggest boost to PhD and postdoc pay in 20 years

• Brian Owens

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Canada’s prime minister Justin Trudeau and finance minister Chrystia Freeland hold copies of the 2024 federal budget. Credit: David Kawai/Bloomberg via Getty

Researchers in Canada got most of what they were hoping for in the country’s 2024 federal budget, with a big boost in postgraduate pay and more funding for research and scientific infrastructure.

“We are investing over $5 billion in Canadian brainpower,” said finance minister Chrystia Freeland in her budget speech on 16 April. “More funding for research and scholarships will help Canada attract the next generation of game-changing thinkers.”

Canadian PhD students and postgrads plan mass walkout over low pay

Postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers have been advocating for higher pay for the past two years through a campaign called Support Our Science. They requested an increase in the value, and number, of federal government scholarships, and got more than they asked for. Stipends for master’s students will rise from Can$17,500 (US$12,700) to $27,000 per year, PhDs stipends that ranged from $20,000 to $35,000 will be set to a uniform annual $40,000 and most postdoctoral-fellowship salaries will increase from $45,000 to $70,000 per annum. The number of scholarships and fellowships provided will also rise over time, building to around 1,720 more per year after five years.

“We’re very thrilled with this significant new investment, the largest investment in graduate students and postdocs in over 21 years,” says Kaitlin Kharas, a PhD student at the University of Toronto, Canada, and executive director of Support Our Science . “It will directly support the next generation of researchers.”

Although only a small proportion of students and postdoctoral fellows receive these federal scholarships, other funders tend to use them as a guide for their own stipends.

Many postgraduates said that low pay was forcing them to consider leaving Canada to pursue their scientific career, says Kharas, so this funding should help to retain talent in the country.

“This is going to move us from a searing brain drain to a brain gain, and position us to compete on the world stage,” says Chad Gaffield, chief executive of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, based in Ontario, which supported the campaign.

‘Determined to thrive’

The budget also includes marked boosts for basic research. There is an extra $1.8 billion over five years in core funding for the three federal grant-awarding research councils, as well as $400 million for upgrades to the TRIUMF particle accelerator in Vancouver, and more cash for several other large facilities and institutes across the country. There will also be more than $2 billion for the artificial-intelligence sector in Canada.

“[This budget] really emphasizes that Canada is determined to thrive in the twenty-first century based on science and research,” says Gaffield.

Canada announces new innovation agency — and it’s not modelled on DARPA

Others have pointed out that the vast majority of the money in the budget for the research councils is backloaded, with just $228 million coming in the next two years. This means that the gains will be slow, and could be vulnerable to changes in the political climate, says Alex Usher, president of Higher Education Strategy Associates, a consultancy in Toronto. “Do not count on this money being there after an election,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). Canada’s next federal election is due in October 2025, and the opposition Conservative Party is campaigning on reigning in spending.

The budget also makes some changes to how science funding is organized. Instead of ten different programmes for scholarships and fellowships, with differing levels of support, there will now be a single programme with just three levels — master’s degrees, PhDs and postdoctoral fellowships. Kharas says that this should simplify the system.

The government will also create a new “capstone” research-funding organization to better coordinate the work of the three granting councils and “help to advance internationally collaborative, multi-disciplinary and mission-driven research”, the budget says. It will also create an advisory Council on Science and Innovation, comprised of leaders from academia, industry and the non-profit sector, which will develop a national science-and-innovation strategy to guide priority setting and increase the impact of federal investments. “This should help move us towards a more efficient, well-coordinated and nimble way of supporting research in Canada,” says Gaffield. “I look forward to working with the government to optimize it.”

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-01124-2

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Canada pledges dramatic pay rise for PhDs, postdocs – but many will not benefit

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The Canadian government has pledged a significant investment in its graduate students and postdoctoral scholars after more than two decades of stagnation . Its 2024 budget proposal , announced on 16 April , provides C$825 million (£481 million) over the next five years to support next-generation researchers by increasing both the number and value of stipends. However, the pay rise will only be seen by graduates who win scarce Tri-Council grants, although it is hoped that as these stipends rise others will need to too to compete.

The budget, which the House of Commons must pass before it is finalised, would provide nearly C$200 million per year, increasing annual master’s and PhD scholarships to $27,000 and $40,000, respectively, and postdoctoral fellowships to $70,000. The budget’s passage is not guaranteed – it needs the support of at least one of three political parties other than the ruling Liberal party.

Source: © David Kawai/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Justin Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister, and Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s deputy prime minister and finance minister, presented the budget on 16 April. The package included funding that ended over 20 years of stagnation in PhD and postdoctoral stipends

The planned increases represent a dramatic jump. Currently, the typical annual stipend in Canada is around C$17,500 for master’s students, C$24,000 for PhDs and C$45,000 for postdocs. The government is also proposing C$1.8 billion to the different funding agencies in Canada over five years to increase core research grant funding.

The funding surge is expected to increase the number of research scholarships and fellowships provided by the government, building to approximately 1720 more graduate students or fellows benefiting each year.

Graduate student and postdoc pay in Canada has remained unchanged for over 20 years . A national survey last year by the Ottawa Science Policy Network found that nearly 90% of graduate students in the country reported feeling stressed and anxious about their finances, and almost one-third said they have considered leaving academia due to financial pressures.

‘These fellowships had the same value for many years, which means their ability to support students had, in many cases, fallen below a livable amount,’ explains Bruce Arndtsen , a chemistry professor at McGill University. ‘Many departments and institutions therefore needed to top these fellowships up from research grants simply to get to our normal stipend level.’

Most chemistry graduates ineligible for raise

Such a significant increase to graduate student stipends in Canada will give top students a competitive stipend and enable Canada to better retain these students, Arndtsen adds. ‘It will also allow the use of grant funds to better support their research activities rather than topping their fellowship up to needed levels.’

However, he notes that these stipend increases will only apply to the select few who win prestigious Tri-Council awards, and the majority of chemistry graduate students in Canada do not receive these top fellowships but are instead paid from research grants. In fact, Arndtsen notes that funding for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s major chemistry funding programme has also remained stagnant for decades, and he expresses hope that these grants will receive a similar increase in the near term.

Anne Labarre , a sixth-year PhD chemistry student at McGill who is involved in computational drug discovery, celebrated the government’s announcement. Labarre says the PhD stipends at her chemistry department are currently fixed at around C$26,000 per year and emphasises that this increase is significant considering the recent inflation and rent increases in Montreal.

Matthew Berg, who received a PhD in biochemistry from Western University in Canada in 2021 and is now a postdoc at the University of Washington in the US, is optimistic. ‘These increases are going to set the bar for where funding should be for trainees in the sciences and in graduate school,’ he states. ‘Right now, a lot of Canadian graduate students struggle,’ Berg continues. ‘We’ve heard stories of students having to rely on food banks and different support systems in order to just make it through their degree.’

Last year there was a nationwide walkout of students and academics in Canada who were demanding more federal funding for graduate students and postdoc researchers. This month, graduate teaching assistants at Western University went on strike to protest what they deemed unfair wages. Meanwhile, a union representing striking academic workers at York University in Toronto, including teaching assistants and graduate workers, appeared to have reached a tentative deal on 14 April after being on strike over pay since late February.

Berg says he was lucky – he received one of one of the elusive federal awards to support him as a PhD candidate in Canada, which he says was worth about C$35,000 annually for three years. As a postdoc in the US, Berg says he currently receives significantly better compensation, with a stipend equivalent to more than C$90,000.

‘My dream after my PhD is to move to back to Canada and be a professor there,’ he says. ‘But it does make me nervous how difficult it is to get funding there and I don’t want to run a lab where my students are struggling to survive.’

Michel Cayouette , the vice president of research and academic affairs at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute, says the C$1.8 billion funding boost is great news but will be insufficient to allow supervisors to increase the value of their trainees’ stipends to the amounts announced for award recipients. ‘This means that the vast majority of students and postdocs will continue to struggle financially,’ Cayouette warns. ‘There is therefore more work to do in coming years to fill the gap in funding and ensure that all trainees receive a liveable wage.’

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As a student enrolled in a post-secondary institution, you’re juggling school projects and exams. Now, you have to fill out your tax return. During your semester, you may have earned a scholarship or bursary to help cover the costs of your post-secondary education.

So, you may be wondering how your scholarships are taxed in Canada and if you need to report them when you file your taxes . Don’t sweat it—we’ve got you covered! Take a look at our cheat sheet below so that you can ace this “assignment.”

• If you’re a student who’s received a scholarship or bursary, you may qualify for a tax exemption, which can be reported on line 13010 of your tax return.
• Your scholarship and bursary income will be included in box 105 of your T4A slip.
• Whether you qualify for a scholarship tax exemption is based on the type of award you receive and if you’re a full-time or part-time student.

File your taxes with confidence

Get your maximum refund, guaranteed*.

What is a bursary vs. a scholarship? 

Occasionally, you may have noticed that the words bursary and scholarship are used interchangeably. They aren’t exactly the same but are similar in purpose—they both are monetary awards that provide students with financial assistance that doesn’t have to be repaid. Here’s some clarification around available monetary awards.

A bursary is typically given by an organization that assists low-income students or those who are part of a visible minority to help pursue their post-secondary education or beyond. The amount can help to pay for living expenses or education-related costs.

A scholarship is usually awarded to a student based on academic performance, a musical talent, or athletic achievement to help advance their post-secondary education or beyond. Some scholarships are designed to cover a specific category, such as the cost of tuition, lodging, or transportation.

Grants can be given for a variety of reasons, such as helping those with disabilities or who are facing hardships, or individuals from a social background. There are also research grants provided specifically for academic research projects.

Fellowships are merit-based awards given by a university, charity, or a similar organization. They focus on helping graduate students with their doctoral studies or post-doctoral work.

Are scholarships taxable in Canada?

If you’re a full-time qualifying student , scholarship income is not taxable; whereas if you’re a part-time student, the scholarship exemption will be limited to tuition and related costs. This means that if the scholarship is covering items like living expenses and non-education related expenses, it’s likely that you will need to pay taxes on that portion of the income .

Similarly, bursaries, grants, and fellowships may qualify for scholarship exemption and be non-taxable as well. We provide a break down of the different scenarios below.

Factors to consider for scholarship exemption 

For full-time students , whether or not your award is eligible for scholarship exemption is based on several factors:

• The length of your program
• The terms and conditions of the award
• The time period for which the award provides you support

For part-time students , scholarship exemption is based on your tuition costs along with related materials, such as textbooks and school supplies.

How can I tell whether my scholarship is exempt from tax? 

Figuring out whether you’re required to report your scholarship income on your tax return can be challenging (even for those who receive top marks on their accounting exam!).

You can calculate your scholarship exemption on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website . You can also apply the basic $500 scholarship exemption (listed on line 5), which does not have to be reported on the return.

For example, let’s say you receive $1,500 in scholarships, which is listed on your T4A slip. You would apply the basic $500 scholarship exemption, which means you would report $1,000 ($1,500 – $500 = $1,000) on line 13010.

Note: Post-doctoral fellowships may be considered employment or self-employment income, so would not report to line 13010.

Here’s how you can determine if your award qualifies for tax exemption:

You are tax-exempt if:

• Your award is based on full-time program enrolment for the years 2022, 2023, or 2024 (it cannot be related to your employer, such as working a summer job).
• You received this award when you were in elementary or secondary school. Note: You don’t need to add this award amount to line 13010 of your tax return.

You may be tax-exempt if:

• You’re awarded the amount based on your enrolment in a part-time program. The award is tax exempt if the tuition and related costs are equal to or less than what you paid. You can apply the basic $500 scholarship exemption. Any taxable amount should be included on line 13010 of your tax return.
• You received an artist’s project grant and it’s less than or equal to your tuition and eligible program-related fees combined. Any taxable amount should be included on line 13010.
• You get a research grant in a post-secondary program and it results in you earning either a college/CEGEP diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. This amount should be included on line 10400 — Other employment income .

You’re not tax-exempt, if:

• You received a post-doctoral fellowship. 
• You received an Apprenticeship Grant along with either the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant or the Apprenticeship Completion Grant.

In either scenario, you need to report the amount on line 13010 of your tax return. For more information, refer to the CRA’s P105 — Students and Income Tax guide.

Box 105 on a T4A slip

Box 105 on your T4A slip indicates your scholarship, bursary, or grant income. The T4A slip will be issued to you by your college or university. If this income is taxable, be sure to report it on line 13010 —”Taxable scholarships, fellowships, bursaries, and artists’ project grants” of your tax return . Also, if you’re a resident of Ontario, any Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) grants you received should be included on this line.

Understanding your scholarship exemption

Based on your situation, you can determine whether your financial awards are tax-exempt. Psst! Don’t forget that as a student you may also qualify for a tuition tax credit . Now, you can confidently fill out your tax return and pass with flying colours.

Get an upgrade at no added cost when you’re 25 or younger.

Our team of tax experts will help you understand your taxes and make sure you get the most out of your return.

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