Study PhD In Canada: The Ultimate Guide

Most of all are thinking of enrolling for a PhD in Canada, aren't we? Let us hone our chances for a unique intellectual trip! Students from all over the world travel to attend the best Canadian universities, where students receive higher employment rates with higher earnings. Check out our blog on the ten best universities in Canada. So we are here to drop the beans on what it takes to rock that doctoral journey up north, from gorgeous vistas to cutting-edge research. Start the journey to study for a PhD in Canada by reading this blog! Also, check out this blog to know the things to consider before you choose your major.

A Wise Choice To Study PhD in Canada?

The fact that more than a third of all research in Canada is carried out at its esteemed universities makes the nation appealing in terms of the availability of resources and job opportunities for graduates. In addition to having institutions that consistently deliver high-quality education, Canada also provides degrees that are recognised internationally.

1. High rates of employability for graduates with higher chances of top-notch earnings. 
2. Work opportunities after graduation because one can stay and work for three years.
3. Overseas pupils' exposure to a variety of cultures.
4. Compared to other English-speaking countries, there are lower living and tuition costs.
5. High standards of living and life quality.
6. The Canadian Government allows massive PhD scholarships in Canada.
7. Contemporary facilities that are globally competitive.

Canadian University Rankings 

Keeping up with its neighbors in North America, Canadian universities for PhD are the best in the world in various disciplines. Here are the standings of the best universities in Canada that reflect globally.

Top-Tier Universities in Canada For PhD

1. University of Toronto

The University of Toronto consistently ranks among the top universities in the world and is largely regarded as one of the best Canadian universities for PhD. It provides a comprehensive selection of PhD programmes in many different fields, including the humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering, and professional programmes. The institution recruits outstanding professors and offers cutting-edge labs, libraries, and research facilities to enable groundbreaking research. The University of Toronto provides PhD applicants with a dynamic intellectual environment thanks to its diverse and welcoming community.

‍2. The University of British Columbia 

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a leader in Canadian higher education and is known for the quality of its research. The PhD programmes that UBC offers span a variety of academic fields, including the arts, sciences, engineering, business, and health sciences. The university's dedication to collaboration, creativity, and sustainability fosters an environment that is suited for cutting-edge research. The beautiful campus of UBC, which is tucked between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, offers a distinctive and motivating environment for PhD study. These are some of the reasons why the University of British Columbia is one of the best universities in Canada. To retain scholarship offers, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships is provided by the University of British Columbia.

3. McGill University

It is one of Canada's top institutions for research and one of the best universities in Canada, which is situated in Montreal, Quebec. It provides a wide selection of PhD programmes in many different disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and health sciences. Outstanding academics at McGill conduct groundbreaking research, and the university promotes a vibrant intellectual environment. Its cutting-edge libraries, research centers, and labs provide PhD students with many resources.

4. University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is one of Canada's top institutions for conducting extensive research and is located in Edmonton. In disciplines like science, engineering, the arts, social sciences, business, and health sciences, it provides a wide choice of PhD programmes. The university's numerous research centers and institutes demonstrate its dedication to research and innovation. At the University of Alberta, doctoral students can access several funding possibilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and a collaborative research atmosphere. Thanks to all of this, the University of Alberta is one of the best universities in Canada.

5. University of Waterloo

For its accomplishments in the domains of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the University of Waterloo is well-known and is among one of the best universities in Canada. In disciplines including engineering, computer science, mathematics, applied sciences, and health sciences, it provides outstanding PhD programmes. The university is renowned for its cooperative education programmes, in which students switch between paid labor terms and academic terms to get valuable real-world experience. The University of Waterloo presents distinctive opportunities for research and industry engagement with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.

Supreme PhD programmes in Canada

In Canada, a wide range of academic specializations, including the natural sciences, the arts, and technical sectors, are available as PhD degrees. These PhD programmes in Canada cover all sorts of areas of interest regardless of their nature.

1. Business
2. Economics
3. Medicine
4. Engineering
5. Education
6. Biological sciences
7. Physics
8. Mathematics
9. Political sciences
10. Anthropology
11. Sociology
12. Psychology

How long does it take to study for a PhD in Canada?

Most of the students have a question in mind on how long is a PhD in Canada? Well many of the 4–6 year PhD programmes in Canada are research thesis-based.  A  generally have more in common with those in the UK than with those in the nearby USA. The PhD programmes in Canada are frequently more research-focused than American programmes, which start with one or two years of taught lectures and exams before determining a thesis topic.

How much does it cost to do a PhD in Canada?

Canadian institutions offer various scholarships specifically for PhD programmes. However, generally speaking, depending on the programmes, specialism, and university, a PhD in Canada might cost anywhere from CAD $8,000 to CAD $20,000 per year.

How to choose the right University in Canada?

Many colleges, universities, and other higher education facilities in Canada grant PhDs that are recognized internationally. You must take into account a number of crucial considerations while selecting the ideal location for your studies, including:

1. Program availability
2. University ranking
3. Faculty and staff reputation
4. Research facilities
5. Scholarships and funding options offered by the university
6. Graduate employability rate
7. Tuition fees
8. Location
9. Check out this blog to know the top reasons to study abroad.

Prerequisites for the PhD in Canada

Depending on the university and the subject of study, several criteria are required for Canadian PhD admission. In order to capitalize your Canadian doctoral dreams, these requirements will pave your way to success. However, in general, the following is what most universities in the nation demand of foreign applicants for PhD degrees:

1. Completed application form
2. Resume
3. Accredited master's degree in a related field with strong grades, proven research ability, and potential
4. Transcripts for your university degree or courses
5. Statement of Purpose
6. GMAT or GRE scores
7. Recommendation letters
8. English language tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL
‍9. Application fee

Fees and Funding Opportunities

Contrary to popular belief, studying abroad in Canada is more economical. Universities do, however, often charge more for international students. It's better to count beans and cross T’s while we go through the multiple Canadian PhD Fundings that a student can afford.

Canadian PhD fees

The typical annual cost of a Canadian PhD programmes is between CAD $2,500 to CAD $17,000, while some might cost up to CAD $25,000. It is higher than what an international student pays at home, but it is still less than in other developed nations like the UK and the USA. The expenses for your PhD may change from year to year if it is a part of a more organized plan. The cost of taught classes and examinations is typically higher than the cost of years that emphasize individual study.

Additionally, you could be requested to pay a few minor extra expenses for things like union dues and student services. Depending on the province you are studying in, Canadian PhD tuition varies. Only use these prices as a general reference.

Renent fee changes for international students

At particular universities, there are some fresh efforts for overseas students.

1. In 2018, the University of Toronto started charging domestic and international PhD students the same costs. Thus, you will pay the same amount for your PhD as a native Canadian student.
2. Brock University has started using its grants to pay the entire cost of an international PhD.

A Comprehensive Guide To Canadian PhD Funding

Canada being the second largest country in the world, it's hard to navigate the funding that can be tricky as a cat on a hot tin roof especially when you consider the distinctive approaches of its ten provinces. A cheaper funding than in the UK or USA is inflicted that can put you up in the queue with various funding opportunities including PhD scholarship in Canada.

Here are a few PhD scholarships in Canada that one will be able to apply covering Canadian PhD funding

1. Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Program
2. Canadian Government PhD Funding 
3. Vanier CGS (Canadian Government Scholarship) Program
4. National Research Council

Documentation for Pursuing PhD in Canada

Typically, you will submit your application directly to the graduate programmes overseeing your PhD. For various topic areas, some universities will offer separate graduate schools. Others will have a single large institution overseeing the administration of their advanced degree programmes. You'll need the following documents: 

1. Admission requirements
2. GPA scores
3. Graduate admissions tests
4. Language requirements
5. Application process 
6. Interviews
7. Student visas

Employment Opportunities During PhD In Canada

You will be an excellent candidate for many kinds of positions in higher education, research, and other fields if you have a PhD. Furthermore, Canada will be eager to keep you, and the country's post-study visa programmes is set up to make that possibility as appealing as possible. Following the completion of a PhD, international graduates from Canadian universities are permitted to reside and work there for up to three years under the country's post-graduation work permit (PGWP) programmes. You must have pursued full-time study for your PhD and successfully finished your programmes. For an online application, the charge is typically CAD $255, and the processing time is around 56 days.

A PhD in Canada can open doors to a world of great learning, research opportunities, and cultural diversity. A PhD in Canada gives access to fulfilling careers and personal development with financial options, helpful services for international students, and potential routes to permanent residency. Accept the enlightening adventure of innovation and knowledge. Also, if you are planning to study in the USA, check out this guide for masters in finance in the USA to know everything, including the cost, requirements and top universities. Also, check out this blog to know everything about the types of intakes in Canada. You can also read our blog on the best fully funded scholarships in Canada.