PhD in Canada for International Students

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PhD in Canada is an excellent opportunity for any student. It allows them to get high-tech education and placement facilities at Canadian universities. Other than this, they also get countless opportunities to do research work and work with some of the top companies in the world. Canadian universities and colleges provide both professional and academic doctorate degrees. The average price to study for a PhD in Canada is around 4,000 CAD per annum, which is lower than a PhD in the US or UK. Students also get a chance to stay back and work in Canada for three years after graduation on a PGWP. This blog will help you find detailed information about the PhD program in Canada, like universities, eligibility, cost, scholarships, jobs & salary and much more. 

PhD In Canada: Course Highlights

Given below are all the necessary pointers that one must remember when looking forward to pursuing a PhD in Canada:

Course Duration

3-6 years

Universities offering PhD in Canada

98

Academic year

September to April

Fees

4,000 to 20,000 CAD per year

Work-study opportunity

10 hours a week

PGWP Duration

Minimum of 3 years

Scholarship funding up to

40,000 CAD per year

Why Study PhD in Canada?

Canada may be popular among students for its diversified society and hospitable government standards. Many other reasons make Canada the ideal place to pursue a PhD. Given below are some of the reasons:

  • World-class universities: Canada stands proud with 3-4 of its universities in the top 150 list worldwide. This, along with cutting-edge facilities and knowledgeable educators, makes students want to choose Canada to pursue a PhD.
  • Post Study Work Opportunities: Students with a PGWP can stay and work in Canada for up to three years after graduation.
  • Affordable tuition fees: The average cost to pursue PhD in Canada is around 12,000 CAD. This is way less compared to PhD in the USA or UK.
  • Scholarships: Canadian universities provide several scholarships that offer 15,000 to 40,000 CAD. This is very beneficial for students and helps them avoid financial constraints.

Popular PhD Courses in Canada for International Students

PhD is quite popular among students pursuing in Canada. Given below is a list of all the popular PhD courses that international students pursue in Canada:

Stream

Number of PhDs

Popular Universities

Natural Sciences & Mathematics

58

University of Toronto, McMaster, McGill, University of Alberta, University of Calgary

Social Sciences

51

The University of Toronto, University of Alberta, University of Montreal, McMaster 

Humanities

28

University of Toronto, McMaster, McGill

Medicine & Health

34

University of Toronto, UBC, McGill, University of Ottawa, University of Alberta, University of Calgary

Business & Management

23

UBC, McGill, University of Alberta, University of Calgary

Engineering & Technology

18

University of Toronto, UBC, McGill, University of Ottawa

Computer Science & IT

13

University of Toronto, McMaster, McGill

Agriculture & Forestry

14

The University of Toronto, University of Alberta, University of Montreal

Applied Sciences

5

UBC, University of Toronto, McGill, University of Ottawa

Environment and Earth Sciences

14

The University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo 

What are the Intakes for PhD in Canada?

Canadian universities and colleges accept applications to international students through three intakes. Thus all students must target the correct semester according to their field and university.

The three main intakes are:

  • Fall (January to April) – This intake is popular among international students since it provides many courses and degrees.
  • Winter (September to December) – This intake is preferred by those who missed the winter intake.
  • Summer (May to August) – This intake is quite unpopular among students since it offers limited courses and programs. It usually begins in April or May.

Top Universities for PhD in Canada

Canada features some of the best institutions globally, with three universities ranked in the top 50 of the QS world rankings. This, along with world-class education and post-graduate work facilities, makes Canada ideal for students.

The following is a list of all the top colleges, together with their QS rankings and tuition costs:

QS Ranking 2022

University

Tuition Fees (CAD/year)

#18

University of Toronto

4,500 to 8,900

#37

University of British Columbia

8,700

#44

McGill University

19,000

#80

McMaster University

16,000

#88

University of Montreal

7,500

#125

University of Alberta

9,200

#162

University of Ottawa

6,900

#201-250

University of Calgary

12,600

#201-250

University of Waterloo

13,400

#201-250

Western University

11,180

#201-250

Simon Fraser University

5,955

#251-300

Dalhousie University

11,995

#251-300

Laval University

27,790

#251-300

Queen’s University

12,927

#301-350

University of Manitoba

9,500

Eligibility Criteria to Study PhD in Canada

Every college or university, be it in Canada or anywhere else, has eligibility criteria. Students must go through these thoroughly before enrolling in a college or university.

Below are some standard criteria that students need to fulfil to enrol in college.

  • Bachelors a bachelor's postgraduate with good academic standing
  • Strong GRE or GMAT score (if applicable)
  • Acceptable English proficiency score:
  • IELTS: 6.5 (band score should not be less than 6.0)
  • TOEFL: 100 (iBT) with 22 in writing, 600 (iBT) with 5.0 TWE

Admission Requirements to Study PhD in Canada

To get enrolled in any Canadian college or university, one must go through its admission requirements and make sure they fulfil them.

Given below are some admission requirements that one must fulfil:

Documents Required to Study PhD in Canada

Students need to provide several documents while enrolling and after enrolling in a college. Thus, they must keep them ready to provide them when required quickly.

Following are the required documents that one must keep ready in advance:

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

How to Apply for a PhD Program in Canada

The application process for the PhD program may get lengthy and confusing. Thus, given is a step-by-step process for aspirants that wish to pursue PhD in Canada:

  • Visit the official website of the college or university you want to enrol in.
  • Check the course details and eligibility criteria or admission requirements
  • check out the application form of their respective university
  • students need to create an account by using a mobile number or email address
  • Students must remember the login details to enter personal details
  • Fill out the application form
  • Fill out the academic qualifications and upload the necessary documents
  • Select your preferred course and pay the application fees
  • The fees can be paid through debit/credit card or internet banking
  • Please submit the application form and keep tracking it from time to time
  • Selected students will have to attend a virtual interview by the university.

Cost of studying for PhD in Canada for International Students

For students' convenience, the following is a list of all the top colleges, along with their tuition fees:

University

Fees (CAD/year)

University of Toronto

4,500 to 8,900

University of British Columbia

8,700

McGill University

19,000

McMaster University

16,000

University of Montreal

7,500

University of Alberta

9,200

University of Ottawa

6,900

University of Calgary

12,600

University of Waterloo

13,400

Western University

11,180

Simon Fraser University

5,955

Dalhousie University

11,995

Laval University

27,790

Queen’s University

12,927

University of Manitoba

9,500

PhD Scholarships in Canada

Study opportunities in Canada are ideal for all students but may get expensive and cause financial constraints. To get rid of this, many Canadian colleges and universities have created scholarship programs that provide up to 100% tuition fees and stipends.

Given below is a list of some of the scholarships that students can apply for:

Scholarships

Amount (CAD)

Eligibility Criteria

Ontario Trillium Scholarship

40,000 a year (renewable)

Apply for PhD at partner universities
Academically meritorious

Ontario Graduate Scholarship

15,000

Apply for PhD programs at universities in Ontario 

Robert Hartog Graduate Scholarship

5,000 (renewable)

PhD at the University of Waterloo

UAlberta Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship

45,000 (for two years)

Enroll in a research program at the University of Alberta

University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship

18,000 per year

The PhD course at the University of Manitoba

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

50,000 per year

PhD in the field of social science, engineering, humanities, health or natural sciences

UBC four-year Doctoral Scholarship

18,200 per year
(stipend)

Doctoral students at UBC

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship

40,000

Research programs in social science or humanities

Ontario Graduate Fellowship

12,000 (renewable)

Research with partner universities

Hira and Renu Ahuja International Graduate Scholarship

20,000

Research in engineering fields at the University of Waterloo

Jobs & Salary After PhD in Canada

The most important thing to consider when opting to pursue PhD in Canada is the return on Investment. In this case, the return on Investment is the job and salary that one will get after completing their PhD course. The starting salary that a graduate can expect is 95,000 CAD; this can also go up to 150,000 CAD.

Given below are all the job roles and salaries that a graduate can expect:

Job Roles

Salary (CAD)

Research Scientist

69,000 CAD

Postdoctoral Research Associate

53,000 CAD

Research Engineer

63,000 CAD

Principal Scientist

99,000 CAD

R&D Director

135,000 CAD

Physicist

79,000 CAD

Medical Science Liaison

98,000 CAD

Canadian Student Visa to Study for PhD in Canada

Getting a student visa is an important step when enrolling in a foreign university. Students must keep in mind that getting a visa can take weeks, and thus they need to apply in advance. So, they must apply as soon as they receive their acceptance letters.

Some essential documents that they must keep ready while applying for a student visa are:

  • Health insurance and medical certificate
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Acceptance letter from a DLI
  • Language proficiency scores - IELTS/TOEFL
  • The intent of leaving back to home country

Post Study Work Permit After PhD in Canada

The most important advantage of studying in Canada is that students graduating from Canadian designated learning institutes are applicable to obtain a PGWP. According to this permit, students can stay back for up to 3 years in Canada and work there.

This is an excellent opportunity as students get a chance to gain valuable experience in Canada after completing their graduation. This helps them increase their skills and experience. These skills and experiences add PR points to their application and help them obtain permanent residency in Canada.

Studying abroad could be a long and tedious process however at AECC with expert counsellors. The Counsellors will guide you through every step and help you attain your dreams at ease. They will assist with visas, courses, universities, and more.


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