In recent years, Canada has seen a 30% rise in international students choosing to do their higher education here. A major driving force behind this growth is top-ranked universities in Canada for PhD, such as the University of Toronto, McGill, and UBC, which makes pursuing a PhD in Canada highly rewarding. In addition to this, it also has a 90% graduate employment rate and scholarships like the Canada Graduate Scholarships, which offer up to CAD $35,000 per year to help students focus on their research without worrying about their finances.
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Studying a PhD in Canada is highly rewarding because you get to study at some of the world’s top-ranked institutions and get great financial support. In fact, 4 Canadian universities rank in the top 100 in the world as per QS rankings. And the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia even ranking in the top 50.
In addition to this, when you study PhD programs in Canada, you get access to:
Also Read: Masters in Canada for Indian students
As an international student, you might be worrying about which are the top specialisations to get a PhD degree in Canada. As per QS Top Universities, you can choose from more than 321 PhD programs in Canada across multiple universities. Some of the most popular ones include:
Various PhD specialisations in Computer Science and AI in Canada are highly popular among international students. This is especially because Canada is a global hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI) research.
The specialisations for health science PhD in Canada are available at almost all the top universities across the country. And there has been an increasing number of graduates who are finding careers in public sector roles at federal, provincial, or local health agencies.
Next, the Business and Management doctorate degree in Canada is also highly popular. Mainly because they are highly research-based and prepare graduates for a rewarding career in senior roles in business and management consulting.
Last but not least, the Economics programs in Canada are some of the best in the world. They provide strong research output, diverse specialisations, and substantial funding opportunities. Moreover, it is a great option for a PhD in Canada for students who are interested in analytics and forecasting.
Note: You can use our course finder tool to find a PhD course that best aligns with your background.
There are over 100 research-intensive universities in Canada for PhD, most of which have been consistently ranking high and offer a wide range of programs across various disciplines. While you can use our university predictor tool to find one that is best for you, here are some of the popular universities:
| University Name | QS World University Ranking 2026 | Estimated Annual Tuition Fees (International Students) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | #29 | CAD $61,720 - $67,370 |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | #40 | CAD $32,518 - $88,485 |
| McGill University | #27 | CAD $23,460 - $86,214 |
| University of Alberta | #94 | CAD $29,000 - $46,547 |
| Western University | #151 | CAD $13,000 - $20,000 |
| Université de Montréal | #168 | CAD $28,000 - $62,000 |
| McMaster University | #173 | CAD $34,000 - $48,000 |
| University of Waterloo | #119 | CAD $50,000 - $73,000 |
| Queen's University | #199 | CAD $27,000 - $63,225 |
| University of Calgary | #211 | CAD $26,849 - $56,000 |
| University of Ottawa | #219 | CAD $25,000 - $50,000, |
| Dalhousie University | #283 | CAD $30,000 - $40,000 |
| Simon Fraser University | #308 | CAD $32,000 - $45,000 |
| York University | #333 | CAD $34,835 - $46,000 |
Also Read: Cheapest university in Canada
To study PhD in Canada, students need a combination of excellent academic qualifications, research experience, and a strong application package. Most of the top universities in Canada for PhD may have slightly different requirements, but in general, the criteria below are the same for all:
The Eligibility criteria to study PhD in Canada include:
The last PhD requirements in Canada are documents that you need to submit during the application process. It includes:
Also Read: Study in Canada without IELTS
The PhD cost in Canada depends heavily on the university you attend, the program, and the city. However, you can easily expect to pay around CAD $4,000 to $25,000 per year for PhD tuition fees in Canada alone and around CAD $15,000 to $25,000 in other living expenses.
Here is a breakdown of the living costs:
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (on/off-campus) | CAD $500 - $2,000 | CAD $6,000 - $24,000 |
| Food & Groceries | CAD $200 - $400 | CAD $2,400 - $4,800 |
| Transportation | CAD $80 - $150 | CAD $960 - $1,800 |
| Books and Supplies | CAD $150 | CAD $1,800 |
| Miscellaneous (phone, utilities, etc.) | CAD $200 - $400 | CAD $2,400 - $4,800 |
| Total Estimated Living Costs | CAD $1,000 - $3,000+ | CAD $12,000 - $36,000+ |
Lastly, to manage the PhD cost in Canada, there are many universities that provide scholarships, fellowships, and research assistantships. These can help in covering the PhD tuition fees in Canada, along with other living expenses. Some popular ones include:
Also Read: MBA in Canada for Indian students
Summing up, getting a PhD degree in Canada is a highly rewarding experience with ever higher ROI. But it can also be challenging. It requires you to carefully plan, preserve, and adapt. And if you are someone who is planning to study a PhD in Canada, then it is really important that you understand the academic demands it requires, as well as logistical and financial planning. To help you with this, you can get help from our expert study abroad consultants who can make this journey simpler for you! Connect today!
Doing a PhD in Canada can cost around CAD $2,500 - $17,000 (INR 1.5 – 10 Lakhs) per year in tuition alone. You can expect to spend an additional CAD $2,000 to $3,500 (INR 1.2 – 2.2 Lakhs) per month on other important living costs. This makes the average cost of a PhD in Canada anywhere around CAD $18,000 to $38,000 (INR 11 – 24 Lakhs) or more.
For doing a PhD in Canada, international students can get several government, university, and private scholarships, including:
PhDs in Canada are usually around 3 to 6 years long, with 4-6 years being the most common completion timeframe. However, the specific duration depends on various factors, such as the specific program and research area.
International students with a valid study permit can work part-time during their studies. However, they are only allowed to work 24 hours per week during regular school sessions, with no strict work hour limit during vacations.
After doing a PhD in Canada, graduates can apply for PR. They can use the Express Entry system (via Canadian Experience Class) or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows you to gain Canadian work experience, which helps with PR eligibility.
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