Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is the highest level of academic qualification that offers expert knowledge in a chosen field. A PhD degree is a prerequisite skill for job positions like a researcher, a university professor, and a scientist, to name a few.
Pursuing a PhD degree from a study abroad destination like Canada has its own merits, such as top-ranking institutions offering world-class research facilities and the best academic knowledge, exciting post-study work opportunities, and high employability rates. So, if you are planning to pursue a PhD in Canada, this guide is for you. Let’s find out the best PhD courses in Canada, top universities offering PhD degrees, PhD requirements in Canada for international students, and more.
Key Highlights
- PhD in Canada for Indian students: A brief overview
- Top PhD courses in Canada
- Best universities in Canada for PhD
- PhD requirements in Canada for international students
- Career avenues after completing PhD programs in Canada
- PhD in Canada cost
PhD in Canada for Indian students: A brief overview
In Canada, the duration of most PhD programs is at least three years, which includes research activities. It is mandatory to complete the degree under the supervision of one academic supervisor, and students need to submit a thesis at the end of the course. Other quick facts about the PhD studies in Canada are as follows:
Duration |
3-6 years |
Total PhD universities |
98 |
Admission intake |
Fall, winter and spring |
Work-study opportunities |
10 hours per week |
Top PhD courses in Canada
Students can pursue PhD courses in Canada in a variety of fields. Some of the most popular PhD programs are as follows:
- PhD in Management in Canada
- PhD Psychology, Canada
- Engineering & Technology
- Computer Science & Information Technology (IT)
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Arts & Humanities
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Applied Sciences
- Environment Science
Best universities in Canada for PhD
Listed below are some of the top universities for PhD programs in Canada, along with their Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023:
Sr. No. |
Name of the University |
QS Rankings 2023 |
THE Rankings 2023 |
1 |
McGill University |
1 |
3 |
2 |
University of Toronto |
2 |
1 |
3 |
University of British Columbia |
3 |
2 |
4 |
University of Alberta |
4 |
6 |
5 |
McMaster University |
6 |
4 |
6 |
University of Waterloo |
7 |
9 |
7 |
University of Ottawa |
9 |
7 |
8 |
University of Calgary |
10 |
8 |
9 |
Dalhousie University |
12 |
14 |
10 |
Laval University |
15 |
11 |
PhD requirements in Canada for International students
The foremost step is to download the application form from the website of your chosen university and fill it out completely and accurately. Submit the application form by attaching the following documents:
- A master’s degree with a good academic score and proven ability and potential for research from an accredited institute
- Academic transcripts (higher secondary certificate, bachelor’s degree and diploma certificate)
- English language test score of any one of the two tests: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
- Graduate Record Examinations or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) (GRE) scores
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
Apply for the Canadian study permit once you receive a letter of acceptance from the chosen university. Kindly remember that the PhD requirements may vary from one university to another. Therefore, understand the university-specific requirements carefully to study PhD in Canada.
Career avenues after completing PhD programs in Canada
Studying PhD in Canada for Indian students proves to be a great career decision. After completing the PhD degree, they can choose from multiple career options, such as teaching or research work with reputed companies. Some of the popular job profiles available for PhD graduates in Canada are as follows:
- Research Scientist
- Assistant Professor
- Data Scientist
- Research Engineer
- R&D Director
- Physicist
PhD in Canada cost
Based on the PhD program, university and specialisation, the cost of PhD programs in Canada varies. The average annual tuition fee for a PhD program is CAD 6000 to CAD 20000 (∼INR 3.5 to ~INR 12.5 lakhs) annually. The fees may differ from one university to another. Therefore check the university’s official website to get exact information.
So, if you are planning to study PhD in Canada and the overall education cost is exceeding your budget, you can opt for a student loan. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer an education loan for Canada and other destinations that covers the holistic cost of education, including tuition fees, accommodation fees, living expenses and other education-related expenses. Our hyper-personalised education loan includes benefits like 100% finance, flexible repayment options, quick sanctions, etc. So, get in touch with us to know more about an education loan for study abroad courses.
