Syed Yusuf Ashraf Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
PhD in Canada is a 4 to 6 year degree available in a variety of disciplines. Applicants failing to complete this degree within a given time frame can request a 6 months extension. The Phd program is available for Indian students in subjects like business administration, computer science, economics, mechanical engineering, pharmacy etc. PhD in Canada is an ideal option for those seeking higher job profiles in government firms, school/university, or a researcher scientist.
For admissions to Phd In Canada, you must hold a bachelor's or master's degree with an overall academic average of 75-80%. Your degree must be equivalent to the course you are applying for.
- A GMAT score between 550-600 is required for business related PhD courses in Canada.
- GRE scores are generally not required for admissions to PhD programs in Canada. However, Indian students are highly encouraged to submit a GRE score of 300 or above to strengthen their application.
- Additionally, you must target at least 7.0 in IELTS or TOEFL IBT score of 92 to meet English proficiency requirements.
- Indian students can also improve their chances of admissions if they have research experience.
The Canadian government had recently proposed a budget of 825 million CAD to support researchers for the next 5 years. This will not only increase the job opportunities but also the amount stipend for next generation researchers. Hence, pursuing a PhD in Canada will be an ideal choice for Indian students in the coming 5 years. After completion of PhD in Canada, Indian students can expect job roles such as professor, research scientist, research engineer etc.
Top Universities for PhD in Canada
Tabulated below are the top universities for PhD in Canada based on the latest QS World University rankings:
| QS Rankings 2025 | Top Universities | Duration of PhD Program | Annual Tuition Fees (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| #25 | University of Toronto | 4 year | 8,969 |
| #29 | McGill University | 4-5 years | 18,239 |
| #38 | University of British Columbia | 5 years | 9,690 |
| #96 | University of Alberta | 5-6 years | 8,874 |
| #115 | University of Waterloo | 4 years | 24637 |
| #=176 | McMaster University | 4 years | 23,059 - 24,998 |
| #189 | University of Ottawa | 4 years | 12,104 |
| #193 | Queen’s University | 4-6 years | 5,772 |
| #=198 | University of Calgary | 4-6 years | 23,756 |
| #319 | Simon Fraser University | 4 years | 4,134 |
| #=423 | Laval University | 4 years | 19,134 |
PhD in Computer Science in Canada
| QS CS Rankings 2024 | Universities | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| #13 | University of Toronto | October 1, 2024 |
| #21 | University of Waterloo | October 1, 2024 |
| #26 | University of British Columbia | January 14, 2025 |
| #34 | Mcgill University | August 1, 2024 |
| #44 | University of Montreal | September 1, 2024 |
PhD in Engineering in Canada
| QS Engineering Rankings 2024 | Universities | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| #17 | University of Toronto | October 1, 2024 |
| #25 | University of British Columbia | January 14, 2025 |
| #39 | Mcgill University | August 1, 2024 |
| #40 | University of Waterloo | October 1, 2024 |
| #=100 | University of Alberta | October 1, 2024 |
PhD in Medical Science in Canada
| QS Medical Science Rankings 2024 | Universities | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| #14 | University of Toronto | October 1, 2024 |
| #=18 | McGill University | August 1, 2024 |
| #27 | University of British Columbia | December 31, 2024 |
| #43 | McMaster University | January 14, 2025 |
| #85 | University of Montreal | September 1, 2025 |
PhD in Business in Canada
| QS Business Rankings 2024 | Universities | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| #28 | University of Toronto | October 1, 2024 |
| #40 | University of British Columbia | December 31, 2024 |
| #=47 | McGill University | August 1, 2024 |
| #67 | Western University | January 5, 2024 |
| #=75 | University of Montreal | January 6, 2025 |
PhD in Humanities in Canada
| QS Humanities Rankings 2024 | Universities | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| #10 | University of Toronto | January 19, 2024 |
| #18 | University of British Columbia | December 15, 2024 |
| #29 | McGill University | January 15, 2024 |
Why Study PhD in Canada?
PhD in Canada allows graduates to work with top industry leaders of their respective fields. The Canadian universities offer exceptional research opportunities for Indian students along with state of the art facilities.
- Affordable Tuition Fees: PhD degrees in Canada are relatively less expensive than in the United States. For Indian students, the annual tuition fee for a PhD degree in Canada ranges from 4,134 CAD to 24,998 CAD (2.53 lakhs to 15.31 lakhs INR).
- Diverse Disciplines: There are a diverse range of disciplines available with a PhD degree in Canada. The most popular disciplines for Indian students being computer science, business, engineering, humanities and medical science.
- Easy PR: PhD graduates can easily obtain a PR in Canada through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. For this, you must apply to IRCC for permanent residency status in Canada. PhD students are eligible for PR even without a job offer.
- Scholarships: Canadian universities offer several scholarships for PhD students regardless of their nationality and background. Indian students can avail a scholarship up to 50,000 CAD through Canada Graduate Scholarships Doctoral Program. The other most popular PhD scholarships for Indian students include International Doctoral Student Award, Ontario Graduate Scholarship, and Vanier scholarships.
PhD in Canada Application Process
The entry requirements for a PhD in Canada may vary depending on the specialization and the university it is offered by. Below is the basic admission requirements for Indian students regardless of university and specialization:
Admission Requirements
- Bachelors’ or master’s degree with 75-80%
- English language proficiency:
- IELTS- 6.5-7.5
- TOEFL IBT- 92-100
- Test scores:
- GMAT- 550-600
- GRE- 300+
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- CV or Resume
- Research experience
- Interview
PhD in Canada University Specific Requirements
Check specific GPA requirements along with test scores across top universities in Canada for PhD program:
| Universities | Academic Requirements | English Language Requirements | Test Scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simon Fraser University | 3.5 GPA on a 4.33 scale | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL IBT: 93 | GMAT: 600 | GRE: 320 |
| University of Toronto | 3.3 GPA or 77-79% | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL IBT: 93 | GRE score of 167 in quant section |
| University of British Columbia | B+ or 76% | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL IBT: 92-100 | GMAT score on 95th percentile |
| McGill University | 3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale (85%) | IELTS: 6.5-7.5 | TOEFL IBT: 86-100 | GMAT score of 600+ |
| McMaster University | B+ grade of 77-79% | IELTS: 6.5-7.5 | TOEFL IBT: 88-92 | GMAT: 600 or GRE: 305 |
| University of Alberta | 3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale (85%) | IELTS: 6.5-7.0 | TOEFL IBT: 93 | GMAT score of 550 |
| University of Ottawa | B+ or 75% | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL IBT: 79-80 | Competitive GMAT/GRE scores |
| University of Calgary | 3.5 GPA on 4.0 scale (90%) | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL IBT: 97 | GMAT: 700 or GRE: 300+ |
| Laval University | 3.0-3.3 GPA on 4.3 scale (81-83%) | TOEFL IBT: 64 | TCF-TP for French: 361 out of 699 | Not required |
| Queen’s University | 3.7 GPA/4.3 scale (89%) | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL IBT: 88 | GMAT: 500+ | GRE: 315+ |
| University of Waterloo | 78-80% | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL IBT: 80-93 | GMAT score of 550+ |
PhD in Canada Cost of Study
PhD in Canada is highly affordable compared to its neighbor the United States. For the 2024-25 academic year, Indian students can expect to pay around 4,134 CAD to 24,998 CAD (2.53 lakhs to 15.31 lakhs INR) annually in tuition fees. Being a PhD student, you need an annual budget of 21,120 to 28,440 CAD (12.93 lakhs to 17.42 lakhs INR) to meet the cost of living in Canada.
Tuition Fees
Check out the estimated tuition fee for studying a PhD degree in Canada across top universities:
| Universities | Annual Tuition Fees (CAD) | Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Simon Fraser University | 4,134 | 2.53 lakhs |
| University of Toronto | 8,969 | 5.49 lakhs |
| University of British Columbia | 9,690 | 5.93 lakhs |
| McGill University | 18,239 | 11.17 lakhs |
| McMaster University | 24,028 | 14.72 lakhs |
| University of Alberta | 8,874 | 5.43 lakhs |
| University of Ottawa | 12,104 | 7.41 lakhs |
| University of Calgary | 23,756 | 14.55 lakhs |
| Laval University | 19,134 | 11.72 lakhs |
| Queen’s University | 5,772 | 3.53 lakhs |
| University of Waterloo | 24,637 | 15,09 lakhs |
Cost of Living in Canada
Following are the likely expenses that you may include while planning an annual budget For living expenses in Canada.
| Expenses | Cost Per Month (CAD) | Cost Per Month (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 900-1,200 | 55.057 - 73,14 |
| Books and Supplies | 150 | 9176 |
| Food | 200-300 | 12,235 - 18,352 |
| Transportation | 100 | 6,117 |
| Internet and Phone | 170 | 10,399 |
| Utilities | 240 - 450 | 14,682 - 27,529 |
| Total Cost | 1,760 - 2,370 | 1.07 to 1.44 lakhs |
PhD in Canada Scholarships
Indian students pursuing a PhD in Canada are eligible for several scholarships and funding opportunities. Some of these fundings cover both tuition fees and living expenses. Given below are the most popular Phd scholarships in Canada for Indian students:
| University | Scholarships | Eligibility Requirements | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Ontario Graduate Scholarship | Students enrolled in a full-time program at UToronto | Must have achieved at least grade A- in last 2 years of study or overall A- in graduate study | 15,000 CAd per year |
| Phd Fundings | Based on Academic Merit | 29,470 CAD per year | |
| University of Alberta | University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship | A minimum GPA of 3.7 in master’s degree | Must be pursuing masters or doctoral degree | Thesis or course-based program | 21,000 CAD stipend + 10,000 CAD for Fees |
| University of Waterloo | International Doctoral Student Award | International students pursuing a full-time Phd Degree | Candidate Must demonstrate strong academic performance | 15,420 CAD |
| University of British Columbia | Vanier scholarships | Candidate must be pursuing 1st PhD degree | Have not completed more 20 months of PhD or 32 month of PhD degree as joint degree | | 50,000 CAD |
| Canada Graduate Scholarships Doctoral Program | Have not completed more 24 months of PhD or 36 month of PhD degree as joint degree | Research Potential | Relevant work experience | | 35,000 CAD |
PhD in Canada Job Prospects
According to payscale.com, the graduates of PhD degree typically earn an average salary of 91,000 CAD (55.75 lakhs INR) per annum). The graduates with PhD in Computer in Canada earn the highest with average salary being 123,000 CAD (75.35 lakhs INR). PhD graduates in Canada are likely to witness a pay rise in the coming 5 years. Being a PhD graduate in Canada, you can secure high positions in higher education, research and various government positions across the country.
Top Paying Job Roles for PhD in Canada Graduates.
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (CAD) | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | 99,436 | 60.93 lakhs |
| Data Scientist | 108,395 | 66.42 lakhs |
| Research Engineer | 76,636 | 46.96 lakhs |
| Mechanical Engineer | 86,024 | 52.71 lakhs |
| Chief Financial Officer | 148,908 | 91.25 lakhs |
| Research Scientist | 50,086 | 30.69 lakhs |
Canada is one of the best choices for Indians seeking a PhD degree abroad. PhD students are eligible for endless facilities and benefits in Canada. Canada offers various scholarships for international students including Indians students. This helps them fund both educational and living expenses in Canada. Indian students can also work part-time while pursuing PhD in Canada for up to 10 hours during semesters.
FAQs
Ques. Is PhD in Canada worth it?
Ans. PhD in Canada is worth going for as an Indian student. The degree offers numerous facilities for students including research opportunities, state of the art facilities, high paying job profiles, and easy access to permanent residency in Canada
Ques. Do PhD students in Canada get PR?
Ans. PhD graduates are eligible for PR In Canada even without a job offer. To obtain a PR in Canada, PhD graduates must apply for IRCC for permanent residence status in Canada.
Ques. Is IELTS required for PhD in Canada?
Ans. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required for PhD in Canada. However, Indian students must target a band score of 7.0 or above to get admissions in top universities offering PhD In Canada. Universities such Mcgill and McMaster require an IELTS score of 7.5 for some PhD courses.
Ques. Can I work during my PhD in Canada?
Ans. PhD students can work in Canada as long as they have a study permit. PhD students are eligible to work 10 hours per week during semesters. Upon graduation, PhD graduates can work and live up to 3 years in Canada through a post graduate work program.
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