You're in for an academic journey if you've decided to pursue a PhD and the maple leaf is calling your name. With its stunning scenery and welcoming, multicultural communities, Canada is more than simply a destination to study—it's a place where your research aspirations can come true. We're exploring the world of PhD scholarships in Canada in this blog, which is meant to serve as a resource for all of you intelligent people looking for the ideal chance to establish yourself in Canadian academia.
Why Study PhD in Canada?
Ever wondered why so many folks choose Canada for their Ph.D. journey? Well, let's spill the tea on that! Here are some cool reasons why students pick the Great White North for their study abroad:
1. Top-Notch Universities: Canada houses some of the coolest universities globally, and many of them rock the charts in the top 100.
2. Work Perks: Now, this is a game-changer! In Canada, PhD students not only get paid during their studies (score!), but they can also hustle up to 10 hours a week. And guess what? After you complete your PhD, you get a shot at staying for up to 3 more years with a post-graduation work permit. Talk about levelling up your game!
3. Budget-Friendly Vibes: Let's be real – PhD adventures in countries like the US or the UK can put a dent in your wallet. But fear not, pursuing a PhD won't break the bank in Canada. Tuition fees range from a sweet CAD 6,000 to 30,000, making it a pocket-friendly option compared to some other academic hotspots. Adding to that, students can find a plater of PhD scholarships in Canada for international and domestic students.
If you’re keen to know more about why you should pursue a PhD, here are some great advantages of getting a PhD in 2024!
PhD Funding in Canada
Canada, being the second-largest country globally, flaunts its impressive size, including a lake bigger than Denmark, Scotland, and Switzerland. Now, let's connect the dots to PhD scholarships in Canada. Canada's vastness, split into provinces and territories, brings nuances to funding. Student loans, mainly for citizens or residents, play a role. With 10 provinces shaping their educational policies, funding options vary among universities. While international doctoral fees are often higher, some universities opt for fairness, charging the same for everyone. Notably, certain institutions establish a baseline funding standard, ensuring every PhD student receives minimum support. Explore our guide for a deeper dive into PhD scholarships in Canada!
Universities that offer PhD Scholarships in Canada:
1. University of Alberta Scholarships
Award Grant: CA$ 21,000 (an additional CA 10,000 for international students)
Offered By: University of Alberta
Deadline: March 28, 2024
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time
This is one of Canada's best PhD scholarships. Due to its numerous funding alternatives, the University of Alberta, which was established in 1908, is a well-liked option for international students. PhD candidates can get a large CA$ 21,000 stipend through the Graduate Entrance Scholarship, which is open to master and doctorate candidates.. International applicants will also get an additional CA$ 10,000 to help with tuition. Good news: this year, applicants from a wide range of nations will not need to take the IELTS exam. Be quick—the scholarship deadline differs depending on when you are admitted. Come experience an engaging academic adventure with us at U of A!
Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:
- You have to be admitted in Jan 2024, May 2024, July 2024 and Sept 2024
- You have to be newly admitted in one of the above-mentioned terms in a doctoral program
- You must have a GPA of 3.7 or higher
- You have to be a full-time student
2. University of Waterloo Scholarships
Award Grant: $10,000
Offered By: University of Waterloo
Deadline: Depends on your course, check out here
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time
This is considered one of the best PhD scholarships in Canada for international students. Ranked 8th as the Best Global University in Canada, the University of Waterloo is a top choice for students worldwide. Offering fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada, including the University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship worth up to $10,000, the perks extend to the International Master’s Award of Excellence, valued at $2,500 per term for a maximum of 6 terms. Deadlines vary by program, so check for yours and seize the opportunity to make your academic journey exceptional!
Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:
- You have to take a full-time program.
- Your cumulative average must be at least 80% or first class in your current program.
- You will be nominated by the department based on your allocation of funds.
3. University of Saskatchewan Scholarships
Award Grant: CA$ 20,000
Offered By: University of Saskatchewan
Deadline:
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full-time
Discover excellence at the University of Saskatchewan, a leader in collaborative research and Canada's top for water research. Deemed among the finest fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada. Recognised as an outstanding PhD scholarship in Canada, you can unlock opportunities with the fully funded University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship, available for all international master's and Ph.D. students. Here's the kicker: PhD candidates can snag up to CA$ 20,000 over 36 months. No extra paperwork – once you're in, your academic achievements and financial needs automatically put you in the running for this fantastic scholarship!
Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:
- You must have a cumulative of 80% grade point average
- You should have completed your masters in a relevant study field form a well known university
4. McGill University Scholarships in Canada
Award Grant: CA$ 3,000 annually
Offered By: McGill University
Deadline: Canadian students can apply by 27 Sept, other applicants have to apply by 24th Aug.
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time
Join the ranks of excellence at McGill University, placed at #31 globally by QS World University Rankings 2023. Striving for accessibility, McGill provides scholarships for international students across undergraduate, master's, and Ph.D. programs. Specifically for Ph.D. aspirants, there are modest bursaries to ease financial burdens. Act promptly, as scholarship deadlines align with your admission schedule. Make your mark at McGill – where world-class education meets support for your academic journey! This stands out as a leading PhD scholarship in Canada.
Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:
- Enrolled full-time at the University
- Apply for and accept maximum government student aid
- Maintain satisfactory academic standing
- Show financial need
5. Montreal University Fully Funded Scholarship
Award Grant: CA$ 21,593.35 annually
Offered By: Montreal University
Deadline:1st February 2024
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time
This holds a distinguished position as one of the top fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada. Meet the University of Montreal, the second-largest in Canada with 36,000 students. The UdeM Exemption Scholarship opens doors for global students, ensuring access to a top Canadian research hub. Open to all international students in undergrad, master's, or PhD programs, the Montreal University Scholarships offer up to CA$ 21,593.35 annually.
Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:
- International student (not Canadian citizen or resident)
- Admitted to full-time program at UdeM
- Meet the academic requirements of the university and chosen program
Want to know more about PhD in Canada? Here’s a guide that tells you all! Dive into more university and scholarship options using this guide on PhD In Canada.
Top 5 Scholarships to Study in Canada
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Award Grant: CAD 50,000
Offered By: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research [CIHR], the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council [NSERC] and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council [SSHRC])
Deadline: 1 November 2023
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time
Considered one of the elite PhD scholarships in Canada, the Vanier CGS program wants awesome doctoral students! They're all about helping those with leadership skills and excellent academic achievements in social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, and health. Here's the cool part: Vanier encourages you to explore beyond where you got your last degree. If you're a smart cookie in social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, or health, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships might just be waiting for you! Time to step into the world of research with Vanier!
Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:
- Nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota
- Pursuing first doctoral degree (only eligible for PhD part of combined degree)
- Completed less than 20 months of doctoral studies by May 1, 2024
- Maintained a first-class average in two years of full-time study
2. The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
Award Grant: CAD 40,000 per year to cover tuition and reasonable living expenses and CAD 20,000 per year as research and travel allowance
Offered By: Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
Deadline: December 1, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. EST
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time
Many students highly respect this PhD scholarship in Canada, which is considered to be among the best. International students studying in Canada through the University of Waterloo may apply for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships. For people now enrolled in two- or three-year PhD studies in social science or the humanities, there is a chance. Your doctoral research ought to be connected to topics such as responsible citizenship, human rights, Canada and the world, or people and their natural environment. The scholarship comes with a pretty sweet package: CAD 20,000 for research and travel, plus CAD 40,000 for tuition and living expenses annually.
Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:
- Enrolled or accepted into a full-time doctoral program, expecting to finish studies in 2027 or later.
- Studying humanities or human sciences relevant to Canada's future.
- Doctoral work linked to Foundation's Themes: Human Rights, Citizenship, Canada in the World, and Natural Environment.
- Canadian citizen or non-Canadian in a Canadian doctoral program.
3. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
Award Grant: CAD 70,000
Offered By: (CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC)
Deadline: September 20, 2023 (20:00 EDT)
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time
This PhD scholarship in Canada is for both Canadian and international students who are doing amazing research in healthcare, natural science, social science, and economics for their PhD. The deal? Well, the Canadian university is giving out funds to 70 lucky students, and they get a sweet CAD 70,000 each. Keep in mind it's taxable, and you get this support for two years. It's like a boost for your awesome research journey!
Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:
- Non-Canadian citizens must hold Banting Fellowship at a Canadian institution.
- Canadians who earned their degree abroad must have Fellowship in Canada.
- Canadians who earned their degree in Canada can choose Canadian or foreign institution for their Banting Fellowship.
4. Ontario Trillium Scholarship
Award Grant: CAD 40,000
Offered By: Government bodies
Deadline: November 24 for the year of 2024-25
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time
The Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) is Ontario's way of helping international Ph.D. students financially. The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is acknowledged as one of the most esteemed PhD scholarships in Canada. Since 2010, this initiative has been supporting scholars with a 2/3 government to 1/3 institution funding setup. Each year, 15 Ontario Trillium Scholarships go to Ph.D. students at the University of Toronto. Eligible universities in Ontario pick candidates based on program criteria and merit. The scholarship lasts four years and gives partial funding for a PhD in any subject at Ontario's top universities. To qualify, you need to be an international student, good in English, not currently in an Ontario school, and have a strong academic record.
Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:
- International student with a Canadian student visa.
- Proficient in English during application.
- Intent to join a full-time doctoral program.
- Cannot hold other Canadian scholarships, like QEII-GSST, UW Provost.
- Willing to enroll in an Ontario university's doctoral program.
- Minimum 8.0 average in a full-time master’s degree.
- Not completed a degree in Ontario post-application.
- Not currently a student in Ontario.
5. Ontario Graduate Scholarship
Award Grant: CAD 5,000 per term
Offered By: Province of Ontario and the University of Toronto
Deadline: January 31 for the year 2024-25
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time
This is acclaimed as a standout PhD scholarship within the Canadian context. The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program is all about cheering on awesome graduate students in Ontario's universities. Since 1975, OGS has been giving out merit-based scholarships to the brightest minds across all academic fields. At U of T, this scholarship team-up is powered by both the Province of Ontario and the University of Toronto. The Province shares OGS awards with universities, saying how many each can give their students every year. If you've been to one of Ontario's universities, whether you're from there or from afar, OGS is there to support you in any subject you're passionate about!
Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:
- Enrolled in a full-time graduate program in Ontario.
- Academic excellence with at least an A- average.
- Must be in a master's or doctoral program for 2 or 3 years.
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or international student with a valid study permit.
- Submit an OGS application by the university's deadline.
To sum it up, fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada open doors to diverse academic journeys. From financial aid to research opportunities, these scholarships not only support your studies but also fuel your passion for exploration and knowledge. Canada welcomes you to a world of educational excellence and promising research endeavours!
Now that you are looking for Scholarships for PhD in Canada, you should know the best university you can apply to, right? To help you out, here are the 10 best universities in Canada.