Top 10 PhD Programs in Canada for International Students 2022

Canada is home to several globally renowned research universities providing PhD programs in Canada for international students. Canada is the most preferred Study Abroad in Canada for international students, mainly because of its affordability and also due to its multicultural student community and cosmopolitan environment.

PhD programs in Canada offer high-quality research facilities and opportunities to doctoral students. A PhD in Canada is offered in over 500 different graduate and postgraduate academic disciplines such as business, engineering, mathematics, management, etc. The duration of a PhD in Canada is about 4-6 years. The average tuition fees for a PhD in Canada ranges from $10,000- $20,500 per academic year.

International students are required to have high academic scores in addition to high scores in admission tests such as GMAT and GRE for PhD admission in Canada. International students with a PhD in Canada can avail of post-study work visa schemes. All details related to a PhD in Canada, such as top universities in Canada for PhD, admission requirements, fees, and scholarships in Canada for international students are  discussed.

Table of Contents

• List of Top 10 PhD Programs in Canada for International Students
• Top Universities in Canada for PhD
• Why Pursue a PhD in Canada?
• PhD in Canada Course Structure
• Admission Requirements to Study PhD in Canada
• Application Process for PhD in Canada
• PhD in Canada Cost for International Students
• Best PhD Scholarship in Canada for International Students
• Scope of Pursuing PhD in Canada

List of Top 10 PhD Programs in Canada for International Students

In the following table, international students can find the best PhD programs in Canada 2022:

Program	University	Duration (in years)	Starting Date
PhD in Philosophy	McMaster University	4	7th September 2022
PhD Program in Management	McGill University	3-5	31st July 2022
PhD in Information	University of Toronto	4-6	1st September 2022
Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies	Wycliffe College	4-6	1st September 2022
Doctor of Philosophy in Biomolecular Science	University of Lethbridge	4	1st September 2022
Doctor of Social Sciences	Royal Roads University	4	11th January 2022
PhD in Conflict Studies	Saint Paul University	6	1st January 2022
PhD in Communication, New Media and Cultural Studies	McMaster University	4	7th September 2022
PhD in Theology	Saint Paul University	6	1st January 2022
PhD in Administration	University of Montreal	4	1st August 2022

Top Universities in Canada for PhD

Canada has nearly 100 research institutions offering doctoral degrees to both domestic and international students. These PhD programs in Canada are offered through dedicated graduate schools and colleges under the respective Canadian universities. Both public and private Canadian universities offer PhD programs in Canada to international students. Online PhD Canada are offered by some universities such as Royal Roads University and Athabasca University. Given below are some of the top universities in Canada for PhD along with their QS World Rankings 2022:

University Name	QS World Rankings 2022
University of Toronto	26
University of British Columbia	46
McGill University	27
McMaster University	140
University of Montreal	111
University of Alberta	126
University of Ottawa	230
University of Calgary	235
University of Waterloo	149
Western University	170

Why Pursue a PhD in Canada?

International students in Canada pursuing PhD programs in Canada gain the opportunity to work with leading researchers and avail of top-quality research facilities and opportunities. International students are also eligible for a Canadian work visa post-study in Canada. Online PhD programs in Canada are offered by some of the Canadian universities such as the Royal Roads University and Athabasca University. Online PhD in Canada is offered under various disciplines such as business administration, social sciences, etc. Listed below are some of the reasons for international students to pursue a PhD in Canada:

• PhD programs in Canada are offered in over 500 different graduate and postgraduate academic disciplines such as management, mathematics, business, engineering and technology, etc.
• Canada is home to nearly 100 renowned research universities offering high-quality education and research opportunities to students. Six of the Canadian universities are ranked in the top 150 universities in the world by several ranking agencies.
• Certain PhD programs in Canada do not require a master’s programs in Canada in the respective field. The student pursuing the master’s degree program is provided with the option to switch to the PhD program after the first year.
• Students pursuing PhD in Canada are expected to start working on their thesis and research soon after starting their PhD program. Students have the opportunity to work with top researchers in the respective fields.
• Canada offers affordable education as well as the standard of living to international students.
• International students with a PhD degree in Canada are eligible to apply for a post-study work visa in Canada that could lead to a permanent residence or citizenship in Canada. International students can live and work in Canada for up to 3 years after completion of their doctoral studies.

PhD in Canada Course Structure

PhD programs typically require students to pursue a full-time course for a minimum of three years, but it is often found that students require much more time to do their research and complete their degrees. Usually a PhD program in Canada gets completed within a maximum duration of of six years.

The PhD is generally completed under the supervision of one or more academic supervisors in Canada. Students need to submit a substantial doctoral thesis at the end of the course. The thesis is then reviewed and evaluated by a set of examiners.

Additionally, you may be required to prepare a presentation to explain your research to the committee during your PhD oral defense. Your overall performance and the quality of your thesis play a major role in obtaining a PhD degree in Canada.

Admission Requirements to Study PhD in Canada

The admission requirements for international students to study PhD in Canada varies based on the program and the Canadian university. The basic requirement is for the student to have a master’s degree in the respective field of study. A PhD program in Canada takes up to 4-6 years to complete. Some of the PhD requirements in Canada for international students to study PhD in Canada are listed below:

• International students should have high academic grades in the master’s degree in their respective fields. Students should also have excellent research capabilities and potential.
• International students are required to submit the proof of English proficiency with test scores such as TOEFL, IELTS, etc. Students pursuing courses in French are required to prove French language proficiency.
• Applicants should have good GMAT/ GRE scores for admission to any doctoral program in Canada.
• Specific PhD programs in Canada do not require a masters degree from students. Students enrolled in master’s degree programs have an option to switch to a PhD program after the first year.
• A PhD student in Canada is expected to start working on their thesis and research work as soon as the start of the PhD program.

Application Process for PhD in Canada

In Canada, the process for applying for a PhD may differ from one university to another. However, the common admission requirements of PhD offering universities in Canada remain the same. Let us look at the step-by-step process of obtaining PhD admission in Canada:

1. Select the Type of PhD Program you want to Pursue
2. Submit Research Outline
3. Apply Online and Upload Necessary Documents
4. Attend your interview
5. Obtain your Study Permit

Select the Type of PhD Program you want to Pursue

You have the option to choose structured or open PhD programs in Canada. In a Structured PhD, the research outline is determined by the university. In an Open PhD, you must propose and outline your own research project.

Both courses require students to identify a supervisor who will guide them throughout the process. In addition to your application, some universities will require a letter of support from your supervisor.

Submit Research Outline

If you have decided to pursue an open PhD in Canada, you must submit a research proposal outlining your project and its significance in the present. The research proposal must comply with the research guidelines set by your chosen university.

Apply Online and Upload Necessary Documents

Fill out the online application form of the university of your choice, pay the application fees, and attach the important documents. PhD applicants are required to submit the following documents:

• SOP
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Two to three Letters of recommendation
• Portfolios (for creative fields)

Attend your interview

You may be required to sit for an online/virtual interview by some Canadian universities before being admitted. So make sure you do not miss out on the interview date and prepare well in order to secure a seat at the university.

Obtain your Study Permit

Following acceptance by the university, you need to apply for a Canadian study permit. You need the following documents to obtain your study permit:

• Health insurance
• Medical certificate
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Acceptance letter from a DLI
• Language proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
• The intent of returning to the home country

PhD in Canada Cost for International Students

The PhD in Canada cost varies based on the different courses and also the university that is offering the doctoral degree. Generally, the PhD in Canada cost for international students is double the cost for Canadian students. The average fees of a PhD program in Canada for international students range between $8,000 - $25,000 per year. In addition to the tuition fees, international students are required to bear the living costs in Canada for the duration of their PhD program. Tuition fees of different universities offering PHD in Canada are shown in the table below:

University	Annual Average Fees (INR)
University of Toronto	4.9 lakhs
University of British Columbia	4.8 lakhs
McGill University	10.6 lakhs
McMaster University	8.9 lakhs
University of Montreal	4.1 lakhs
University of Alberta	5.1 lakhs
University of Ottawa	3.8 lakhs
University of Calgary	7 lakhs
University of Waterloo	7.4 lakhs
Western University	6.2 lakhs

Best PhD Scholarship in Canada for International Students

There are several PhD programs in Canada with scholarships for international students. The PhD scholarship in Canada for international students is awarded based on academic merit and covers the charges for tuition fees, cost of research, and sometimes living expenses as well. A fully funded PhD in Canada will cover most of the costs associated with living, travel, accommodation, insurance, and flight charges. The average tuition fee for international students for PhD studies in Canada is $8,000 - $20,000 per academic year. A range of scholarships, fellowships, grants, and awards are available for international students provided by the respective universities in Canada for PhD. Both government-sponsored and independent scholarships are available to international students based on their country of origin. Listed below are some of the PhD scholarship in Canada for international students:

1. The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
2. The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
3. The University of British Columbia Four Year Doctoral Fellowship
4. Tomlinson Doctoral Fellowships
5. University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship
6. The Graduate Global Leadership Fellowship
7. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
8. Ontario Trillium Scholarship
9. University of Calgary Graduate Scholarship
10. The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)

Scope of Pursuing PhD in Canada

A doctorate opens up a world of possibilities for a student. Upon completion of your PhD in Canada, you have an array of career options available to you, from teaching to research work with industry giants. You will receive a salary based on the specialization you chose. Even so, we can still take a look at the salaries offered to PhD students at some of Canada's top universities:

Universities	Average Annual Salaries (in CAD)
University of British Columbia	150,000
McGill University	150,000
University of Toronto	130,000
University of Waterloo	247,000
Carleton University	95,000

Please note that the salaries shown above are the upper range of salaries offered to students. Some of the top research profiles and salary packages offered to PhD graduate in Canada are tabulated below:

Job Role	Salaries
Research Scientist	69,000
Postdoctoral Research Associate	53,000
Research Engineer	63,000
Principal Scientist	99,000
R&D Director	135,000
Physicist	79,000
Medical Science Liaison	98,000