phd salary in canada per month

PhD in Canada: Top Universities, Tuition Fees, Deadlines, and Scholarships

Zollege Team

Content Curator | Updated On - Mar 2, 2024

ROI for PhD in Canada is highest at 277% offered by University of Alberta, followed by University of Clagary at 267%, University of Waterloo at 260%. Positions in research, leadership, and other fields that are closed to those with less education can become available to those with a PhD. A PhD can be intellectually fulfilling and provide a sense of achievement. Students receive packages well above the average salary in Canada , with a PhD degree.  

Doctorate programs in Canada have different entrance requirements for different universities and programs, but generally speaking, these include a strong academic record, research experience, scores from tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), GRE or GMAT results, letter of recommendation , and a research proposal.Numerous fellowships and scholarships are offered to assist with the cost of your PhD studies in Canada. Universities, private companies, and the government may all provide these.Depending on the university, the program, and your residency status, a PhD in Canada can cost different amounts. Tuition for international students is usually more than that of domestic students. On the other hand, compared to other developed nations, living expenses are generally lower in Canada.

Why Study PhD in Canada?

Pursuing a PhD in Canada can be a rewarding experience for many reasons. In Canada, a PhD normally takes four to six years to finish. In international comparisons, Canadian universities consistently rank highly, indicating that the country offers a top-notch educational system. In general, PhD programs in Canada are less expensive than those in the US or the UK. Furthermore, Canada has a high standard of living and is a friendly, multicultural nation. Canada has positioned itself as the best country to provide education and a supportive government for immigrants. Few universities in Canada offering GRE waiver for PhD progrma are also available. The reasons for studying in Canada are as follows:

• According to the QS World University Ranking 2023, 3 universities in Canada ranked in the top 50. These universities are McGill University (rank 31), University of Toronto (rank 34) and University of British Columbia (rank 47).
• Canada has been ranked as the 2nd largest research place in the country.
• Compared to the USA, the cost of living and tuition fee is much cheaper and more economical.
• Students can stay for about 3 years via PGWPP after completing their PhD courses in Canada. This will enable the candidates to get a Canadian PR.
• Canada provides immense scholarship opportunities for international students. Some of the scholarships for PhD students are The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship etc. These scholarships provide an amount of 15,000 to 40,000 CAD per year.
• Students can also earn more money through part-time work in Canada during their course of study.

Listing below is an overview of studying PhD in Canada.

CAD 1= INR 61.09, as of 2 nd  March 2024

Top Universities in Canada for PhD

The best university for your PhD program will depend on a number of things, such as your research interests, program offerings, faculty qualifications, funding availability, and campus culture. It's wise to conduct in-depth research and think about getting in touch with possible supervisors to talk about your research fit. There are more than 100 universities whwether among top public universities in Canada or among private universities that offer PhD programs in Canada. Here are a few of the top universities for doctoral studies with fees:

Admission Process

Candidates must follow the admission process to get a chance at the top PhD colleges in Canada, whether it is among top universities in Toronto , or Calgary. Here given below is the step to step guide to the admission process for PhD admission in Canada:

• Select the PhD programs in Canada and shortlist the universities for attaining the courses.
• Identify a supervisor to get guidance in the research programs.
• Submit the research proposal as per the guidelines of the selected university that depicts the summary of the project.
• Fill in the application form and pay the application fees.
• Submit all the required documents as asked by the university.
• Attend the interview offered by Canadian universities.
• After confirmation of application, apply for a student visa.

Admission Deadline

The deadlines for applications to Canadian universities differ based on the type of institution, the program graduate or undergraduate, and the term of admission or intakes in Canada  like fall, winter, or summer.The admission deadline of the top universities for PhD admission in Canada is as follows:

PhD in Canada Eligibility Criteria

Candidates can apply for full time or part time or online PhD Canada. Candidates need to follow certain criteria to apply for PhD in Canada. Listing below are the eligibility criteria of the best universities in Canada for PhD:

• A master’s degree with an excellent academic record.
• Strong GRE or GMAT score is required.
• IELTS score of 6.5 is required.
• TOEFL score of 100 is required.
• PBT score of 600 is required.
• GPA score of 3.0 or higher score.

Admission Requirements

 Excellent results in pertinent coursework in order to be considered for graduate programs. Although they vary, minimum GPA requirements usually fall between 70% and 80%. Candidates must meet the admission requirements to apply to the top universities in Canada.  Exams requireed to study in Canada for PhD in Canada for Indian students requirements for admission are tabulated below:

PhD in Canada Application Fee

There aren't many Canadian universities that require an application fee. On their website, each university will provide details regarding their application costs. The list below does not include any universities in Canada without application fee . The graph below states the application fee of the top universities in Canada for PhD:

Admission Document Requirement

Students need to submit various documents to study in Canada .The documents required to be submitted to the universities for PhD programs in Canada are:

• Transcripts of previous degrees
• GRE/ GMAT Scorecards of entrance exams
• Proficiency language scorecards such as IELTS/ TOEFL
• An updated CV/Resume
• Statement of purpose/ research outline
• Writing sample
• Letters of recommendation
• Application form and fee slip
• Proof of sufficient funds

PhD in Canada Cost

Canada is a friendly, safe nation with an excellent standard of living. There is a strong sense of community and the people are courteous and friendly. Regarding outdoor recreation and natural beauty, Canada is a great place to visit. Candidates of full time or part time PhD Canada must bear the cost of living in Canada . The cost of living for PhD in Canada for international students is detailed below in graph:

PhD Scholarship in Canada

Canadian universities offer various scholarships to students during their course of study. A fully funded PhD in Canada for Indian students usually provides 100% concession on tuition fees, accommodation fees, research, and insurance costs. Students will get benefitted by various scholarships in Canada for international students . The table below shows the eligibility details for PhD in Canada for Indian students with scholarship details:

Jobs after PhD in Canada

There are numerous career options after PhD in Canada for Indian students including part time job in Canada . PhD graduates can find teaching positions at many universities, particularly in fields where there is a dearth of experienced teachers.  PhD graduates are hired by a number of Canadian companies for roles in research and development.The below table shows the salary for different job roles in Canada:

Top Recruiters for PhD in Canada

 There are certain limitations on working while pursuing a PhD in Canada for foreign students. Both a work permit and a valid study permit are required for high paying jobs in Canada . While working off-campus may be restricted to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks, working on campus is normally unrestricted.The top recruiters for PhD in Canada are as follows:

• Stanford University
• Economist Intelligence Unit
• Ryerson University
• York University
• Prime Minister's Office
• Northern Illinois University
• Science & Economic Development Canada
• University of Mohamed VI Polytechnique
• Environment and Climate Change Canada
• University of Toronto

Work Permit

Canada is a country known for their supportive immigration policies. Students should have a student visa and electronic travel authorization to study and travel in Canada. PGWP stands for Post-Graduation Work Permit. It allows international students to study and work in Canada for around 3 years even after completing their course of study. Those who have a PGWP can eventually apply for Canadian PR. Candidates have to complete at least 2 years of their PhD course with a good academic record to apply for the work permit for Canada visa. Candidates should apply via a federal skilled work visa. To pursue a PhD in Canada, you must apply for a study permit. The particular requirements will change based on your country of citizenship.

Canadian universities are known for fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for graduate students. Pursuing PhD courses in Canada can lead to immense job opportunities for the candidates. Candidates must meet the eligibility condition to apply to the top universities for PhD programs in Canada. Aspirants can also apply for PhD in Canada without IELTS. There are also various scholarships for PhD programs in Canada for international students. Candidates can avail of the PhD programs in Canada with scholarship.

Ques: What are the career prospects after completing a Ph.D. in Canada?

Ans : In Canada, doctorate holders frequently go on to work in academia, research, business, government, or entrepreneurship. The particular opportunities vary according to the field of study.

Ques: Can I transfer credits from another Ph.D. program to a Canadian university?

Ans : Program policies and the university will determine this. For detailed information on credit transfer, get in touch with the admissions office.

Ques: What are the key research strengths of Canadian universities?

Ans : Institutions differ in their strengths in research. To determine which university best suits your interests, look through the faculty research profiles of each one.

Ques: Is there support for international students in terms of adapting to Canadian culture?

Ans : In Canada, there are plenty of options for Ph.D. candidates to work as research or teaching assistants, which can offer both valuable experience and financial support.

Ques: Are there opportunities for teaching or research assistantships?

Ques: Can I bring my family with me during my Ph.D. studies?

Ans : You are welcome to bring your family, but make sure you are aware of the necessary visa requirements and any extra family support services.

Ques: Is health insurance included in the Ph.D. program fees?

Ans : International students can get health insurance from many universities, but it's important to check with the specific university.

Ques: What is the cost of a Ph.D. in Canada for international students?

Ans : Although tuition costs vary, international students often pay more. Verify the particular costs associated with the program and university that interest you.

Ques: How do I apply for a Ph.D. program in Canada?

Ans : Apply online via the university's admissions portal, making sure to include all necessary supporting documentation, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.

Ques: Are there opportunities for interdisciplinary research?

Ans : Interdisciplinary research is encouraged in many Canadian universities, enabling cross-departmental collaboration among students.

Ques: What is the structure of a Canadian Ph.D. program?

Ans : Coursework, comprehensive exams, and original research culminating in a dissertation are typical components of Ph.D. programs.

Ques: Is there an age limit for starting a Ph.D. in Canada?

Ans : No, there's usually no age restriction to enroll in a Ph.D. program.

Ques: How can I find a Ph.D. supervisor?

Ans : Look up faculty biographies, go to conferences, and make direct contact with prospective mentors to convey your interest.

Ques: Is there a comprehensive exam in Canadian Ph.D. programs?

Ans : A comprehensive exam or qualifying exam is a common component of Ph.D. programs, designed to evaluate a student's knowledge in their field.

Ques: Can I work while pursuing my Ph.D. in Canada?

Ans : Yes, most doctoral students are permitted to work part-time while enrolled in classes, both on and off campus.

Ques: What is the language proficiency requirement for international students?

Ans : International students usually have to take tests like the TOEFL or IELTS to prove that they are proficient in either French or English.

Ques: Do I need a Master's degree to apply for a Ph.D. in Canada?

Ans : Depending on the program, yes. While some might require a master's degree, others might accept students with a bachelor's.

Ques: Are there scholarships available for international Ph.D. students?

Ans : Indeed, a large number of Canadian universities provide scholarships to Ph.D. candidates from both home and abroad. Investigate options such as the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship.

Ques: How do I choose a university for my Ph.D. studies?

Ans : Take into account elements like program reputation, research faculty, resources available, and location.

Ques: What is the duration of a Ph.D. program in Canada?

Ans : In Canada, the majority of PhD programs take four to six years to finish.

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6 Canadian universities with high graduate salaries

Are you currently researching the best Canadian universities ? You’re probably aware of which tops the list for rankings, subjects, student life and facilities. 

For some, universities that produce graduates with high starting salaries are also important considerations. A university education, after all, does not come  cheap, which is why prospective salaries post-graduation can help you decide on your ROI . 

A university that produces graduates with good starting-salaries could also signal that its graduates are highly employable and in demand.

It’s worth noting that graduating from the best Canadian universities will not guarantee you a high starting salary yourself, as numerous factors including your industry, work experiences and location of your job, among others, will affect this, but it can tip the scale in your favour.

Here are some of the best Canadian universities with high graduate salaries, drawing on data from Emolument , a provider of crowdsourced pay data. Do note, however, that the salaries are average figures. 

(For context, according to Talent.com, the average graduate salary in Canada is $55,744 Canadian dollars per year, while the figure for entry-level positions starts at CA$43,601 per year. Most experienced workers make up to CA$77,883 per year.)

For some students, how much they earn as a graduate is a deciding factor in choosing their university. Source: Geoff Robins/AFP

Best Canadian universities with high graduate salary

1. university of british columbia (ubc).

UBC is ranked in the top 20 public universities in the world, and for good reason: it is a centre of teaching, learning and research excellence, while its varsity athletes have won 65 Olympic medals. 

Data from  Emolument shows that graduates of UBC’s Executive MBA programme earn the highest pay — a whopping average of 173,000 US dollars per annum. Those with a Doctorate, Masters in Finance and Executive Masters can earn an average of US$150,000, US$108,000 and US$94,000 per annum respectively. 

Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree, on the other hand, earn the lowest at US$56,000 annually. 

2. University of Toronto 

This university needs no introduction: it ranks joint 18th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and joint 34th in the QS World University Rankings 2023 . 

Graduates with an Executive Masters reportedly earn an average salary of US$222,000 annually, followed by PhD graduates at US$100,000 and MBA graduates at US$96,000. 

Graduates with the lowest salaries are  those with a Master (Other) degree, who earn an estimated US$58,000 annually. 

3. University of Ottowa 

Located in Canada’s capital, the University of Ottowa is the largest bilingual (English-French) university in the world, notes its website.

QS notes that the university has   111 undergraduate and 161 graduate programmes, and they boast of an impressive 97% employment rate for their graduates. 

Those with an MBA earn an impressive US$124,000 on average per annum , while students pursuing a bachelor’s or other degrees earn about US$73,000 to US$75,000 annually. 

A child slides down UC Hill at Western University in London, Ontario, on Jan. 6, 2022. Source: Geoff Robins/AFP

4. University of Calgary 

Just like the city it’s based, the University of Calgary is one of the most enterprising institutions : it is ranked one of the top 10 research universities in the country, offers over 200 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programmes, and boasts of a 94% graduate employment rate .

Its Bachelor of Arts graduates are the university’s highest earners. They earn an average of US$148,000 annually, followed by Masters in Science graduates (US$88,000) and Bachelor of Science graduates (US$74,000). 

The lowest salaries are graduates with a Bachelor (Other) degree, earning a salary of US$51,000 annually .

5. University of Waterloo 

The University of Waterloo offers programmes in business, engineering, health, humanities and social sciences, the environment, math and science for over 42,000 students. 

A centre for employer-student connections and work-based learning , the university is ranked first in Canada for the graduate employment rate, according to the QS Graduate Employment Rankings 2022. 

Doctorate holders from this university can earn an average salary of US$183,000 annually, according to data from Emolument. Masters in Finance holders can earn an average salary of US$107,000, while Bachelor (Other) holders earn an average of US$88,000. Its lowest earners are those with an Other Degree, earning US$57,000 annually. 

6. University of Western Ontario 

The University of Western Ontario is one of the very few universities in Canada with 5 QS Star ratings , which means it has performed well against a comprehensive list of indicators that assess the institution. 

It received high ratings in the following categories: 

• Employability
• Internationalisation
• Specialist Criteria: Innovation
• Inclusiveness
• Specialist Criteria: Social Sciences & Management

Its graduate salaries are equally impressive. A doctorate holder earns an average of US$258,000 annually. A Master’s in Finance holder, on the other hand, earns an average of US$136,000, while an MBA holder earns US$100,000. Graduates with the lowest salaries are those with a Master (Other) degree, who earn a salary of US$47,000 annually.

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Canadian MPs will now make over $200,000 per year, thanks to a pay bump that goes into effect Monday.

Additional salaries for special offices like ministers, parliamentary secretaries, the Speaker and the prime minister will also go up. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's salary will now top $400,000 per year, as a result of the increase.

Parliamentarians of all stripes will receive a salary bump because of the annual increases written in to the legislation governing politicians' pay. The precise number of the increase each year comes from tracking an index of increases from settlements in the private sector, according to the House of Commons .

For this year's bump, that figure works out to 4.4 per cent, meaning the standard salary for a backbench MP will increase by $8,500.

Trudeau will now earn $406,200, Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre will take in $299,900 and cabinet ministers will also be paid just under $300,000.

• Canada's inflation rate slowed to 2.8% in February, beating expectations for 2nd month in a row
• Canada's need to improve productivity has reached emergency level, says Bank of Canada official

Those who hold special offices, such as federal party leaders, parliamentary secretaries, house leaders and whips, will also receive pay boosts.

Salaries will also go up $8,500 for senators, increasing to $178,100.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation, an advocacy group dedicated to lowering taxes and scrutinizing government spending, has already criticized the increase.

"MPs are taking more money out of Canadians' pockets and stuffing more money into their own and that's wrong," Terrazzano said in a release . "MPs should be providing tax relief, not hiking taxes and their own pay."

The federal government is set to release a budget on April 16.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christian Paas-Lang covers federal politics for CBC News in Ottawa as an associate producer with The House and a digital writer with CBC Politics. You can reach him at [email protected].