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PhD in Canada for Sri Lankan Students

11 min read
Blog Summary Learn about PhD programs in Canada tailored for Sri Lankan students. Embark on a research journey in a welcoming academic community.
PhD in Canada for Sri Lankan Students

PhD in Canada allows international students to profit from the high-tech education and placement facilities offered at Canadian universities and work with leading experts. There are countless research opportunities in Canada to look out for as an international student after completing a PhD. International applicants looking to pursue the course must note that the degree lasts from 3-6 years. Both professional (Doctorate in Business Administration) and academic doctorate (PhD in sciences and more) courses are available to choose from when pursuing higher education in Canada.

Canada, with its multi-ethnic communities, vibrant city culture, and thriving businesses, is a popular destination for international students. Furthermore, Canada is a sought-after destination for PhD courses due to its world-renowned educational institutions and diverse research opportunities. The country provides a plethora of opportunities for research scholars to explore, ranging from science to fine arts.

PhD in Canada: Course Highlights

Course Name 

PhD 

Country 

Canada 

Duration

3-6 years

Universities offering PhD in Canada

98

Academic Year

September to April

Fees

4,000 to 20,000 CAD (INR 2,36,493 – INR 11,82,468)

Funding up to

Up to 40,000 CAD a year (INR 23,64,937)

Work-study opportunities

10 hours a week

PGWP Duration

At least 3 years

Why Study PhD in Canada?

  • Studying in Canada is no longer just a fad; the multicultural, welcoming society and supportive government norms encourage international students to study at Canadian universities. Three or four Canadian universities rank among the top 150 in the world. 
  • These top Canadian universities provide cutting-edge research facilities as well as educators with the most academic knowledge. 
  • After completing your PhD in Canada, you can stay back for up to three years through the PGWPP. It also paves the way for you to obtain a Canadian permanent residency. 
  • PhD tuition in Canada ranges from 4,000 to 19,000 CAD. This is significantly lower when compared to study destinations such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
  • There are numerous PhD scholarships available in Canada for international students. Ontario Trillium Scholarships, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Ontario Graduate Scholarships, and other popular scholarships are available. 
  • During the academic year, PhD students in Canada can work for approximately 10 hours per week. This allows you to fund and sustain your daily expenses while you learn and gain industry experience.


What are the Popular PhD Courses in Canada?

  1. Most PhD programmes require at least three years of full-time study and research, but students frequently take longer than three years to complete their degrees. 
  2. A PhD is typically completed in Canada under the supervision of at least one academic supervisor. You must submit a substantial doctoral thesis by the end of the course. This will be submitted to a panel of examiners, who will review and read your research work.
  3. Following that, your PhD will be subjected to an oral defence, during which you will be cross-examined on the topic of your research and may be required to prepare a presentation to explain your work to them. Your overall performance and thesis will assist you in earning your PhD.

Popular PhD courses in Canada

COURSE

POPULAR UNIVERSITY

Natural sciences

U of T, McMaster, McGill, UAlberta

Mathematics

McMaster, McGill, UAlberta, University of Calgary

Social sciences 

U of T, UAlberta, University of Montreal

Humanities

U of T, McMaster, McGill

Business and management

UBC, McGill, UAlberta, University of Calgary

Computer science & IT

U of T, McMaster, McGill

Agriculture

U of T, UAlberta, University of Montreal

Applied sciences

UBC, U of T, McGill, uOttawa

STREAM

NO OF phD SEATS

POPULAR UNIVERSITIES

Natural sciences

58

U of T, McMaster, McGill, UAlberta, University of Calgary

mathematics

58

U of T, McMaster, McGill, UAlberta, University of Calgary

Medicine and health 

34

U of T, UBC, McGill, uOttawa, UAlberta, University of Calgary

humanities

28

U of T, McMaster, McGill

Business and management 

23

UBC, McGill, UAlberta, University of Calgary

Engineering and technology

18

U of T, UBC, McGill, uOttawa

Applied sciences 

5

UBC, U of T, McGill, uOttawa

Intakes for PhD in Canada

For those planning to pursue a PhD in Canada, it is critical to select the appropriate semester based on the field and university of interest. Canada primarily offers three semesters per year, and each semester allows international students to seek admission to the universities of their choice. The following are the top three intakes in Canada:

  1. Winter, from January to April
  2. Autumn-September to December
  3. Summer- from May to August.

Top Universities for PhD in Canada

Universities provide students with numerous opportunities to delve into a topic. Furthermore, world-class research facilities, renowned professors and academic scholars, and a diverse student body contribute to creative culture and innovative thinking. The universities listed below offer PhD degrees in fields ranging from management, economics, engineering, arts, culture, and society, and everything in between.

University

Rankings

Fees (CAD/year)

University of Toronto

#18

4,500 to 8,900

University of British Columbia

#37

8,700

McGill University

#44

19,000

McMaster University

#80

16,000

University of Montreal

#88

7,500

University of Alberta

#125

9,200

University of Ottawa

#162

6,900

University of Calgary

#201-250

12,600

University of Waterloo

#201-250

13,400

Western University

#201-250

11,180

Simon Fraser University

#201-250

5,955

Dalhousie University

#251-300

11,995

Laval University

#251-300

27,790

Queen’s University

#251-300

12,927

University of Manitoba

#301-350

9,500

Eligibility Criteria to Study PhD in Canada

To study in Canada or any other country, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. Although eligibility criteria vary by university, the following are general eligibility or admission requirements that candidates must meet in order to pursue their PhD in Canada:

  • A postgraduate degree with consistent grades in a closely related field. Extracurricular activities and prior research experience are also advantageous. A high-ranking bachelor's degree is also accepted for some PhD programmes, such as an integrated master's-PhD programme.
  • A research proposal and a letter of recommendation from your chosen university supervisor.
  • Proof of minimum English language ability in the form of acceptable IELTS/TOEFL scores is required.
  • Acceptable performance on ability-testing exams such as the GRE or GMAT, depending on the nature of the course.
  • After submitting their exam results, candidates may be invited to a personal interview round by the university.

Documents Required to Study PhD in Canada

Pillow we have mentioned a list of documents that you will need during the application process to help you get started with your PhD in Canada-

  • Transcripts from previous classes
  • Scorecard for a competitive exam
  • Make a photocopy of your passport.
  • Resume in detail
  • Recommendation Letter
  • Purpose Statement
  • Proposal for research (Optional)
  • Other important documents and transcripts
  • Permission to Study in Canada

How to Apply for a PhD Program in Canada?

A step-by-step guide is provided for aspirants to assist them with the application process for pursuing a PhD in Canada:

  • Visit the official website of the university of your choice.
  • Examine the course syllabus and the eligibility requirements.
  • Select the appropriate university's application form.
  • To begin, you must create an account with your mobile phone number or email address.
  • You will receive an email or SMS with login information and verification on your registered contact number.
  • Enter your personal information using the login information provided ( name, gender, date of birth)
  • Enter your academic credentials and upload any supporting documentation.
  • Choose your course and pay the application fee.
  • The application fee varies by university and can be paid with a debit/credit card or through internet banking.
  • Submit your application form; you can also track its progress through your account.
  • Some universities will require selected students to participate in a virtual interview.

Cost of Studying PhD in Canada for International Students

University

Cost 

University of Toronto

4,500 to 8,900

University of British Columbia

8,700

University of Manitoba

9,500

Queen’s University

12,927

Laval University

27,790

Dalhousie University

11,995

Western University

11,180

Simon Fraser University

5,955

University of Calgary

12,600

University of Alberta

9,200

McGill University

19,000

University of Ottawa

6,900

PhD Scholarships in Canada

Several scholarship programmes help deserving students pursue a PhD in Canada. They assist individuals in exploring research opportunities by providing full financial support, stipends, and housing assistance. A few scholarship options are listed below.

SCHOLARSHIP

AMOUNT IN CAD 

ELIGIBILITY

Ontario Trillium Scholarship

40,000 a year (renewable)

Apply for PhD at partner universities

Academically meritorious

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

50,000 per year

PhD in the field of social science, engineering, humanities, health or natural sciences

UBC four-year Doctoral Scholarship

18,200 per year

(stipend)

Doctoral students at UBC

Ontario Graduate Scholarship

15,000

Apply for PhD programs at universities in Ontario

Ontario Graduate Fellowship

12,000 (renewable)

Research with partner universities

University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship

18,000 per year

PhD course at University of Manitoba

Jobs Salary After PhD in Canada

After completing your doctoral studies, you can stay in Canada for up to three years with your PGWP and gain valuable experience by working in Canada. This knowledge and experience can later be used to obtain permanent residency in Canada. Pursuing a doctoral degree in Canada and working in the sector will boost your PR points and increase your chances of being approved as a permanent resident.

JOB ROLE

AVG PAY IN CAD

Research Engineer

63,000

R&D Director

135,000

Research Scientist

69,000

Medical Science Liaison

98,000

Postdoctoral Research Associate

53,000

Principal Scientist

99,000

Physicist

79,000

Canadian Student Visa to Study PhD in Canada

International students planning to pursue a PhD in Canada must obtain a Canadian student visa before entering Canadian territory. Candidates are ready to start the course once they have obtained a student visa for the country and an acceptance letter from the university. It is important to note that, in addition to the student visa, candidates must have a study permit that is valid for the duration of their PhD programme. 

To apply for a student permit through the Student Direct Stream process, you must meet the following requirements:

  • A letter of acceptance from a designated post-secondary learning institution;
  • Transcripts of recent secondary or post-secondary education; Proof of first-year tuition payment
  • The candidate must be at least 18 years old when applying for a Canada visa for Indians.
  • residing outside of Canada
  • Before applying, a medical examination is required (if needed).
  • Before applying, obtain a police certificate (if needed).
  • $10,000 Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).
  • 'Certificate of Acceptance of Immigration' issued by the 'Ministry of Immigration, Diversity, and Inclusion'
  • Quebec's (CAQ) (if you are planning to study in Quebec).
  • Language Test Results
  • IELTS 6.0 or higher in all four sections (reading, listening, writing, and speaking), or
  • TOEFL score of 7.0 or higher in each section (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
  • listening, writing, and speaking) equivalent to the Canadian Language
  • Benchmark


Post Study Work Permit After PhD in Canada

To be eligible to return to Canada, you must enrol in a course for at least 8 months. Courses lasting less than 8 months do not allow students to stay and apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit. If you pursue a course that lasts less than two years, he or she is eligible for a post-graduation work permit for the same duration as the course. As an example:

  • 8-month course = 8-month work permit after graduation;
  • 2 years course (master's or diploma) = 3 years work permit after graduation
  • PhD in Canada = 3 years work permit after graduation

Kickstart your academic journey now! Studying abroad could be a long and tedious process however at AECC with expert counsellors your dreams can be achieved at ease. The Counsellors will guide you through every step and help you attain your dreams at ease. They will assist with visas, courses, universities, and more.


Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Canada an attractive destination for Sri Lankan students pursuing a Ph.D.?
Canada offers world-class education, research opportunities, multiculturalism, and a favorable study environment.
Which Canadian universities are known for offering Ph.D. programs to Sri Lankan students?
Institutions like the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and McGill University are renowned for their Ph.D. programs.
What are the typical admission requirements for Sri Lankan students applying for Ph.D. programs in Canada?
Requirements often include a master's degree, research proposal, academic transcripts, and English language proficiency.
Are there scholarships or financial support options available for Sri Lankan students pursuing Ph.D. studies in Canada?
Yes, various scholarships, grants, and assistantships are available to support Ph.D. students in Canada.
Can Sri Lankan students work part-time while pursuing a Ph.D. in Canada?
Yes, international Ph.D. students in Canada can work part-time during their studies, usually up to 20 hours per week.
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