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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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Explore UBC's Graduate Programs

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies offers a wide range of options for course-based or research-based master's and doctoral students. We offer students an intellectually challenging education through programs that are international in scope, interactive in process and interdisciplinary in content and approach.

Check Your Eligibility Minimum Academic Requirements | English Language Requirements | Other Tests

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants. Check first if you can meet those absolute minimums. Keep in mind that

• each graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements that you will find in the Graduate Degree Program listing and on the program website
• entry to UBC is competitive, i.e. each year we receive way more applicants who meet all our requirements than we can accept. Meeting minimum and program requirements is not a guarantee that you will be admitted.

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.

Some of our programs require additional components, such as GRE or GMAT scores, as well as certain course or degree requirements.

Check your eligibility now

Meet Deadlines

All deadlines are program specific and can range from November of the previous year to April of a year for a September intake. The most important deadline is the application deadline. Without meeting the application deadline , a file may not be considered for evaluation. No changes can be made to the application after submission. Graduate programs can set two other deadlines - which may be the same as the application deadline or provide slightly more time to complete specific actions:

• Transcript deadline : Deadline to upload scans of official transcripts through the applicant portal in support of a submitted application. Information for accessing the applicant portal will be provided after submitting an online application for admission.
• Referee deadline : Deadline for the referees identified in the application for admission to submit references. See Letters of Reference for more information.

You have full access to all deadlines in the degree program listing or review an overview of application deadlines below.

Review program application deadlines

Prepare Your Application

Online application and fee.

All applicants are advised to use the online application system. Learn more about application fees, payment methods, and application fee waivers.

Academic Documents

Each entry under the Academic History section of the application must include pdf copies of official, up-to-date, transcripts for all current and previous post-secondary study.

Reference Letters

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

A statement of interest is an important part of most graduate school applications. It may also be called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar. 

English Language Test

Gre or other tests.

Programs might request additional test scores. Please refer to specific Graduate Degree Programs for detailed information specific admission requirements.

Criminal Record Check

All students who are enrolled in programs that include a practicum component involving work with children or vulnerable adults will have to undergo a criminal record check before they will be permitted to register in the practicum.

Thesis Supervisor

Browse our faculty member directory to learn about research expertise of our professors. If you are applying to a thesis-based program, please review the program instructions in the degree program listing whether you are expected to contact potential thesis supervisors prior to your application.

Proof of Citizenship

You may be asked to upload documents to proof your status in Canada (citizen, permanent resident) or your country of citizenship.

Apply Online

Once you have collected all your documents and are ready to apply, find out how to best move through the online application, what questions to expect, tips and tricks for your application and how to pay the application fee.

Prior to an admission decision

While you wait for your application to be evaluated, there are a few things to bear in mind.

• Check your online application portal for the status of your application, references, English language scores (if applicable), and any additional information or documentation requested by the program.
• That the Referee received the request (ask them to check junk filters)
• That the Referee actually clicked the Submit button. They may have uploaded the reference but overlooked the final submission step.
• If you have multiple email addresses, ensure you’re checking the one you used in your application as you’ll be alerted to the program decision, or requests for additional information, by email.

Please be patient, and resist the temptation to ask the program about the status of your application. UBC receives approximately 20,000 applications to graduate school. Rest assured that your program is working hard to evaluate applications and make admissions decisions as efficiently as possible. Most admission decisions are made in February and March, but this is highly dependent on the program to which you have applied and therefore, offers and declines can also be expected before and after this peak.

After an admission decision

Successful applicants.

Congratulations! Please go to the newly admitted student checklist to see your next steps.

Admitted Student Checklist

Unsuccessful applicants

Given that the number of applicants exceeds the number of positions available, a record that satisfies basic entrance requirements does not guarantee admission to graduate studies.

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• PhD Study in Canada – 2024

Canada is home to some of North America's most historic and globally renowned research universities. Its cosmopolitan society also make it a popular home for thousands of international PhD students.

The number of people studying abroad in Canada has risen by almost 30% in recent years. It's not hard to see why! Students are attracted by Canada's liberal society which celebrates its acclaimed universities. Not to mention the chance to explore the country's diverse range of stunning natural landscapes and habitats.

Why study a PhD in Canada?

• Internationally renowned universities - Canada's oldest universities date back to the seventeenth century. But, their research continues to be world-leading. Five institutions feature in the top 150 of all three major global rankings. You can be confident that a PhD from Canada is well-respected.
• Attractive international fees - PhD study in Canada is generally cheaper than in the USA. Some universities actually reduce - or even waive - international fees.
• Post-study opportunities – Completing your doctorate will entitle you to live and work in Canada for up to three years. This could lead to a pathway of permanent residency, or even citizenship.
• The great outdoors –From the Great Lakes of Ontario and Québec to the unspoilt wilderness of the vast Northwest Territories, there's plenty to explore (and even research) during your PhD.

Where can you study a PhD in Canada?

These are the top five universities for studying a PhD in Canada according to three popular world rankings.

Length of a PhD in Canada

Most courses require at least three years of full-time study and research. Some students may study for longer. You can usually register for up to six years.

In most cases you'll need to hold a Masters degree to apply for a standard Canadian PhD programme. However, some universities offer doctoral stream Masters routes that start with one or two years of MA or MSc study. These are suitable for students coming straight from an undergraduate degree but take longer to complete.

The Canadian PhD process

PhD study in Canada has more in common with the UK than the neighbouring USA. The US PhD normally begins with taught classes and examinations. However, like in the UK, a Canadian PhD is more research-focused from the outset.

However, it is also common for universities to offer structured courses within PhD programmes . Academic cohorts of students undergo collective training alongside their more independent research activities.

Courses often focus on key skills such as research techniques and methodological principles. You might have additional training in areas such as teaching, presentation or publication. Some doctoral programmes also arrange internships and professional placements.

Generally, students complete these courses in the first year of their PhD, before moving on to focus on their doctoral thesis.

In some cases you may need to sit a comprehensive exam at the end of your first or second year. This tests your general knowledge of the field before you can proceed onto more specific research. It is similar to the MPhil upgrade or 'confirmation review' used in UK universities.

Supervision and research during a PhD in Canada

You'll complete your PhD under the guidance of at least one academic supervisor. They'll be an expert in your general subject and field, though they won't have researched on your specific topic before (it wouldn't be a PhD, otherwise).

The main criteria for your degree will be the completion of a doctoral thesis. As in other countries, this must make a substantial new contribution to knowledge.

If your qualification is a professional doctorate , such as a DBA or EdD, you'll focus mainly on practical work and case studies. You'll still be required to submit a thesis, but this may be shorter and supplemented by other materials.

PhD Assessment and examination in Canada

The main criteria for a Canadian PhD is the originality and quality of your doctoral thesis . You'll normally begin drafting this during the middle part of your PhD. Then, write up a final version based on feedback from your supervisor.

Once you submit your dissertation a committee of examiners will be appointed to read and consider it. Your PhD will then proceed to an oral defence.

This process may be slightly more involved than the viva voce used in the UK and elsewhere. You may be expected to offer a presentation on your research before being questioned on the content and significance of your thesis.

The examiners will then meet to decide if your examination performance was satisfactory. If it was, you will be awarded your PhD!

Some Canadian PhD programmes also include coursework and examinations. However, these will normally be to check your progress, and won't count towards your final result.

Cotutelle programmes

Some Canadian universities work with international institutions to offer a collaborative route to a PhD. This is known as a 'cotutelle' (French for 'co-tutored').

These programmes involve a student spending time at two different universities. Both are involved in supervising, examining and awarding the PhD project.

In this sense a cotutelle is a bit like a joint PhD. However, a cotutelle is usually specific to the student's project rather than an ongoing partnership between a pair of universities. It's helpful to think of a cotutelle as a specific kind of joint PhD.

The availability of this option varies between individual Canadian universities. Check with your institution for more information.

Find a PhD in Canada

Ready to start looking for your idea project? Browse PhDs in Canada in our database.

This guide tells you all about everything you need to apply for a PhD programme in Germany.

Canada is a popular and surprisingly affordable destination for PhD study, with comparatively low fees and a range of fellowships, graduate assistantships and other funding options.

Want to study a PhD in Canada? This guide gives a detailed introduction to the kind of visa you need to study in Canada and how to apply for it.

What's it like to live in Canada during a PhD? Our guide covers accommodation, student living costs, working and other key information.

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How to Study a PhD in Canada

Sabrina Collier

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Table of contents

• Introduction

What are the admission requirements?

How long are phds in canada, how do i apply for a phd in canada, how much does it cost to study a phd in canada, what phd scholarships and other funding opportunities are available, can i work in canada part-time during my studies, can i stay and work in canada after my phd.

An increasingly attractive and multicultural study destination, Canada is a great option to consider for your PhD studies, offering a wealth of research opportunities to help you expand your expertise. More than a third of the country’s overall research is conducted at Canadian universities, and this work contributes billions to the country’s economy.

The requirements to study in Canada at doctorate level vary between universities and courses, but you generally need the following:

• A master’s degree in a related field, with strong grades and proven research ability and potential.
• Proof of language ability, depending on whether you study in English or French, if either language is not your first language and you haven’t previously studied in either language. (Some programs in French-speaking Quebec are conducted in both languages).
• A strong score in a graduate admissions test such as the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

In exceptional cases, you may be able to study a PhD with “accelerated admission” – that is, without a master’s degree. In this process, you’ll need to have outstanding grades in the last two years of your bachelor’s degree (a first-class average) and other demonstrations of your high academic potential, such as research publications.

Most PhDs in Canada take about four to six years to complete.

Although the admissions process can vary between Canadian universities, you’ll generally need to follow the following steps to apply for a PhD:

1.  Decide which PhD course you’d like to apply for , identifying your supervisor and chosen research topic. This may be an advertised, structured PhD in which the scope of the research is already outlined by the university (particularly in the sciences), or alternatively (particularly in arts and humanities) you could suggest and outline your own research project with an open PhD. Once you’ve found a supervisor, some universities may ask for a letter of support from your chosen supervisor to be included in your application documents.

2. If applying for an open PhD, you’ll need to submit a research proposal following the guidelines set by your university and generally outlining what you want to research, and why this is a worthwhile project.

3. Apply online, paying the appropriate application fee and attaching the necessary documents to your application. This could be all or some of the following:

• Statement of purpose – this should outline your background and academic/professional experience, including any awards, publications or relevant experience you can offer. You should also discuss your career goals and anything else stipulated by the university, keeping to the word limit.
• Two or three letters of reference (including one from your intended supervisor). Your referees should be academic, where possible.
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates – Canadian universities may require that your university mails an official transcript, which should be in English or accompanied by a perfectly translated document.
• Writing sample (most likely for arts and humanities PhDs)
• Your Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Language test results, if needed
• Portfolio of creative work (if applying for an arts/humanities PhD)

Some Canadian universities may also ask you to attend an admission interview .

4. Once accepted, the next step is to apply for your study permit , which acts as your student visa for your stay. You should also take out health insurance, and check your university’s website for orientation advice.

Tuition fees for a PhD in Canada vary between universities and courses, and will generally be around twice that of fees for Canadian students. An exception to this is the University of Toronto , where most international PhD students will pay the same tuition fees as domestic students, starting from fall 2018.

To give you an example of the cost of a PhD in Canada, the  University of British Columbia charges CA$7,641 (~US$5,760) per year for Masters by Research or PhDs, while PhDs are CA$$10,240 (~US$7,700) in years one and two at the  University of Manitoba .

Thankfully, many PhD scholarships are available to help make studying in Canada more affordable to international students, with many awards based on academic merit. The Canadian government runs a useful website with a  search tool  to find scholarships based on your country of origin. Other good places to look are the official websites of Canadian universities, which may provide their own scholarships search tool to help you find one relevant to your situation and country of origin.

Some examples of PhD scholarships to study in Canada include:

• The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships , which award CA$50,000 (~US$37,700) per year to highly-qualified international and home PhD students in the fields of social sciences and/or humanities, natural sciences and/or engineering and health.
• The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation doctoral scholarships , which at the time of writing is currently in the process of being reworked.
• The University of British Columbia Four Year Doctoral Fellowship  provides a stipend of at least CA$18,200 (~US$13,700) per year plus full tuition for outstanding international/home doctoral students for all four years of their studies.

Teaching/research assistantships

Many students also decide to fund their studies by taking part in a research or teaching assistantship – in these, you can work as a teaching or research assistant in exchange for a stipend and/or have your tuition fully or partially covered.

As a research assistant, you’ll work to help a faculty member (which may be your supervisor) by assisting with data collection, analysis, report writing, lab/office organization and other tasks. As a teaching assistant, you’ll support your department with its undergraduate programs, teaching one or more sections of the course, conducting laboratory sections, holding office hours and grading undergraduate papers. To become a teaching assistant, you’ll need to demonstrate your mastery of the course and ability to effectively facilitate students’ learning.

To apply for a research or teaching assistantship, you’ll need to check the information posted by your university and likely fill in an online application form.   

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Yes, all full-time students with a valid study permit can work part-time on or off campus for up to 20 hours per week during university semesters and full time during semester breaks. However, some PhD courses may stipulate that you shouldn’t work for more than 10 hours per week during term time – particularly if you’ve been granted funding to study in Canada. It’s also important to consider that your PhD will take up a considerable amount of time and challenging work, so you might prefer to focus entirely on your studies. Also, it’s not advised to rely on part-time work to fund your living expenses. You’ll need a Social Insurance Number to work in Canada.

Yes – if you’d like to stay after graduation to find work in Canada, you can apply for the P ost-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) which allows you to stay and gain valuable work experience for a maximum of three years. And if you’re interested in becoming a permanent resident, this post-graduation work experience helps you to qualify to apply for permanent residency in Canada via Express Entry. Find out more here .

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This article was originally published in April 2017. It was updated in June 2018.

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The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK. 

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Admission to PhD1 (Direct Entry)

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McGill takes a holistic approach to application review at the graduate-level. This means that a variety of factors are taken into consideration in the admission decision, including (but not limited to) academic credentials and grades. The minimum requirements for graduate programs are listed on the How to Apply webpage.

There are two main ways to be eligible to apply for a PhD program.

The first occurs when an applicant has (or will soon) complete a Master's degree. Applicants with a Master’s degree, if admitted, generally start at the PhD2 level.

The second occurs when an exceptional applicant has (or will soon) complete their Bachelor's degree. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree may be admitted to the PhD1 level, known as Direct Entry.

The following criteria must be met when seeking admission at the PhD1 level:

• Outstanding applicants with an undergraduate degree who have extensive research experience may be considered for PhD1.
• The extensive research experience (such as multiple summer research projects and / or an Honours project) must be relevant to the chosen field of study and must demonstrate the applicant's potential to conduct a long-term research project.
• The graduate application must include a recommendation letter from a research supervisor attesting to the research background of student, including evidence of discussion of long-term interests of the student.
• The minimum cumulative grade point average (cGPA) required for admission to PhD1 is 3.7 out of 4.0 (equivalent to A-, representing academic excellence across the board).
• The Departmental Admissions Committee examines complete graduate application files on a case-by-case basis to decide whether an offer of admission to PhD1 should be made. The recommendation for admission must be approved by the Graduate Program Director (GPD).

Department and University Information

Graduate and postdoctoral studies.

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. 

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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