PhD Study in Canada – 2024

Canada is home to some of North America's most historic and globally renowned research universities. Its cosmopolitan society also make it a popular home for thousands of international PhD students.

The number of people studying abroad in Canada has risen by almost 30% in recent years. It's not hard to see why! Students are attracted by Canada's liberal society which celebrates its acclaimed universities. Not to mention the chance to explore the country's diverse range of stunning natural landscapes and habitats.

• Internationally renowned universities - Canada's oldest universities date back to the seventeenth century. But, their research continues to be world-leading. Five institutions feature in the top 150 of all three major global rankings. You can be confident that a PhD from Canada is well-respected.
• Attractive international fees - PhD study in Canada is generally cheaper than in the USA. Some universities actually reduce - or even waive - international fees.
• Post-study opportunities – Completing your doctorate will entitle you to live and work in Canada for up to three years. This could lead to a pathway of permanent residency, or even citizenship.
• The great outdoors –From the Great Lakes of Ontario and Québec to the unspoilt wilderness of the vast Northwest Territories, there's plenty to explore (and even research) during your PhD.

Where can you study a PhD in Canada?

These are the top five universities for studying a PhD in Canada according to three popular world rankings.

Length of a PhD in Canada

Most courses require at least three years of full-time study and research. Some students may study for longer. You can usually register for up to six years.

In most cases you'll need to hold a Masters degree to apply for a standard Canadian PhD programme. However, some universities offer doctoral stream Masters routes that start with one or two years of MA or MSc study. These are suitable for students coming straight from an undergraduate degree but take longer to complete.

PhD study in Canada has more in common with the UK than the neighbouring USA. The US PhD normally begins with taught classes and examinations. However, like in the UK, a Canadian PhD is more research-focused from the outset.

However, it is also common for universities to offer structured courses within PhD programmes. Academic cohorts of students undergo collective training alongside their more independent research activities.

Courses often focus on key skills such as research techniques and methodological principles. You might have additional training in areas such as teaching, presentation or publication. Some doctoral programmes also arrange internships and professional placements.

Generally, students complete these courses in the first year of their PhD, before moving on to focus on their doctoral thesis.

In some cases you may need to sit a comprehensive exam at the end of your first or second year. This tests your general knowledge of the field before you can proceed onto more specific research. It is similar to the MPhil upgrade or 'confirmation review' used in UK universities.

Supervision and research during a PhD in Canada

You'll complete your PhD under the guidance of at least one academic supervisor. They'll be an expert in your general subject and field, though they won't have researched on your specific topic before (it wouldn't be a PhD, otherwise).

The main criteria for your degree will be the completion of a doctoral thesis. As in other countries, this must make a substantial new contribution to knowledge.

If your qualification is a professional doctorate, such as a DBA or EdD, you'll focus mainly on practical work and case studies. You'll still be required to submit a thesis, but this may be shorter and supplemented by other materials.

PhD Assessment and examination in Canada

The main criteria for a Canadian PhD is the originality and quality of your doctoral thesis. You'll normally begin drafting this during the middle part of your PhD. Then, write up a final version based on feedback from your supervisor.

Once you submit your dissertation a committee of examiners will be appointed to read and consider it. Your PhD will then proceed to an oral defence.

This process may be slightly more involved than the viva voce used in the UK and elsewhere. You may be expected to offer a presentation on your research before being questioned on the content and significance of your thesis.

The examiners will then meet to decide if your examination performance was satisfactory. If it was, you will be awarded your PhD!

Some Canadian PhD programmes also include coursework and examinations. However, these will normally be to check your progress, and won't count towards your final result.

Cotutelle programmes

Some Canadian universities work with international institutions to offer a collaborative route to a PhD. This is known as a 'cotutelle' (French for 'co-tutored').

These programmes involve a student spending time at two different universities. Both are involved in supervising, examining and awarding the PhD project.

In this sense a cotutelle is a bit like a joint PhD. However, a cotutelle is usually specific to the student's project rather than an ongoing partnership between a pair of universities. It's helpful to think of a cotutelle as a specific kind of joint PhD.

The availability of this option varies between individual Canadian universities. Check with your institution for more information.