free phd programs in canada

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Top 10 free phd programs in canada (2023).

Canada is a popular destination for international students looking to further their education, and there are many universities that offer free PhD programs for international students. These programs provide a unique opportunity for students to obtain a high-quality education without the burden of tuition fees.

The top 10 free PhD programs in Canada include Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, IDRC Research Awards, Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship, Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowship Plan, Partnership Grants by Social Science & Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Trudeau Scholarships & Fellowships, Anne Vallee Ecological Fund, Ontario Trillium Scholarship, and Ontario Graduate Scholarship.

Top 10 Free PhD Programs In Canada

1. banting postdoctoral fellowship.

Tuition Fee: Free

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship is one of the free PhD programs in Canada that was open to both international and Canadian PhD students who are making significant contributions to Canada’s economic, social, natural sciences, and healthcare sectors through their research.

The fellowship provides around CA$ 70,000 in taxable funds for two years, and approximately 70 students are selected for the award each year. After being selected for the fellowship, students must identify a specific Canadian university or college where they plan to pursue their PhD as international students and have the scholarship endorsed.

The application deadline for this grant is typically in September, and the results are usually announced by mid-January or February.

2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is a government-funded scholarship awarded to international PhD students pursuing their doctoral degrees at Canadian educational institutions.

The scholarship provides approximately CA$50,000 in funds for three years, but it’s non-renewable.

The scholarship considers specific application eligibility criteria, such as not being enrolled in certain scholarships before. Therefore, students should ensure they meet all requirements before applying.

3. IDRC Research Awards

The IDRC Research Awards provide research funding to international students from developing countries who have a full-time work permit (37.5 hours a week) in Canada, PhD students in Canadian universities, or students who have completed their master’s program from a recognized university within the last three years from the date of applying for the award.

The students must be actively involved in research in several development fields, such as climate-resilient food systems, inclusive and democratic governance, science and education, ethics of development research, policymaking and evaluation, global health, and sustainable and inclusive economics.

The scholarship provides an annual stipend of CA$42,000 to CA$48,000 for research in any of these fields. The application deadline is usually around February of every year.

4. Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship

The Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship is available to master’s and doctoral students studying in the province of Quebec, with graduate students enrolled in a master’s program also eligible to apply.

Doctoral students can receive grants of up to CA$25,000 per year for three years, while postdoctoral applicants can get up to CA$35,000 for one year, which is non-renewable.

Short-term research and professional development scholarships are also available under the scope of this grant. Students must demonstrate an excellent academic track record to be eligible for the scholarship.

5. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowship Plan

The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowship Plan is designed exclusively for international students from Commonwealth countries who apply to Masters or PhD programs at Canadian universities.

The scholarship recognizes students with exceptional intellectual abilities and awards financial aid to cover all travel and living expenses, along with compulsory tuition fees. The amount of funds provided depends on the program in which the awardee is enrolled.

6 . Partnership Grants by Social Science & Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

SSHRC offers grants to PhD students pursuing research in social sciences and humanities at Canadian universities.

Recipients may support existing research or conduct new studies. The amount of funding ranges from CAD 20,000, and the duration varies from 4 to 7 years, depending on each case.

Only international students are eligible for this scholarship.

7. Trudeau Scholarships & Fellowships

Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships are available to international students pursuing doctoral studies in specific institutions.

The scholarship covers research expenses and travel costs and ranges from CA $20,000 to CA $40,000 per year, renewable for up to three years. The application deadline usually falls in the mid-fall academic session.

8. Anne Vallee Ecological Fund

The Anne Vallee Ecological Fund is a unique scholarship opportunity for international students who are pursuing animal research in their master’s or doctoral degree program in the provinces of Quebec or British Columbia.

The fund offers a scholarship worth $1,500 to each selected candidate to support their research in the field of animal ecology.

The scholarship aims to encourage and support international students who are making a valuable contribution to animal research, with the ultimate goal of advancing ecological knowledge and conservation.

9. Ontario Trillium Scholarship

The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship opportunity for international PhD students who wish to study in Ontario, Canada.

This scholarship is highly competitive, with only 75 students being selected each year based on their academic merit. Each scholarship recipient is awarded $40,000 per year, which can be renewed for up to four years.

The scholarship committee selects candidates based on their academic excellence, research potential, and leadership abilities. The scholarship is intended to attract the brightest and most talented international students to study in Ontario, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the province’s reputation as a leading research destination.

10. Ontario Graduate Scholarship

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is available to international students who have valid study permits and are enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program at a public university in Ontario, Canada. The scholarship is one of the free PhD programs in Canada.

The scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership abilities, with each recipient receiving $1,500 per year. The scholarship is renewable, with the duration varying based on the awarding committee.

The scholarship aims to support and encourage international students who are making valuable contributions to their field of study, with the ultimate goal of advancing knowledge and innovation in Ontario.

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Pursuing a PhD in Canada can be a life-changing experience for students.

However, the free PhD programs in Canada discussed above, offer students the opportunity to receive a high-quality education while focusing on their research, free from the burden of financial obligations.

These universities are committed to supporting students in their academic journey and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in various fields.

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Canada Graduate Scholarships — Doctoral program

Description, agency-specific doctoral awards, eligibility, program of study, application procedures, application deadlines, selection process, indigenous student researchers, black student researchers, selection criteria, san francisco declaration on research assessment, notification of results, conditions of the award, official languages, related opportunities.

The objective of the Canada Graduate Scholarships — Doctoral (CGS D) program is to promote continued excellence in Canadian research by rewarding and retaining high-calibre doctoral students at Canadian institutions. By providing support for a high-quality research training experience to awardees, the CGS D program strives to foster impacts within and beyond the research environment.

The Canada Graduate Scholarships — Doctoral (CGS D) program is a federal program of scholarships administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Scholarships are awarded through national competitions by these three granting agencies.

The CGS D program supports and promotes research excellence in a wide variety of disciplines and broad fields of natural sciences and engineering, health and social sciences and humanities, including interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research. This support allows scholars to concentrate on their doctoral studies more fully, to seek out the best research mentors in their chosen fields and to contribute to the Canadian research ecosystem during and beyond the tenure of their awards.

In addition to the CGS D, each agency has its own doctoral awards.

For all three agencies, only one application must be completed and submitted to be considered for both a CGS D award and either an agency-specific doctoral award (for NSERC/SSHRC applications) or any available doctoral Priority Announcements (for CIHR applications). CGS D awards are then offered for the top-ranked eligible applications in each agency’s competition.

Some eligibility requirements for CGS D differ from those of the agency-specific doctoral awards. Refer to the appropriate literature for NSERC , CIHR and SSHRC for further details as well as information on doctoral awards tenable at foreign institutions.

To be eligible to apply, you must

• be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada or a Protected Person under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada), as of the application deadline
• have completed no more than 24 months of full-time study in your doctoral program or the PhD portion of your joint professional undergraduate/PhD program (such as MD/PhD, JD/PhD, DVM/PhD) by December 31 of the calendar year of application if previously enrolled in a graduate program
• direct-entry applicants must be enrolled in their doctoral program at the time of application
• if you have not previously completed or enrolled in another graduate program, you must be enrolled in your joint MD/PhD program at the time of application
• if you fall into this category, you have access to the 36-month window whether or not you were previously enrolled in a master’s program

Note: If you are eligible to apply to the Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS M) program, you may be able to maximize your potential period of funding by applying to the CGS M program for your first year of doctoral funding instead of the CGS D program. You are responsible for choosing the type of award for which you apply. See Other restrictions below for more information.

Number of months

Eligibility for CGS D is based on the number of months of full-time study, including summer months, toward the degree for which you are requesting funding by December 31 of the calendar year of application . Two terms of part-time study count as one term of full-time study.

Note: The agencies count all studies toward the doctoral degree for which funding is requested, whether or not they were completed at the degree-granting institution.

Fast-track and joint programs

Fast-track: If you were registered in a master’s program and subsequently transferred to a doctoral program (fast-track), the months of study completed are calculated starting from the date on which you transferred into the doctoral program.

Joint programs: If you are registered in a joint program and a master’s degree is obtained as part of the program (for example, MA/PhD, MSc/PhD), the months of study are calculated starting from the date on which you are officially registered in the joint program (including the master’s portion of the program).

If you are registered in a joint professional undergraduate/PhD program (such as MD/PhD, JD/PhD, DVM/PhD), only the months of study in the PhD portion will be counted.

Other restrictions

• You can submit a maximum of one scholarship or fellowship application per academic year to either NSERC, CIHR or SSHRC. Should more than one application be submitted, the eligible application submitted first chronologically will be retained. Nominations to the Vanier CGS program and applications to the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program do not count toward this limit (other exceptions may apply to CIHR internships)
• You cannot have already received a doctoral-level scholarship from NSERC, CIHR or SSHRC (does not apply to CIHR Fellowships)
• You cannot hold a tenure or tenure-track appointment concurrently with your CGS D award

An eligible doctoral program must include a significant research component that leads to the completion of a thesis, major research project, dissertation, scholarly publication, performance, recital and/or exhibit that is merit/expert-reviewed at the institutional level as a requirement for completion of the program.

Joint programs with a professional degree (for example, MD/PhD, DVM/PhD, JD/PhD, MBA/PhD) as well as clinically oriented programs of study , including clinical psychology, are eligible if they have a significant autonomous research component as described above.

Selecting the appropriate agency

You should complete the agency application that is best aligned with your research subject matter to ensure that it is reviewed by experts in disciplines closest to your field(s) of study. For more information refer to Selecting the appropriate federal granting agency .

To complete the application process, refer to the appropriate agency’s application website and instructions.

NSERC: Online system and instructions CIHR: ResearchNET and instructions SSHRC: Online system and instructions

Incomplete applications may be rejected from the competition.

Where to submit an application

You must apply either through a Canadian institution or directly to the appropriate agency depending on your registration status at the application deadline date and/or your registration status in the calendar year of application. Failure to submit an application through the correct channel will result in your application being rejected .

To determine the correct channel, you must

• determine if an institution has a quota for your selected agency
• refer to the chart and supporting information in the Where should I submit my application? flowchart

If you are unsure of your registration status in the calendar year of application, contact your faculty of graduate studies (or its equivalent).

The term “quota” refers to the maximum number of applications an institution can forward to each agency’s national competition. Institutions receive separate quotas from each agency ( NSERC , CIHR and SSHRC ).

Institution deadlines

If you are applying through an institution, you must submit your application by the deadline set by the institution, which may be well in advance of the agency deadline.

For more information about institutional deadlines, you should contact your faculty of graduate studies (or its equivalent).

Agency deadlines

If you are eligible to apply directly to one of the agencies (consult the Where should I submit my application? flowchart), you must submit your application using the appropriate agency application portal before 8:00 p.m. (ET) on October 17. If the deadline falls on a weekend, applications can be submitted the following business day before 8:00 p.m. (ET). Incomplete applications may be rejected.

Institutional review

The faculty of graduate studies (or its equivalent) at each Canadian institution is responsible for coordinating the institutional evaluation of CGS D applications. Institutions then submit applications according to their quotas for consideration to each agency.

Agency review

Agency selection committees review applications (whether sent directly to the agencies or via the institutions).

Institutions may recommend applications from self-identified Indigenous student researchers to the doctoral awards competition beyond their application quota. Self-identified Indigenous student researchers must agree to their personal information being used for this purpose by making the appropriate selection in the application form.

The Government of Canada has deployed additional funds to increase direct support for Black student researchers . CGS D applicants who self-identify as Black and provide consent to be considered for funds targeted towards specific groups may be selected to receive this funding. Each agency has a limited number of additional CGS D awards reserved for this initiative.

For more information, consult the Frequently asked questions about the new Black scholars funding .

The evaluation of CGS D applications, whether by institutions or the agencies, is based on the following criteria:

In 2019, NSERC, CIHR and SSHRC, along with other Canadian research funding agencies, signed the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) . The agencies are committed to meaningful assessment of excellence in research funding and to ensuring that a wide range of research results and outcomes are considered and valued as part of the assessment process. They will continue work to ensure that their strategies, policies and guidance align with DORA.

Applicants whose applications were submitted to the agencies, whether directly or via their institution, will be notified of results by April 30.

The agencies will publish the names (and other basic award information) of scholarship recipients on their respective websites.

For more information, see the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act .

Applicants and award holders must comply with the policies and guidelines set out in the Tri-agency research training award holder’s guide and in any other documents related to scholarship applications and awards.

The agencies reserve the right to interpret and enforce the policies and guidelines for their funding opportunities set out in their published materials.

Award holders may be eligible to hold their awards part time. Refer to the Tri-agency research training award holder’s guide for further information.

Applicants may submit their application in the official language of their choice. Institutions must have mechanisms in place to review both English and French applications.

CGS D holders may be eligible for:

• Canada Graduate Scholarships—Michael Smith Foreign Study supplements
• Canada Graduate Scholarships to Honour Nelson Mandela
• SSHRC supplements and related initiatives
• NSERC supplements
• CIHR related initiatives

For further information, contact the appropriate agency:

NSERC [email protected]

CIHR contact centre [email protected]

SSHRC [email protected]

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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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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Discover top Ph.D. streams and scholarships available in Canada - enhance your academic journey with a Ph.D. in Canada at renowned universities.

PhD Streams and Scholarships in Canada

Wesley Allan

Wesley Allan has been writing professionally for over five years and about immigration for a year. With a BA in English Language and Literature and Film Studies.

Reviewed by David Allon

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David Allon

A professional and knowledgeable RCIC with a passion for migration and international policies. He will ensure that you are provided with the best immigration service and business guidance on your journey to Canada.

In recent years, Canada has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking higher education. With its world-class universities, diverse culture, and excellent quality of life, it's no surprise that many students are drawn to the prospect of a PhD in Canada. Universities in Canada offer a wide range of opportunities for students at the doctoral level, including various PhD streams and a plethora of scholarships to choose from.

Whether you're an international student looking to further your education or a Canadian resident seeking to expand your knowledge and skills, this guide will help you navigate the exciting world of opportunities for a PhD Canada.

Why Pursue a PhD in Canada?

Pursuing a PhD in Canada has become increasingly attractive for international students, thanks to the country's excellent universities and generous scholarship opportunities. If you want to take advantage of these amazing opportunities, the next step in your Canadian journey is to find a scholarship program that will support your needs. Some of the best PhD scholarships in Canada are as follows:

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are among Canada's most prestigious PhD scholarships, designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students. These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership qualities. The scholarship provides $50,000 per year for up to three years of study and is available to Canadian and international students.

The University of British Columbia Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship

The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a Four Year Doctoral Fellowship to outstanding PhD students. This fellowship provides financial support of at least $18,200 per year and full tuition coverage for up to four years of doctoral studies. Both domestic and international students are eligible for this fellowship, which is awarded based on academic merit and research potential.

Ontario Trillium Scholarship

The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is available to international students pursuing a PhD in Ontario universities. This scholarship provides $40,000 annually for up to four years of study and aims to attract top international talent to the province. Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and strong communication skills.

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is open to domestic and international students pursuing a graduate degree (including PhD) at an Ontario university. The scholarship provides $15,000 per year for up to two years, with one-third of the funding provided by the university. Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, research ability, and communication skills.

University of Calgary Graduate Scholarships

The University of Calgary offers a variety of graduate scholarships to both domestic and international students pursuing a PhD in various fields. These scholarships range in value and duration, with some providing full tuition coverage and others offering a stipend to cover living expenses. Eligibility criteria and application procedures vary depending on the scholarship, so thoroughly research each opportunity.

The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship

The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) is available to Canadian and international students pursuing a PhD at the University of Manitoba. The fellowship provides funding of $18,000 per year for up to four years, with the possibility of additional funding for exceptional candidates. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and research potential.

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation offers doctoral scholarships to outstanding Canadian and international students pursuing a PhD in the social sciences and humanities. The scholarship provides up to $60,000 annually for up to four years and includes a travel and networking allowance. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to public engagement.

How to Apply for PhD Scholarships in Canada

Finding the right PhD scholarship in Canada may seem daunting, but several resources are available to help you. Applying for a scholarship in Canada is a relatively straightforward process, but it can differ depending on your program and institution. Here's a basic breakdown of the scholarship application process:

However, applying for a regular scholarship and a PhD scholarship can be slightly different. Here are a few things to remember when applying for a PhD.

Check Your University's Website

First, explore the websites of the universities you're interested in attending, as many offer their own scholarships and financial aid packages.

Check the Scholarship Organizations' Websites

Additionally, check out the websites of major Canadian scholarship organizations, such as the Canadian government's scholarship portal , the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

When applying for PhD scholarships in Canada, it's essential to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each opportunity. Be sure to submit all required documents, including transcripts, letters of reference, and a well-crafted research proposal or statement of purpose. Keep track of application deadlines and give yourself ample time to complete the application process. 

Choose the Right Program and Supervisor

Before applying for a PhD in Canada, it's essential to research different programs and universities to find the best fit for your research interests and career goals. Additionally, you'll need to identify a potential supervisor who shares your research interests and can provide the support and guidance you'll need throughout your PhD journey.

Ensure You Have The Right Documents

The right documents are vital to ensuring a smooth application process. You must check your university or organization's website to ensure you have all the required documents as many. However, most PhD programs in Canada require the following:

Academic Transcripts

Applicants must provide official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.

Letters of Reference

Applicants must provide letters of reference from academic or professional references who can speak to their academic abilities and research potential.

Research Proposal or Statement of Purpose 

Applicants must provide a research proposal or statement of purpose outlining their research interests, motivation for pursuing a PhD, and career goals.

Standardized Test Scores

Some programs like the GRE or GMAT may require standardized test scores.

Language Proficiency

International students may need proof of English proficiency, such as CELPIP or IELTS .

It's essential to research the application requirements for each program carefully and ensure that all documents are submitted by the deadline. Additionally, it is essential to reach out to potential supervisors and faculty members to express your interest in the program and seek their guidance throughout the application process.

Prepare a Strong Research Proposal

Your research proposal is crucial to your PhD application, as it demonstrates your ability to think critically, conduct independent research, and communicate your ideas effectively. Be sure to clearly outline your research question, methodology, and expected outcomes, while demonstrating your familiarity with relevant literature in your field.

Highlight Your Academic Achievements and Research Experience

When applying for a PhD in Canada, you must showcase your academic accomplishments and research experience. Be sure to include details of any publications, conference presentations, or research projects you've been involved in.

Obtain Strong Letters of Reference

Letters play a vital role in your PhD application, providing insight into your academic and personal qualities. Be sure to ask for letters from professors or supervisors who can speak to your intellectual abilities, research potential, and work ethic. 

Prepare for Interviews

If you're shortlisted for a PhD program or scholarship, you may be invited to participate in an interview. Be prepared to discuss your research proposal, previous research experience, and motivation for pursuing a PhD in Canada. It's also essential to familiarize yourself with the university, program, and supervisor, as you may be asked about your reasons for choosing them. If you're unsure if your Canadian interview skills are up to scratch, here's a handy guide to interviews in Canada

Top Universities in Canada for PhD programs

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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.

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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.

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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• Study in Canada /

Fully Funded PhD Programs in Canada

• Updated on  
• Apr 24, 2023

Canada has emerged as a popular study destination for Indian students who want to pursue higher studies abroad. It is known for its quality education and employability, which is no wonder why more than 1 lakh Indian students choose to go to Canada for higher education every year. A PhD Degree in Canada is more affordable in comparison to that in popular study destinations like the UK or the US . More than 90 universities in Canada offer PhD Programs to international students, and it takes around 3-6 years to complete. It becomes a lot easier for Indian students to manage their expenses if they receive any kind of scholarship . But most of the scholarships are partially funded, so students tend to look for fully-funded programs. If you are also looking for a fully-funded PhD Program in Canada, then you are at the right place. Read the blog to know about the fully-funded PhD Programs offered in Canada.

This Blog Includes:

Why study phd in canada, are you eligible, banting postdoctoral fellowships, nserc postgraduate scholarships, anne vallee ecological fund, trudeau scholarships and fellowships, mcgill university scholarships and student aid, career opportunities after pursuing a phd in canada.

• Top-Class Universities : Many universities in Canada have been ranked among the top universities in the world . Canadian Universities are well known for excellent academic and research facilities.
• Work Opportunities: PhD students are already paid a stipend every year as they contribute to their respective field of study throughout their PhD course. However, not many students know that PhD Students in Canada can do a part-time job for 10 hours a week and stay for up to 3 years through Post Graduation Work Permit after completing their studies.
• Affordable: The tuition fee of pursuing a PhD in Canada ranges from CAD 6,000 to 30,000 (INR 3-17Lakhs). Compared to other countries such as the UK or the US, it is a lot more affordable.
• Financial Aid: There is a wide range of financial aid, i.e. scholarships and grants for international students who want to pursue a doctoral program in Canada. 

Have you heard about the popular Leverage Edu scholarship worth INR 5,00,000! CHECK OUT HERE

Also Read: MBA Courses in Canada

To pursue a doctoral degree, you must first be able to fulfil the eligibility criteria set by the Universities offering the same. Eligibility requirements may vary for different courses, given below is the general eligibility criteria you must meet to pursue a PhD in Canada:

• A postgraduate degree in a related field with good grades.
• English Language Proficiency proof through English Language Tests such as IELTS and TOEFL .
• Good scores in GMAT or GRE , if required.

Join Leverage Live to score high in English Language Tests such as IELTS and TOEFL .

Fully-Funded PhD Programs 

The Canadian Government provides international students with a lot of scholarships for every degree. Mentioned below are the fully-funded PhD Programs offered by the Canadian Government:

Also Read: Scholarships in Canada for Indian and International Students

These fully-funded PhD Programs are offered to international students and home students every year. These are offered to students who are pursuing the following:

• Health research
• Natural sciences
• Engineering
• Social sciences and humanities

Award Grant: CAD 70,000 (INR 41.45 Lakhs) per year

These scholarships are offered to international students for up to 3 years who are pursuing a PhD in the following:

• Natural Sciences

Award Grant: CAD 21,000 (INR 12.43 Lakhs) per year

This scholarship is offered to international students who are pursuing a PhD program in Animal Research at any of the following:

• University of British Columbia
• A recognised Canadian university in Quebec

Award Grant: CAD 1,500 (INR 88,840)

These scholarships are offered to international students pursuing any PhD program in Canada. Every year more than 12 scholarships are awarded to students.

Award Grant of CAD 60,000 (INR 35.53 Lakhs).

These fully-funded scholarships are awarded to international students enrolled in doctoral programs at McGill University .

Award Grant is valued between CAD 3,000 and CAD 12,000 (INR 1.77-7.10 Lakhs).

Also Read: Top Colleges and Universities in Canada

There are a variety of career opportunities based on the chosen field of study after pursuing a PhD in Canada. Mentioned below are some of the popular job profiles along with their average salary for PhD students in Canada:

Some of the popular PhD courses or subjects in Canada for international students are Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Humanities, Medicine & Health, Business & Management, Engineering and Computer Science.

Canadian Universities have 3 intakes i.e Winter- January, Fall- September, and Summer- May.

The acceptance rate at the University of Waterloo is 53%.

If you are looking for a fully funded PhD program in Canada but are confused with the admission process, get in touch with our experienced counsellors at Leverage Edu on 1800572000. They’ll guide you throughout the process of selecting the best PhD program and university that will equip you with the right exposure to kick-start your career.

Damanpreet Kaur Vohra

Daman is an author with profound expertise in writing engaging and informative content focused on EdTech and Study Abroad. With a keen understanding of these domains, Daman excels at creating complex concepts into accessible, reader-friendly material. With a proven track record of insightful articles, Daman stands as a reliable source for providing content for EdTech and Study Abroad.

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Clinical Psychology PhDs

Hey Grace. Check out these fully funded scholarships for PhD in Clinical Psychology. That is, the Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships, and Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships. Several universities also offer scholarships for PhD in Clinical Psychology. Some of them are- Harvard University, Arizona State University, and Fordham University. To know more about courses and university visit the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu

Dear Sister Blessy George, This is Teja from India, Can you please guide me or share some info regarding PHD in Environment or climate change or best one which fit or good to settle in canada after doing PHD.

Hey Teja. Phd in climate change is not available in Canada. However, you can pursue a PhD in Environmental Sciences. Some of the popular universities include the University of Prince Edward Island, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Carleton University. Some of the career options after this course include Environmental Scientist, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst, and professor, among others. To learn more information about this course consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.

I would like to receive guidance on fully funded PhD scholarships in the area of epidemiology in canada. Kindly oblige me this information, I am planning towards admission in January 2024. Thank you.

Hello Blessy I’m currently enrolled in a master’s degree program in international operational law in Sweden. I would like to know of my PhD options in Canada. Please Advise

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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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Tuition Free Universities in Canada: Offering Fully-Funded Scholarships

In Canada, international students can apply for scholarships ranging from bachelor’s degree level to doctorate level, depending on what their goal is. Scholarships are non-repayable financial awards that international students can use to finance their studies in Canada. 

Students with exceptional academic achievement are most often awarded scholarships, although some scholarships also recognize volunteer and work experience; They are fully funded, covering all student expenses, including meals, housing, tuition, and medical insurance.

Here are some of the top universities in Canada offering fully-funded scholarships for international students:

University of Saskatchewan

In addition to being one of Canada’s oldest and most distinguished universities, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian research-intensive universities that holds several Canada Excellence Research Chairs. 

The University of Saskatchewan, which is ranked among the nation’s best universities, is located in Saskatoon. Founded in 1907, the university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in all academic fields. 

Canadian scholarships are available for all levels of study at the university – making education more accessible not just to the local population but also to the international community of over 3,000 students. 

Scholarships worth $18,000 for master’s degrees and $22,000 for doctoral degrees are also available. Their master’s degrees are fully funded for two years. 

Some of Saskatchewan’s scholarships include:

• U of S Entrance Scholarships: $24,000 ($6,000 over four years).
• Chancellors’ Scholarships: $30,000 ($7,500 over four years).
• Edwards Undergraduate Scholarships: $24,000 ($6,000 over four years).
• University of Saskatchewan International Excellence Awards: $10,000

University of Alberta

Throughout the years, the University of Alberta has become one of Canada’s best comprehensive academic research universities, attracting students from over 150 countries worldwide due to the quality of education it offers. 

Undergraduate and graduate programs are available in almost every field. The availability of Canadian scholarships is just as good. In the current academic year, the University of Alberta offers fully funded master’s and Ph.D. scholarships. 

Additionally, the university recently removed IELTS from its English Proficiency Language requirement. The University annually awards undergraduate scholarships and financial aid totaling $34 million. 

Some of the scholarships include:  

• Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship: $11,000 to $15,000.
• University of Alberta Master’s Entrance Scholarship: $17,5000 (International Students will receive an additional $10,000 to help cover fees).
• University of Alberta Gold Standard Scholarship: Up to $6,000.

Requirements

• Proof of English Language Proficiency.
• Degrees and CVs.
• Recommendation Letters.
• Certificates (if applicable).
• Reference Letters.
• Motivation letter with the scholarship application.

McGill University

McGill University was founded in 1821 by the Royal Charter of King George IV and is the only Canadian university to have been established with such a charter. McGill University offers over 300 programs in 12 faculties and schools. Its main campus is located in central Montreal near Mount Royal, while its other campus is located near Notre Dame Street in Old Montreal. 

McGill University offers scholarships to students from Canada and around the world to accommodate a diverse cohort of students. Apply for McGill Graduate Scholarships in Canada by reviewing the application process and selecting the appropriate term and course. 

Some of the scholarships include:

• McCall MacBain Scholar: Tuition and fees for the full period, CAD 2000 per month stipend, and relocation grants to Montreal.

Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University ranks among the top 300 universities in the world, earning a reputation for being one of the most popular choices for international students. It has four campuses in Halifax and Truro and satellite locations in Yarmouth and Saint John, New Brunswick. As a result of Dalhousie’s wide range of academic programs, it attracts students, scholars, researchers, and faculty from all over the world. 

International students can apply for Dalhousie University’s scholarships and bursaries for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies. These Canadian scholarships cover a monthly stipend, housing costs, fee waivers, health insurance, and accommodation costs for international students at Dalhousie University. 

• The President’s Awards: $2,500 per term for up to six terms ($15,000).
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: $50,000 annually for three years.
• John and Lena Graham Commonwealth Bursary: $2,000.
• Chinese Scholarship Council – Ph.D. scholarship: Tuition, living, and airfare allowance for up to 4 years.

University of Waterloo

Founded in 1957, the University of Waterloo is a public institution with its main campus located in Waterloo, Ontario, near several Great Lakes and the border with the U.S. Additionally, it has satellite campuses in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Stratford. Waterloo is home to over 30,000 students. 

There are six main academic divisions at the university: applied health sciences, arts, engineering, environment, math, and science. 

The University of Waterloo awards over 140 scholarships to international students, ranging from course-specific awards to country-specific awards for undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students. 

• Colonel Hugh Heasley Engineering Scholarships: $10,000 over eight academic terms
• Faculty of Mathematics Entrance Scholarships: $8,000
• Frank and Janet Hill Scholarship for Women in Math: $2,500
• A minimum 70% average at the undergraduate level and 75% average at the graduate level.
• The applicants must be full-time undergraduate and graduate students, including a minimally paid or volunteer international co-op work placement.
• Students must demonstrate academic excellence through criteria established by the Faculty.
• International students with a valid Canadian study permit who are registered full-time and assessed international tuition fees.

Related: Types of Financial Aid for International Students in Canada .

Disclaimer: We do not claim responsibility for the availability or the details of each scholarship mentioned in the article at the moment you read it. The contents of this article were derived from university websites available at the time of writing. This article serves as an information point. Further details must be derived from respective universities.

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• Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
• Graduate School
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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 thesis-based Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering is an advanced research-based degree. The program offers students an opportunity to work at the highest level of research, under the supervision of a faculty member. Students complete their candidacy examination within 18 months and complete their doctoral dissertation research within three to four years. It is normal department practice to initially register students in the M.A.Sc. program, and to transfer them to the Ph.D. program upon completion of the M.A.Sc. (or earlier if recommended by the supervising faculty member).

Students taking their Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering can select one of the below research areas:

• Applied Solid Mechanics
• Biomechanics and Medical Devices
• Computational Engineering
• Energy & Environment
• Fluid Mechanics
• Manufacturing Automation & Robotics
• Mechatronics & Instrumentation
• Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering

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

What makes the program unique?

With eight Research Chairs and almost every research faculty member holding a least one NSERC grant, we have one of the most active research programs in Canada and consistently produce industry and academic leaders.

UBC is ranked in the World’s Top 40 Universities by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Institute of Higher Education and our Mechanical Engineering professors are recognized nationally and inter­nationally as leaders in their fields.

We offer affordable, competitive tuition fees and extend a number of scholarships, awards, top-ups to external awards, entrance fellowships, Research Assistantships (RA's) and Teaching Assistantships (TA's) to our students.

I grew up wanting to pursue a doctorate degree - to be a scientist, to make significant positive changes in the world. I chose UBC, primarily because of my current PhD advisor and the project I was offered to work on. I am a part of a new research team (iREACH) that focuses solely on research in air pollution and the impacts of bad air quality on health and climate.

Sakshi Jain

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, 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 : 93

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 optional.

2) Meet Deadlines

January 2025 intake, application open date, canadian applicants, international applicants, deadline explanations.

Deadline to submit online application. No changes can be made to the application after submission.

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.

Deadline for the referees identified in the application for admission to submit references. See Letters of Reference for more information.

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 Mechanical Engineering (PhD)

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

From September 2024 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. 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

• 36 students received Teaching Assistantships. Average TA funding based on 36 students was $7,632.
• 53 students received Research Assistantships. Average RA funding based on 53 students was $21,011.
• 10 students received Academic Assistantships. Average AA funding based on 10 students was $960.
• 58 students received internal awards. Average internal award funding based on 58 students was $11,183.
• 3 students received external awards. Average external award funding based on 3 students was $28,889.

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

87 students graduated between 2005 and 2013. Of these, career information was obtained for 78 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.

The graduates of the Ph.D. program find employment at academic institutions and in high-level research and development positions in industry and other institutions. Recent Ph.D. alumni have gone on to work as tenure-track professors in major Canadian and US universities. Others have been employed as research scientists, project managers and team leaders in high-tech startups or S&P 500 companies.

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (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, friday, 31 may 2024 - 9:00am - 2202, civil and mechanical engineering, 6250 applied science lane.

• 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.

• Altintas, Yusuf (Virtual Machining, Computer Control of Manufacturing Systems, CAD/CAM, CNC Design, High Speed Feed Drive Control, Real Time Interpolation and Trajectory Generation for Machine Tools, Adaptive Control, Sensor Fused Intelligent Machining, Metal Cutting Mechanics, Chatter Vibrations in Machining, Piezo -Actuator Based Precision Machining, High Speed Milling, Optimal Machining of Aerospace Parts, Dies and Molds, Automation, Precision Engineering, Electro Mechanical Systems, Modeling and Analysis of Machining Processes, Mechanics, dynamics and control of micro-machining operations)
• Bacca, Mattia (Mechanical engineering; Medical and biomedical engineering; Solid Mechanics; Biophysics; Soft materials; Fracture Mechanics and Adhesion)
• Bushe, William Kendal (Numerical modelling and mechanical characterisation; Automotive combustion and fuel engineering (including alternative and renewable fuels); Hypersonic propulsion and hypersonic aerodynamics; Aerospace engineering, n.e.c.; Numerical Simulation of Turbulent Combustion; Reacting Flows; Energy Conversion Systems; clean energy)
• Chiao, Mu (MEMS, Micro Sensors, Micro Actuators, BioMEMS, Nanotechnology, Bioengineering, Electronic Packaging, Nanoscience, Energy sources for micro-electro-mechanical systems)
• Clare, Adam (Manufacturing technologies and approaches for a sustainable future; Additive manufacturing (materials, processes, design and application); Electrical discharge machining, electrolyte jet machining, electron beam and laser processes; Stochastics in engineering design and manufacture; Machine design and build; Manufacturing for high value and high integrity applications (aerospace, biomedical, tool & nuclear))
• de Silva, Clarence Wilfred (Robotics)
• Elfring, Gwynn (Theoretical Fluid Mechanics, Complex Fluids, Cell Biomechanics, Capillary Phenomena, Applied Mathematics )
• Feng, Steve (Mechanical engineering; Modelization and Simulation; Software (Tools); Machining and Assembling; Milling; Prototyping; 3D Laser Scanning; 3D Printing; Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM); Geometric Modeling; Machining Simulation; Multi-Axis CNC Machining)
• Frigaard, Ian (Fluid mechanics (visco-plastic fluids))
• Giang, Amanda (Atmospheric sciences; Mechanical engineering; Natural environment sciences; Atmospheric Pollutants; Chemical Pollutants; Climate Changes and Impacts; Public Policies; Social and Cultural Factors of Environmental Protection)
• Grecov, Dana (Rheology, Rheometry, Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics, Computational Fluid Mechanics, Liquid Crystals, Biolubricants, Lubricants, Journal Bearings, Multi-Phase Flow, Synovial Joints, Synovial Fluid, Arthrithis, Liquid crystals and nanomaterials, Biofluid Mechanics)
• Green, Sheldon (Fluid Mechanics; Biological and Biochemical Mechanisms; building ventilation; railroads; papermaking)
• Hodgson, Antony (Image guided surgery systems; computer assisted orthopaedic surgery; Medical Imaging; surgical navigation; orthopaedics; biomechanics; surgical robots; Image Processing; Machine Learning)
• Jaiman, Rajeev (Mechanical engineering; Bluff-body flows and flow-induced vibration; Computational methods and numerical analysis; Data-driven computing; Flow control and drag reduction; Fluid-structure interaction; Model order reduction; Multiphase Flows)
• Jelovica, Jasmin (Civil engineering; Mechanical engineering; Finite element analysis; Metals and Alloys; Production and Process Optimization; Sandwich structures; Solid Mechanics; Stress Analysis; Structural optimization; Ultimate, fatigue and impact strength; Welding and joining of metals)
• Jin, Xiaoliang (Mechanical engineering; Manufacturing Processes; Solid Mechanics; Machining Mechanics and Dynamics; Manufacturing Processes for Advanced Materials; Material Characterization; Surface Integrity; Vibration Assisted Machining)
• Kirchen, Patrick (Thermochemical Energy Conversion, Combustion, Internal Combustion Engines, Ion Transport Membranes, Emissions, Fuel Injection )
• Liao-McPherson, Dominic (Mechanical engineering; Predictive and Constrained Control; Multi-agent Systems; algorithmic game theory; Real-time, Embedded, and Distributed Optimization; Energy Systems, Manufacturing, and Robotics)
• Ma, Hongshen (Microfluidics; Instrumentation; Cell Sorting; Cell Biomechanics; Circulating Tumor Cells; Malaria and Red Blood Cell Deformability; Single Cell Technologies; Cell Migration and Chemotaxis)
• Mérida, Walter (Clean energy, Electrochemical energy conversion, Thermodynamics, Low carbon fuels, Fuel cells and hydrogen)
• Nagamune, Ryozo (Systems control and automation; Manufacturing engineering; control engineering; data-driven modeling and control; robust and linear parameter-varying control; modeling and control of floating offshore wind turbines and wind farms; modeling and control of metal additive manufacturing processes; modeling and control of solar themal systems; modeling and control of automotive engines; optimization)
• Ollivier-Gooch, Carl (Aerodynamics (except hypersonic aerodynamics); Computational fluid mechanics; Algorithm Development for Computational Fluid Dynamics; Applied Aerodynamics; Numerical analysis; Unstructured Mesh Generation; Error and Stability Analysis for Unstructured Mesh Methods; Computer Sciences and Mathematical Tools; Fluid mechanics)
• Olson, James (Application of Physics and Fluid Mechanics to Problems Associated with the Pulp and Paper Industry, Mechanical Energy Reduction in Mechanical Pulping)
• Oxland, Thomas (Spinal Cord Injury, Aging Spine, Orthopaedic Implants)
• Phani, Srikantha (Dynamics of multiscale materials, structures and devices, Applied Mechanics, Micromechanics)

Doctoral Citations

Sample thesis submissions.

• Adaptive and predictive time domain passivity control for haptic interfaces
• Image-based methods to characterize morphological, biomechanical and poroelastic parameters of blood cells and skin tissue
• Computational study of nonlinear thermoelastic behavior in axisymmetric plates under rapid cooling
• Model-based spindle health monitoring
• Virtual blade machining
• Stability analysis and improvement in computational fluid dynamics
• Bubbles in a viscoplastic liquid
• Constant pressure invasion of viscoplastic suspensions in thin conduits
• Displacement and dispersion effects in vertical eccentric annulus flows
• A unified Eulerian variational framework for multiphase fluid-structure interaction
• Low-cost air quality sensors : from nuts & bolts to real world applications
• Particle-resolved simulation and data-driven modelling of flows laden with polydisperse spheres
• Growth, buckling, and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms
• Well leakage in Western Canada in the context of decommissioning
• Analytical modeling of shear localization in machining processes and its effects on the tool-chip interface

Related Programs

Same specialization.

• Master of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering (MASc)
• Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (MEng)

Same Academic Unit

• Master of Engineering in Mechatronics Design (MEng)
• Master of Engineering in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (MEng)
• Master of Engineering Leadership in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (MEL)

At the UBC Okanagan Campus

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Engineering

Further Information

Specialization.

Fields of research in Mechanical Engineering include: acoustics; aerodynamics and fluid mechanics; automatic controls; robotics and industrial automation; energy conversion, combustion, thermodynamics and heat transfer; vibrations and space dynamics; solid mechanics; bioengineering and biomechanics; design and manufacturing processes; industrial engineering, fuel cells, micro-electromechanical systems, mechatronics, and CAD; and naval architecture.

UBC Calendar

Program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, social media channels, 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 .

Arash Mousemi

The field of my interest is not studied in many labs around the world, and UBC is one of the few universities that offered conducting research on what I really like. Also, my supervisor is kind and supportive.

Musanna Galib

UBC has a strong applied science community, and I am excited to become a part of that. I was offered a 4-year fellowship and got the opportunity in the field I am interested in, which helped me decide to study at UBC.

Mohammad Zandsalimy

UBC is a world-class university providing numerous opportunities for one’s growth. Utilizing these offerings can help me in my ultimate quest in life. Furthermore, collaborating with one of the best-known CFD scientists in the field, Prof. Carl Ollivier-Gooch, brings my dreams into a more realistic...

Rivkah Gardner-Frolick

I chose to attend UBC for a PhD because of the proposed research project, my supervisors, and the availability of a broader community studying air quality and the social aspects of environmental issues. Both of my supervisors are appointed in the Institute for Resources, Environment and...

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Find out how Vancouver enhances your graduate student experience—from the beautiful mountains and city landscapes, to the arts and culture scene, we have it all. Study-life balance at its best!

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• Enriching the Student Experience

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• Public Scholars Initiative
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The majority of graduate programs are NOT impacted by recent government announcements about tuition increases. PhD students from the rest of Canada will continue to pay Quebec fees. International PhD fees will see the same 3% increase as Quebec fees.

Chemistry (PhD)

Program description.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemistry offered by the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science is a research-intensive program that emphasizes analytical and rigorous learning opportunities. The program's objective is to equip students with skills in literature search, cutting-edge thinking, and research dissemination to pursue professional opportunities in academia or industry.

Keywords: analytical/environmental, chemical biology, chemical physics, green/sustainable, materials, synthesis/catalysis .

Unique Program Features

• Applicants with a Bachelor's degree may apply directly to the Ph.D. program (an M.Sc. degree is not an admissions requirement);
• Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art research environment with well-equipped teaching and research laboratories;
• Faculty members conduct research in various areas such as Materials, Chemical Synthesis, Bio-organic Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry and Nanochemistry in addition to the disciplinary areas of Analytical, Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry;
• Many important contributions to the field of Chemistry come from the Department including Soddy's research on the transmutation of the elements, Belleau's discovery of the antiviral 3TC, and Ogilvie's co-development of the first 'gene machine'.

University-Level Admission Requirements

• An eligible Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA out of a possible 4.0 GPA
• English-language proficiency

Each program has specific admission requirements including required application documents. Please visit the program website for more details.

Visit our Educational credentials and grade equivalencies and English language proficiency webpages for additional information.

Program Website

PhD in Chemistry website

Department Contact

Graduate Program graduate.chemistry [at] mcgill.ca (subject: PhD%20in%20Chemistry) (email)

Available Intakes

Application deadlines.

Note : Application deadlines are subject to change without notice. Please check the application portal for the most up-to-date information.

Application Resources

• Application Steps webpage
• Submit Your Application webpage
• Connecting with a supervisor webpage
• Graduate Funding webpage

Application Workshops

Consult our full list of our virtual application-focused workshops on the Events webpage .

Department and University Information

Graduate and postdoctoral studies.

Doctor of Education in Distance Education

At a glance.

• Credential: doctorate degree
• Credits: 18
• Next start: see program details

Athabasca University’s online Doctor of Education in Distance Education is a professional doctoral degree for distance education practitioners and those with related career experience.

Be a part of the AU student community

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Sign up to receive more information from AU and start your education with us.

About Doctor of Education in Distance Education

At Athabasca University, we're proud to offer North America's first online Doctor of Education in Distance Education (EdD). Designed for professionals in distance education, adult education, and related fields, this 18-credit doctoral program provides you with the advanced skills and research opportunities you need to excel in leadership roles. The program is accessible and flexible for working professionals, with one intake per year and an online grouped study format that includes a 1-week, on-site orientation.

Admission requirements

Normally, admission requirements include a master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum grade point average (GPA). See full Doctor of Education in Distance Education admission requirements

Program details

Tuition and fees, career options.

The EdD provides rigorous preparation for advanced responsibilities and leadership in the distance-learning field, including:

• implementing
• researching

Research is an important focus, as you will be expected to make an original and significant contribution to their profession as part of your doctoral program. Research opportunities include:

• examination of practice
• theory-building
• basic research

More conceptual or theoretical interests may also be accommodated.

Why take the Doctor of Education in Distance Education?

AU is a global leader in distance education teaching, scholarship, and program innovation. You will be learning from leaders in the field.

As a professional doctoral degree, the EdD program provides a relevant and accessible learning context designed for the working professional. This program may be of interest to:

• distance education
• adult education
• continuing education
• policy development and implementation
• academics, teachers, and instructors who wish to specialize in aspects of distance education research and scholarship
• instructional design specialists
• senior-level managers and program planners

The Doctor of Education in Distance Education is an 18-credit online doctoral program. You must normally complete the entire program through Athabasca University. (Inquire if you have questions.)

Application deadlines and start dates

There is only 1 EdD intake each year. The application deadline is in January, and classes start in May. An orientation in Edmonton or Athabasca for 1 week is a program requirement. All courses are online grouped study, with defined start and end dates. As noted above, the program includes a 5-day on-site orientation.

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 4 years of study. You can take up to 5 years to complete all requirements.

Understanding how higher education fees and tuition are calculated is important to ensure you stay within your budget and make informed decisions.

Financial aid and awards

We're dedicated to supporting your academic goals and committed to helping you overcome financial barriers by providing many funding and award options.

The following fees are effective Jan. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2024. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). GST is added to all other goods and services, for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.

The EdD fees consist of a yearly program fee and individual course fees. The annual program fee is paid in three installments (see the example below). Individual course fees are due by the course registration deadline.

If a company or other organization is sponsoring your tuition, we will require a Letter of Guarantee.

* Students may take up to 5 years to complete their degree. After year 4 (12 installments of $1,810 already paid), there will be a continuation fee of $1,810 payable each 4-month term.

†Should Candidacy and/or EDDE 806 not be completed in year 3, they may be completed in year 4. Students work towards completing their dissertation in year 4. Please note that students must pay a minimum of 12 program installments even if they complete the program in less than 4 years

Fee information effective Jan. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2024.

At Athabasca University, our Doctor of Education in Distance Education (EdD) program is thoughtfully structured to facilitate collaborative learning and professional growth. The program is cohort-based, admitting around 12 students each year who will generally progress through the program together, offering you a chance to network and learn within a diverse community of skilled professionals. Your journey kicks off with a mandatory 5-day orientation, combining instruction, program planning, and community-building activities. The coursework is paced and sequential, featuring 6 core online courses along with important milestones like the proposal defence and dissertation, ensuring you meet the highest standards of proficiency in scholarship, research, and teaching.

To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Doctor of Education in Distance Education.

Our program regulations can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you’ll take them in. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.

Program regulations

Courses to explore

Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning , as some of these courses may not apply to you.

Focus areas

With a Doctor of Education in Distance Education from Athabasca University, you'll be well-equipped for high-level roles in distance and adult education, including academic research, policy development, and program planning. Whether you're eyeing positions as a senior educational administrator, instructional design specialist, or a consultant in educational technologies, this credential will give you the expertise to lead and innovate in your field.

Depending on your experience and goals, some careers may include:

• chief learning officer
• academic researcher
• director of distance education
• academic dean of online programs
• education policy advisor
• senior instructional designer
• research director in educational technology
• educational consultant
• program director for adult education
• university provost
• educational technology strategist

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.

Program resources

• Visit program website
• Apply online
• View Calendar

Additional resources

• The AU Advantage
• View program listings

Program contact

• Toll free: 1-800-788-9041 ext.6179
• Email program

Take your first step to online learning

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Ph.D scholarships in Canada for International students 2024-2025

Find Ph.D scholarships for international students to study in Canada 2024-2025.

Arthritis Society Canada Training Graduate PhD Salary Award (TGP) 2024

Salary awards are offered to graduate students who are undertaking full-time research training in an area of clear relevance to arthritis and Arthritis Society Canada's Strategic Plan 2020-2025: Accelerating Impact - Research Strategy which aims to identify research avenues that f

Published: 18 Mar 2024 Type: PhD Study in: Canada Value: $105,000 Deadline: 16 Apr 2024

University of British Columbia Gustave O. Arlt Scholarship Award in Humanities 2024

This award is named in the honor of Gustave O. Arlt (1895-1986) who was the first president of the Council of Graduate Schools, former faculty member and Dean of the Graduate School at UCLA, and a scholar of German language and literature. Since 1972, this award is made annually to recognize a young

Published: 15 Mar 2024 Type: PhD Study in: Canada Deadline: 12 Apr 2024

Canadian Government NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships for PGS-Doctoral Students 2024

The Canada Graduate Scholarships — Doctoral (CGS D) program is a federal program of scholarships administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (S

Published: 27 Feb 2024 Type: PhD Study in: Canada Value: $105,000 Deadline: 17 Oct 2024

Canadian Government Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships 2024

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships was named after Major-General Georges P. Vanier, the first francophone Governor General of Canada, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program helps Canadian institutions attract highly qualified doctoral students. The Government of C

Published: 30 Oct 2023 Type: PhD Study in: Canada Deadline: 01 Nov 2023

USask Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) for Canadian citizens, Permanent residents of Canada and Foreign citizens 2024

The Government of Canada launched the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program in 2008 to strengthen Canada's ability to attract and retain world-class doctoral students and establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. Vanier Scholars demonst

Published: 26 Oct 2023 Type: PhD Study in: Canada Deadline: 01 Nov 2023

University of Saskatchewan Dean's Doctoral Scholarship for International Students Winter term 2023-2024

University of Saskatchewan Dean's Doctoral Scholarship for International Students awards are open to both domestic and international students who have outstanding academic records, show research promise and are entering or continuing their doctoral studies at USask. Domestic stude

Published: 26 Oct 2023 Type: PhD Study in: Canada Deadline: Not Specified

University Of Alberta 2023 Doctoral Recruitment Scholarships (Canada)

The FGSR Recruitment Scholarships attract the best and brightest students to the University of Alberta. The purpose of this scholarship is to recruit superior students at the doctoral level who have the potential to contribute to the University of Alberta’s community and research.

Published: 06 Jul 2023 Type: PhD Study in: Canada Deadline: 11 Jul 2023

University Of Montreal 2023-2024 Exemption Scholarship Program for International Students, Canada

To support talents from all around the world, The UdeM exemption scholarship program is designed to support international candidates in their university studies. Starting in the fall of 2020, they could benefit from an exemption from the tuition fees normally charged to international students. 

Published: 06 Jul 2023 Type: PhD Study in: Canada Deadline: 01 Feb 2024

UBC 2023 Killam Doctoral Scholarships (Canada)

The Killam Scholarship and Prize Programmes were established in memory of Izaak Walton Killam through the Will of his wife, Dorothy J. Killam, and through gifts made during her lifetime. Their primary purpose is to support advanced education and research at five Canadian universities and the Canada

Published: 30 Jun 2023 Type: PhD Study in: Canada Deadline: 01 Sep 2023

Canadian Government 2023 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Canada

Published: 27 Jun 2023 Type: PhD Study in: Canada Deadline: 01 Nov 2023

Universities Canada 2023 Weston Family Awards in Northern Research

Since 2007, the Weston Family Awards in Northern Research have provided unparalleled support to early-career scientists in Canada pursuing research in Canada’s North. Funded by the Weston Family Foundation, these annual awards are some of the most prestigious in the country for students pursui

Published: 15 Dec 2022 Type: PhD Study in: Canada Deadline: 24 Jan 2023

University of Waterloo 2023=2024 Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)/Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST)

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) programs encourage excellence in graduate studies at publicly-assisted universities in Ontario. Both programs are jointly funded by the Ontario government

Published: 15 Apr 2024 Type: PhD Study in: Canada Deadline: 30 Sep 2022

UBC 2022 Killam Doctoral Scholarship for International Students

Killam Doctoral Scholarships are the most prestigious awards available to graduate students at UBC. The Killam Scholarship and Prize Programmes were established in memory of Izaak Walton Killam through the Will of his wife, Dorothy Johnston Killam, and through gifts made during her lifetime. Th

Published: 22 Aug 2022 Type: PhD Study in: Canada Deadline: 13 Sep 2022

University of British Columbia Canada 2022 Killam Doctoral Scholarship

Published: 15 Jul 2022 Type: PhD Study in: Canada Deadline: 01 Sep 2022

University of Laval, Canada for PhD 2022 Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students

The Ministry of Higher Education (MES) offers these scholarships in order to support the internationalization of research activities in higher education institutions in Quebec, to attract the best foreign students and, finally, to promote the influence of Quebec universities. . For the french ver

Published: 15 Jun 2022 Type: PhD Study in: Canada Deadline: 21 Jun 2022

Fully Funded University of Western Ontario 2022Trillium Scholarship

The Ontario Trillium Scholarships (OTS) program is an important initiative to attract top international students to Ontario for PhD studies. Students interested in the Ontario Trillium Scholarships are encouraged to express their interest in the competition to the graduate program chair wh

Published: 06 Jan 2022 Type: PhD Study in: Canada Deadline: Not Specified

University of British Columbia Canada 2021 President's Academic Excellence Initiative PhD Award

President's Academic Excellence Initiative PhD Award 2021 is offered for PhD degree in the field of Courses offered by the university. The deadline for the sending your application is Always Open. This scholarship is provided by University of British Columbia and the value of this scholarship is

Published: 23 Sep 2021 Type: PhD Study in: Canada Deadline: Not Specified

University of Toronto Canada 2021 Connaught International Scholarship

Connaught International Scholarship 2021 is offered for PhD degree in the field of Courses offered by the university. The deadline for the sending your application is Deadline varies. This scholarship is provided by University of Toronto and the value of this scholarship is Partial Funding, $10,000

Published: 09 Sep 2021 Type: PhD Study in: Canada Deadline: Not Specified

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8 Free Online PhD Programs in Canada (Plus Free Scholarships)

Deciding to further your education down to a Ph.D. level doesn’t come cheap, in fact, it takes some level of determination to do it because you won’t only consider the time, but also the cost. Most likely, you now have a family, and a job or business you do, so the responsibilities are very high now.

That’s why most Universities in Canada decided to make some of their programs to also be available online, thereby allowing students to participate in their research work from anywhere in the world and also have time for other responsibilities.

The best part is that some free online PhD programs in Canada help eligible students fund their expenses through scholarships, bursaries, grants, and other financial aid. The United Kingdom also provides the same kind of programs and you can even enroll in them from anywhere including Canada.

Before we list these free distance learning PhD programs in Canada, let’s first briefly explain the importance of online PhD in Canada, and later list some requirements you need to study these programs.

Reasons to Study Online Ph.D. in Canada

More affordable.

First of all, the tuition of a distance learning Ph.D. program is more affordable than an on-campus degree. Then the cost of living also adds up especially if you’re an international student.

More Flexible

You also get to perform your research at the appropriate time for you, which also helps you to have time for your other activities like job and family.

Maintain Job

If you’re already working, an online Ph.D. will help you to remain on your job, unlike an on-campus Ph.D. that might require you to change your city or if possible country.

This is not to say that a campus-based Ph.D. doesn’t come with its own perks.

Requirements to Study Online Ph.D. Programs

Here are some basic admission requirements you need to enroll in these free virtual Ph.D. programs in Canada;

• You need to have gotten your master’s degree from an accredited university (it doesn’t matter the country you got it).
• Submission of post-secondary transcripts and graduation certificates (if necessary) of all previous undergraduate and graduate work.
• Letters of reference
• Proof of English Language Proficiency depending on the country you completed your post-secondary education
• Statement of academic intent
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• A substantive writing sample

Free Online PhD Programs in Canada

It is worth noting that it’s very competitive to get any of these programs that provide free courses through scholarships. It’s good to have very good grades, especially above the minimum required grades to have a higher chance.

1. CAREY – Doctor of Ministry

For more than 60 years, Carey Theological College has been training thousands of leaders in Canada and around the world who serve as pastors, missionaries, and lay leaders in local churches today. Their Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) program is an advanced degree for experienced pastoral leaders who have completed a Master of Divinity or equivalent and will be completed within 3 years.

This is one of the free online Ph.D. programs in Canada that provide fully funded scholarships through the Carey Theological College President’s Scholarship. And because the D.Min is totally online, it means you can be eligible for this scholarship regardless of location.

To spice it up, they still have other scholarships that will benefit those that won’t get the Carey Theological College President’s Scholarship, they include;

• Church Group Discount
• President’s Bursary: also another scholarship that fully covers your tuition
• Carey Student Scholarship
• Carey Student Bursary

And many others.

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2. Athabasca University – Doctor of Education

This Doctor of Education program might interest you if you’re a mid-career professional involved in

• Distance Education
• Adult Education
• Continuing Education
• Policy Development and Implementation

It will take a minimum of 4 years, and a maximum of 5 to complete the program. Just like CAREY – Doctor of Ministry, this program provides free education through scholarships like:

• AU Doctoral Level Student Bursaries 
• AU Award for Graduate Studies 
• AU Graduate Level Student Bursaries 
• Dan Coldeway Memorial Award 

3. AU – Doctor of Business Administration

The Doctor of Business Administration at Athabasca University is for experienced managers and senior leaders who hold an MBA (or an equivalent master’s degree) and want to combine their skills with practical research. You can complete the program in a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 7 years.

This is among the free online PhD programs in Canada that also use scholarships to help their students reduce financial expenses. Besides the scholarships listed in the Doctor of Education above, AU also accepts some external scholarships like:

• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: worth $70,000 per year for 2 years
• Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral program: worth $35,000 per year for 26 months
• Globalink Research Award: The amount varies
• SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships: worth $20,000 per year for up to 4 years.
• SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowships: worth $40,500 per year for up to 2 years.

4. Doctoral Program in Canadian Studies at Trent University

This Ph.D. program offers five fields of study, which are:

• Culture, Heritage, and the Arts;
• Environment and Place
• Policy, Economy, and the State;
• Identities and Social Movements; and
• Feminist, Gender & Women’s Studies

The program can be completed within 4 years.

They claim to be #1 in Ontario for Scholarships and Bursaries for more than 20 years, and it’s not far from the truth because they have numerous scholarships that can help you further your Ph.D. for free.

5. Ontario Tech University – Online Doctor of Education

This Ph.D. program is focused on working professionals in K-12, universities, colleges, and public and private sector organizations. Their research theme is “Education in the Digital Age,” which should give you a glimpse of what to expect.

Just like other free online PhD programs in Canada, we’ve listed, this program also awards scholarships one of my favourites is the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. It awards $70,000 per year in funds.

6. Royal Road University – Doctor of Social Sciences

Actually, this is not 100% online, but rather a hybrid program that combines both online and on-campus research. Your courses will include;

• Dissertation
• Social Change and Interdisciplinarity in Global Context
• Social Science Theory and the Globalized World

And others.

Though their tuition costs CAD 89,464 for both domestic and international students, they have several scholarships and grants to reduce or if possible waive this fee.

7. University of Waterloo – Graduate Diploma in Planning (GDip)

One of the interesting things about this program is that the University of Waterloo understands you’re busy, so they created the online program to fit your busy schedule. They provide several funding opportunities, where you can get minimum funding of $25,962 if you’re in good academic standing.

International students are eligible for the International Doctoral Student Award (IDSA). 

8. University of Manitoba – Education (PhD)

This Ph.D. program will help you gain an in-depth understanding of theories within the field of education, and the program can be completed within a minimum of 3 years. There are several faculty-specific and university-wide funding opportunities available to Faculty of Education graduate students to support academic and research goals, Some of them include;

• Delta Kappa Gamma Manitoba Mary E. Lamont Fellowship
• Faculty of Education Truth and Reconciliation Fellowship
• NEW Indigenous Master’s Scholarship in Education
• NEW Indigenous Doctoral Scholarship in Education

You can see that these free online PhD programs in Canada use scholarships – whether fully funded or partially funded – to help you reduce or totally offset the cost of a Ph.D.

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