Completing a Ph.D. in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide for Ph.D. Applicants

Author : Amir Taheri

Why choose Canada for your Ph.D. degree?

There has been a considerable rise in the number of oversea students interested in attending educational institutions in Canada. Canada is not just one of the safest countries in the world, but it also offers a wealth of cultural diversity that entices international students from all over the world. Pursuing a graduate degree in Canada means receiving a top-notch educational experience at renowned institutions and is a fantastic option for your master's or Ph.D. studies due to its international reputation for excellence in research and education. A Ph.D. degree in Canada will give you access to a wide range of opportunities by enabling you to work with leading experts and gain in-demand skills and experiences from the cutting-edge, high-tech infrastructure provided by Canadian universities.

This blog post will cover everything you'll need to know about pursuing a Ph.D. degree in Canada, including information about the application process, admission requirements, costs, and funding opportunities in Canadian universities. We hope that this information helps you gain a better understanding of your options when it comes time to decide on the country you would like to study in.

Ph.D. structure in Canada

Passing courses and assessments are often the first steps in a US Ph.D. program. A Canadian doctorate, however, is more focused on research. Courses frequently focus on crucial skills such as research procedures and methodological concepts. You could also have further training in disciplines such as instructing, presenting, or writing. Internships and professional placements are also organized by some Ph.D. programs.

In the first year of a Ph.D. program, students typically complete these courses before concentrating on their doctoral thesis. In some circumstances, students may be required to pass a comprehensive test at the end of their first year, which will test their general knowledge of their subject of interest before they move on to more specialized research. Afterward, with the help of at least one academic supervisor, who is an expert in the subject area, the student will work to complete their Ph.D. program. The completion of a doctoral thesis will be the primary requirement for your degree, and it must result in publishing original research and contributing to broadening science. 

When should I start applying to a Ph.D. program and when are the deadlines?

Applications must be submitted by the deadlines, which are often at least one school year before the intended start date (e.g. apply in December to start the following September). In addition, it's critical to allocate ample time for planning, gathering the necessary documents, and ensuring that you fulfill all the admission requirements so that you can submit a complete application on time. Canadian Ph.D. programs may have three intakes annually; however, students are mostly admitted in the fall intake, whose deadlines usually range from December to February.

How to apply to a Ph.D. program in Canada?

Every Canadian institution has a unique application and enrollment process for prospective students, and such information can be found on each school’s website. Once you've decided on an institution, you may fill out its application form(s) and upload your documents there.

• Find a supervisor

It is noteworthy to mention that prospective Ph.D. candidates should research potential dissertation advisors and familiarize themselves with notable research fields of their preferred schools before applying. This enables students to make informed decisions and understand the kind of research study they would likely be required to conduct. Thorough research into different schools and faculty members will aid applicants in finding prospective supervisors who will support them during their studies. In this step, professors usually arrange an interview with applicants before their final decision.

If you're exploring this topic, also check out: How to Email Professors: Following Up Professionally with Professors

• Application materials

Here are some basic requirements you’ll need for every application and must upload onto universities’ application portals:

• A scanned copy of your diploma (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree)
• A transcript/record of your previous courses
• Your CV
• Statement of Purpose/Letter of Intent
• Testing scores (required tests may vary based on program)
• Letters of recommendation (usually 2 to 3)
• Portfolio and/or writing samples
• Application fee

You might find this helpful too: Graduate School Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Afterward submitting the required documents, applicants generally have to pay an application fee for each graduate school application they submit. The application fee is the cost of processing and reviewing the applicant’s materials and is typically between $100 CAD and $150 CAD.

Cost of completing a Ph.D. program and funding opportunities in Canada

Contrary to popular belief, studying abroad in Canada is relatively economical, although universities often charge international students higher tuition fees compared to domestic students.  Ph.D. fees in Canada vary depending on the province you're studying in. However, the typical annual cost of a Canadian Ph.D. program is between $2,500 CAD and $17,000 CAD, while some might cost up to $25,000 CAD. While this is much higher than what domestic students spend, it is still lower than international students’ tuition fees in other countries like the UK and the US. The cost of your doctorate may change from year to year if it is part of a structured program. Furthermore, the cost of the courses/assessments portion of the program is often higher than the cost of the independent research portion of the program.

Canada provides a wide range of scholarships and funding opportunities for international students. Graduate assistantships, including research and teaching assistantships, as well as various scholarships are among the funding options available to Ph.D. students. Additionally, Ph.D. students are permitted to work outside of school in Canada; however, some programs have restrictions on the amount of time a student can work outside of the university (usually a maximum of 20 hours per week), especially if they are receiving Ph.D. funding. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are available to Canadian and international Ph.D. students, and you may learn more about these financial aids on the website administered by the Canadian government. You can also see our previous blog post “Funded vs. Non-funded Graduate Positions” and “How Much Is a Ph.D. Student Salary? A Guide for Ph.D. Students” to learn more about available funding options in Canada.

Length of Ph.D. programs in Canada

A minimum of four years of full-time study and research is required in most Ph.D. programs. However, a student can typically register for up to six years of study. To apply to a typical Canadian Ph.D. program, you will likely need a master’s degree. Some universities, however, offer doctoral stream master’s programs that begin with one or two years of MA or MSc coursework; these programs take longer to complete but are appropriate for students who only have an undergraduate degree.

For more detailed insights on applying to Ph.D. programs in other countries, check out our comprehensive guide for Ph.D. applicants in the United States, Australia, and other regions.

How can ApplyChance assist you?

ApplyChance offers Ph.D. assistance to applicants from all over the world. We offer the necessary direction and assistance to get through the arduous and time-consuming Ph.D. admissions process. We will assist you in obtaining a fully-funded Ph.D. position and will guide you through the entire application and immigration process. For more information, please contact us

Best of luck with your application!

ApplyChance Team