When it comes to choosing a study destination for pursuing a PhD, Canada is most likely to rank high on the list. It is because the country has many benefits to offer, both academically and culturally.
Canada has some of the best PhD programs in the world. Covering subjects all the way from fine arts to science, Canada is the hub for PhD programs that offer the perfect blend of theoretical and research work.
To delve deeper into the specifics for pursuing a PhD in Canada, read on!
Being one of the best countries to pursue a PhD, Canada has various programs and universities. Here, a student can take a maximum of six years to complete their degree.
Moreover, you are expected to submit a comprehensive PhD thesis at the end of the course, which an assigned academic advisor will guide.
Here are some reasons you should consider universities in Canada for PhD.
Affordable tuition fees
Brilliant university choices
A large number of post-work opportunities
Universities offer a great deal of flexibility
Getting a PhD admission in Canada is not necessarily tricky, but there are certain things you must keep in mind.
Eligibility Criteria of PhD in Canada
The various eligibility criteria and requirements you need to meet for pursuing a PhD in Canada for Indian students are as follows.
English proficiency is proof in the form of good scores on language ability tests like IELTS/TOEFL
Postgraduate degree in a field that is closely related to the current PhD program in Canada you wish to pursue
A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) and research proposal from a supervisor of choice from the university you wish to pursue your PhD from
Required GRE or GMAT scores
A personal interview round to clear post submission of exam scores and grades
Documents Required for PhD in Canada
Here are the PhD in Canada for Indian students’ requirements for documents.
All transcripts from previous courses and degrees
Passport photocopy
Resume
Letter of Recommendation
Research Proposal
Canadian Study Permit
Scorecard for Competitive Exams
Other Relevant Transcripts and Certificates
How to Apply for a PhD in Canada?
So, how to apply for a PhD in Canada? The various steps involved in applying for PhD programs in Canada are as follows:
Visit the official website for the university you wish to spend your PhD duration in Canada
Check out all the eligibility requirements and documents required
Create an account on the university portal
Once you receive your login details via email or SMS, proceed to fill it
Submit all the required documents along with all your academic achievements
Take your pick from the various PhD courses in Canada
Next, you need to pay the application fee
Track the application status via your university portal account once the form is filled, submitted, and paid for
Most universities will ask you to attend a virtual interview to finalize the selection
Top PhD. Universities in Canada
Do you wish to know the top universities in Canada for PhD? Here is a comprehensive list of the top five universities in Canada for PhD programs.
1. University Of Toronto
One of the top-ranked universities for PhD admission in Canada, the University of Toronto offers a four-year PhD course. The university offers over 78 doctorate programs.
With a student acceptance rate of 22.66%, the university has the best scope for post-degree job opportunities. Some of the best PhD programs in Canada offered by the University of Toronto are as follows.
Aerospace and Science Engineering
Architecture
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Biomedical Engineering
Cinema Studies
Civil Engineering
Computer Science
Medical Science
Psychology
Religion
Statistics
Ranking:
University
Times Higher Education Ranking (2022) (THE Ranking)
TopUniversities Ranking (2022)
U.S. News & World Report Ranking (2021)
University of Toronto
18
26
17
2. The University Of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is the second-best university in Canada for PhD. Backed by a plethora of research facilities and industrial connections, the university offers the following popular PhD courses.
Astronomy
Bioinformatics
Biomedical Engineering
Cinema and Media Studies
Civil Engineering
Counselling Psychology
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Ranking:
University
Times Higher Education Ranking (2022) (THE Ranking)
TopUniversities Ranking (2022)
U.S. News & World Report Ranking (2021)
University of British Columbia
37
46
31
3. McGill University
McGill University is another top medical/doctorate university in Canada. With a comprehensive PhD program list, the university also makes it to the top three universities in Canada for PhD.
Some of the most popular subjects offered by McGill University are as follows.
Animal Sciences
Biochemistry
Biology
Rehabilitation Science
Social Work
Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry
Ranking:
University
Times Higher Education Ranking (2022) (THE Ranking)
TopUniversities Ranking (2022)
U.S. News & World Report Ranking (2021)
McGill University
44
27
51
4. McMaster University
McMaster University is one of the oldest universities in Canada and bags a spot in the list of top five universities in Canada for PhD. McMaster University offers the following popular PhD courses:
Biochemistry and Medical Sciences
Biomedical Engineering
Neuroscience
Chemical Biology
Health Research Methodology
Ranking:
University
Times Higher Education Ranking (2022) (THE Ranking)
TopUniversities Ranking (2022)
U.S. News & World Report Ranking (2021)
McMaster University
80
140
133
5. University of Montreal
Montreal is placed in the list of top 10 university cities globally. To keep up with this reputation, the University of Montreal offers the fifth-best PhD program in Canada.
Moreover, to support their reputed PhD programs, their cumulative research revenue surpasses half a billion dollars. Some of the popular PhD subjects offered at the University of Montreal are as follows.
Microbiology and Immunology
Neurological Sciences
Pharmacology
Biomedical Engineering
Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology
Ranking:
University
Times Higher Education Ranking (2022) (THE Ranking)
TopUniversities Ranking (2022)
U.S. News & World Report Ranking (2021)
University of Montreal
88
111
140
Average Fees for Pursuing PhD in Canada
After knowing about the various universities and their general eligibility requirements, we move on to the next question, what does the average PhD in Canada cost?
Here are the estimated fees for the universities mentioned above in Canada for PhD
University
Estimated Average Fee ( CAD, Yearly)
University of Toronto
8,200
University of British Columbia
8,200
McGill University
17,500
McMaster University
14,870
University of Montreal
7,500
Job Prospects after PhD in Canada
On top of delivering top-notch education via some of the best PhD programs globally, Canada is also home to an abundance of post-work job opportunities.
Additionally, Canada is always looking for people who add significant value to specific fields due to its cultural diversity and accommodating nature. Ergo, they offer quite a generous post-study work-visa scheme, which you should take advantage of.
Here are some of the top job prospects in Canada post a PhD.
The average remuneration salary in Canada post a Ph.D. is roughly around CAD 88,000, with a freshers salary starting from CAD 58,032.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which PhD stream has the most demand in Canada?
Engineering, business studies, education and health, and computer science happen to be the most in-demand PhD in Canada programs.
Is getting a job after your PhD in Canada easy?
Yes, getting a job after a PhD in Canada for Indian students is relatively easier because of the PGWPP (Post-Graduation Work Permit Program). The average salary after a PhD in Canada is estimated to be about CAD 88,000
How long can you stay in Canada after your PhD?
Thanks to the PGWPP, you can stay in Canada for up to three years after completing your PhD in Canada.
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland...
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