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Top 10 free phd programs in canada (2023).

Canada is a popular destination for international students looking to further their education, and there are many universities that offer free PhD programs for international students. These programs provide a unique opportunity for students to obtain a high-quality education without the burden of tuition fees.

The top 10 free PhD programs in Canada include Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, IDRC Research Awards, Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship, Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowship Plan, Partnership Grants by Social Science & Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Trudeau Scholarships & Fellowships, Anne Vallee Ecological Fund, Ontario Trillium Scholarship, and Ontario Graduate Scholarship.

Top 10 Free PhD Programs In Canada

1. banting postdoctoral fellowship.

Tuition Fee: Free

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship is one of the free PhD programs in Canada that was open to both international and Canadian PhD students who are making significant contributions to Canada’s economic, social, natural sciences, and healthcare sectors through their research.

The fellowship provides around CA$ 70,000 in taxable funds for two years, and approximately 70 students are selected for the award each year. After being selected for the fellowship, students must identify a specific Canadian university or college where they plan to pursue their PhD as international students and have the scholarship endorsed.

The application deadline for this grant is typically in September, and the results are usually announced by mid-January or February.

2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is a government-funded scholarship awarded to international PhD students pursuing their doctoral degrees at Canadian educational institutions.

The scholarship provides approximately CA$50,000 in funds for three years, but it’s non-renewable.

The scholarship considers specific application eligibility criteria, such as not being enrolled in certain scholarships before. Therefore, students should ensure they meet all requirements before applying.

3. IDRC Research Awards

The IDRC Research Awards provide research funding to international students from developing countries who have a full-time work permit (37.5 hours a week) in Canada, PhD students in Canadian universities, or students who have completed their master’s program from a recognized university within the last three years from the date of applying for the award.

The students must be actively involved in research in several development fields, such as climate-resilient food systems, inclusive and democratic governance, science and education, ethics of development research, policymaking and evaluation, global health, and sustainable and inclusive economics.

The scholarship provides an annual stipend of CA$42,000 to CA$48,000 for research in any of these fields. The application deadline is usually around February of every year.

4. Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship

The Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship is available to master’s and doctoral students studying in the province of Quebec, with graduate students enrolled in a master’s program also eligible to apply.

Doctoral students can receive grants of up to CA$25,000 per year for three years, while postdoctoral applicants can get up to CA$35,000 for one year, which is non-renewable.

Short-term research and professional development scholarships are also available under the scope of this grant. Students must demonstrate an excellent academic track record to be eligible for the scholarship.

5. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowship Plan

The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowship Plan is designed exclusively for international students from Commonwealth countries who apply to Masters or PhD programs at Canadian universities.

The scholarship recognizes students with exceptional intellectual abilities and awards financial aid to cover all travel and living expenses, along with compulsory tuition fees. The amount of funds provided depends on the program in which the awardee is enrolled.

6 . Partnership Grants by Social Science & Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

SSHRC offers grants to PhD students pursuing research in social sciences and humanities at Canadian universities.

Recipients may support existing research or conduct new studies. The amount of funding ranges from CAD 20,000, and the duration varies from 4 to 7 years, depending on each case.

Only international students are eligible for this scholarship.

7. Trudeau Scholarships & Fellowships

Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships are available to international students pursuing doctoral studies in specific institutions.

The scholarship covers research expenses and travel costs and ranges from CA $20,000 to CA $40,000 per year, renewable for up to three years. The application deadline usually falls in the mid-fall academic session.

8. Anne Vallee Ecological Fund

The Anne Vallee Ecological Fund is a unique scholarship opportunity for international students who are pursuing animal research in their master’s or doctoral degree program in the provinces of Quebec or British Columbia.

The fund offers a scholarship worth $1,500 to each selected candidate to support their research in the field of animal ecology.

The scholarship aims to encourage and support international students who are making a valuable contribution to animal research, with the ultimate goal of advancing ecological knowledge and conservation.

9. Ontario Trillium Scholarship

The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship opportunity for international PhD students who wish to study in Ontario, Canada.

This scholarship is highly competitive, with only 75 students being selected each year based on their academic merit. Each scholarship recipient is awarded $40,000 per year, which can be renewed for up to four years.

The scholarship committee selects candidates based on their academic excellence, research potential, and leadership abilities. The scholarship is intended to attract the brightest and most talented international students to study in Ontario, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the province’s reputation as a leading research destination.

10. Ontario Graduate Scholarship

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is available to international students who have valid study permits and are enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program at a public university in Ontario, Canada. The scholarship is one of the free PhD programs in Canada.

The scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership abilities, with each recipient receiving $1,500 per year. The scholarship is renewable, with the duration varying based on the awarding committee.

The scholarship aims to support and encourage international students who are making valuable contributions to their field of study, with the ultimate goal of advancing knowledge and innovation in Ontario.

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Pursuing a PhD in Canada can be a life-changing experience for students.

However, the free PhD programs in Canada discussed above, offer students the opportunity to receive a high-quality education while focusing on their research, free from the burden of financial obligations.

These universities are committed to supporting students in their academic journey and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in various fields.

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8 Free Online PhD Programs in Canada (Plus Free Scholarships)

Deciding to further your education down to a Ph.D. level doesn’t come cheap, in fact, it takes some level of determination to do it because you won’t only consider the time, but also the cost. Most likely, you now have a family, and a job or business you do, so the responsibilities are very high now.

That’s why most Universities in Canada decided to make some of their programs to also be available online, thereby allowing students to participate in their research work from anywhere in the world and also have time for other responsibilities.

The best part is that some free online PhD programs in Canada help eligible students fund their expenses through scholarships, bursaries, grants, and other financial aid. The United Kingdom also provides the same kind of programs and you can even enroll in them from anywhere including Canada.

Before we list these free distance learning PhD programs in Canada, let’s first briefly explain the importance of online PhD in Canada, and later list some requirements you need to study these programs.

Reasons to Study Online Ph.D. in Canada

More affordable.

First of all, the tuition of a distance learning Ph.D. program is more affordable than an on-campus degree. Then the cost of living also adds up especially if you’re an international student.

More Flexible

You also get to perform your research at the appropriate time for you, which also helps you to have time for your other activities like job and family.

Maintain Job

If you’re already working, an online Ph.D. will help you to remain on your job, unlike an on-campus Ph.D. that might require you to change your city or if possible country.

This is not to say that a campus-based Ph.D. doesn’t come with its own perks.

Requirements to Study Online Ph.D. Programs

Here are some basic admission requirements you need to enroll in these free virtual Ph.D. programs in Canada;

• You need to have gotten your master’s degree from an accredited university (it doesn’t matter the country you got it).
• Submission of post-secondary transcripts and graduation certificates (if necessary) of all previous undergraduate and graduate work.
• Letters of reference
• Proof of English Language Proficiency depending on the country you completed your post-secondary education
• Statement of academic intent
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• A substantive writing sample

Free Online PhD Programs in Canada

It is worth noting that it’s very competitive to get any of these programs that provide free courses through scholarships. It’s good to have very good grades, especially above the minimum required grades to have a higher chance.

1. CAREY – Doctor of Ministry

For more than 60 years, Carey Theological College has been training thousands of leaders in Canada and around the world who serve as pastors, missionaries, and lay leaders in local churches today. Their Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) program is an advanced degree for experienced pastoral leaders who have completed a Master of Divinity or equivalent and will be completed within 3 years.

This is one of the free online Ph.D. programs in Canada that provide fully funded scholarships through the Carey Theological College President’s Scholarship. And because the D.Min is totally online, it means you can be eligible for this scholarship regardless of location.

To spice it up, they still have other scholarships that will benefit those that won’t get the Carey Theological College President’s Scholarship, they include;

• Church Group Discount
• President’s Bursary: also another scholarship that fully covers your tuition
• Carey Student Scholarship
• Carey Student Bursary

And many others.

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2. Athabasca University – Doctor of Education

This Doctor of Education program might interest you if you’re a mid-career professional involved in

• Distance Education
• Adult Education
• Continuing Education
• Policy Development and Implementation

It will take a minimum of 4 years, and a maximum of 5 to complete the program. Just like CAREY – Doctor of Ministry, this program provides free education through scholarships like:

• AU Doctoral Level Student Bursaries 
• AU Award for Graduate Studies 
• AU Graduate Level Student Bursaries 
• Dan Coldeway Memorial Award 

3. AU – Doctor of Business Administration

The Doctor of Business Administration at Athabasca University is for experienced managers and senior leaders who hold an MBA (or an equivalent master’s degree) and want to combine their skills with practical research. You can complete the program in a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 7 years.

This is among the free online PhD programs in Canada that also use scholarships to help their students reduce financial expenses. Besides the scholarships listed in the Doctor of Education above, AU also accepts some external scholarships like:

• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: worth $70,000 per year for 2 years
• Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral program: worth $35,000 per year for 26 months
• Globalink Research Award: The amount varies
• SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships: worth $20,000 per year for up to 4 years.
• SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowships: worth $40,500 per year for up to 2 years.

4. Doctoral Program in Canadian Studies at Trent University

This Ph.D. program offers five fields of study, which are:

• Culture, Heritage, and the Arts;
• Environment and Place
• Policy, Economy, and the State;
• Identities and Social Movements; and
• Feminist, Gender & Women’s Studies

The program can be completed within 4 years.

They claim to be #1 in Ontario for Scholarships and Bursaries for more than 20 years, and it’s not far from the truth because they have numerous scholarships that can help you further your Ph.D. for free.

5. Ontario Tech University – Online Doctor of Education

This Ph.D. program is focused on working professionals in K-12, universities, colleges, and public and private sector organizations. Their research theme is “Education in the Digital Age,” which should give you a glimpse of what to expect.

Just like other free online PhD programs in Canada, we’ve listed, this program also awards scholarships one of my favourites is the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. It awards $70,000 per year in funds.

6. Royal Road University – Doctor of Social Sciences

Actually, this is not 100% online, but rather a hybrid program that combines both online and on-campus research. Your courses will include;

• Dissertation
• Social Change and Interdisciplinarity in Global Context
• Social Science Theory and the Globalized World

And others.

Though their tuition costs CAD 89,464 for both domestic and international students, they have several scholarships and grants to reduce or if possible waive this fee.

7. University of Waterloo – Graduate Diploma in Planning (GDip)

One of the interesting things about this program is that the University of Waterloo understands you’re busy, so they created the online program to fit your busy schedule. They provide several funding opportunities, where you can get minimum funding of $25,962 if you’re in good academic standing.

International students are eligible for the International Doctoral Student Award (IDSA). 

8. University of Manitoba – Education (PhD)

This Ph.D. program will help you gain an in-depth understanding of theories within the field of education, and the program can be completed within a minimum of 3 years. There are several faculty-specific and university-wide funding opportunities available to Faculty of Education graduate students to support academic and research goals, Some of them include;

• Delta Kappa Gamma Manitoba Mary E. Lamont Fellowship
• Faculty of Education Truth and Reconciliation Fellowship
• NEW Indigenous Master’s Scholarship in Education
• NEW Indigenous Doctoral Scholarship in Education

You can see that these free online PhD programs in Canada use scholarships – whether fully funded or partially funded – to help you reduce or totally offset the cost of a Ph.D.

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How to apply for a PhD in Canada

If you are an international student planning to apply to a canadian university to study a phd, this guide will answer all the questions you might have, jens locher, .css-76pyzs{margin-right:0.25rem;} ,, shane moore, julian dierkes.

Once you’ve decided to apply for a postgraduate programme, starting the application process can often be the hardest part. If you’re planning to pursue your PhD in Canada, this guide will help you understand the application process and how to write a research proposal. 

While this guide covers the main questions that students might have around applying for a PhD in Canada, it is important to check the requirements for your university and ask the admissions team if you have any questions about the process. 

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How do i apply to do a phd in canada as an international student.

Once you have decided to apply to a PhD programme in Canada, you can use degree databases to find which university offers PhDs in your area of interest, such as  Universities Canada or provincial bodies such as Education Planner BC . Search engines or other global commercial degree directories may also help you identify a suitable programme.

Alternatively, you could search for which faculty members conduct research in your area via publication databases and then look up the universities where they teach.

If you already know which university you are most interested in, you should look at both its departmental/programme web pages and the pages of a central graduate school if applicable.

Unlike at undergraduate level, where you can apply via a central application system, application to graduate programmes is usually targeted to each programme, which can vary across institutions.

What qualifications do I need to apply for a PhD ?

We recommend that applicants check the admissions requirements for their programme of interest.

In terms of qualities admission committees may be looking for, these will vary by subject area – for example graduate programmes in natural sciences may look for different attributes from those in the performing arts. 

Graduate students in Canada are usually expected to work independently and be self-directed. As such, applicants may want to provide evidence of how they have taken initiative and shown self-direction and perseverance. Passion, curiosity, focus, commitment, collegiality and enthusiasm are all qualities that applicants may find mentioned on programme websites.

How do I look for a PhD supervisor?

The first step would be to check with your programme of interest to see if contact with a supervisor is encouraged or required. Processes vary and some programmes assign you supervisors based on interests identified in your application, some require commitment from a supervisor prior to the application, and some may determine supervisors after some initial coursework or rotations.

If a programme requires you to contact potential supervisors, begin by researching faculty members and their research topics. Most universities, including the University of British Columbia  (UBC), have a research supervisor database where prospective students can search faculty. 

Candidates should read recent papers by potential supervisors and look for a good match between their own interests and those of the faculty member. Reading graduate student stories can also help, as applicants will be able to see current research projects students are working on, and get a sense of the faculty or programme they are looking into.

Once you have found a faculty member you would like to work with, you can reach out to them individually. Prospective students should be aware that academics often receive many such requests every week. Plan carefully who to contact and customise each message to the particular faculty member, explaining your research interests and why you are interested in working with them.

Everything you need to know about studying in Canada Everything international students need to know about student visas in Canada

How should I write my research proposal?

Your research proposal is a crucial part of your application. It gives a sense of how prepared you are to conduct research and what directions of research you’re likely to pursue. A specific proposal is more likely to impress than some general ideas.

Your research areas and interests may change once you have entered your programme, so you will not be held to the ideas you’ve proposed. However, it gives prospective supervisors a sense of how your research aligns with theirs and that of the department in general.

Be sure to stay within the word count requested, and of course it’s essential you avoid any spelling or grammatical errors. We always recommend that applicants write several iterations of their research proposal and gain feedback from friends, colleagues and, if possible, professors at each stage. When you approach previous professors for a letter of reference, it’s worth sharing your proposal to get their feedback on it.

When should I start applying?

Applicants need to meet the application deadlines, which are often a year or more in advance of the desired start date (eg apply in December to start the following September). On top of that it is important to allocate enough time to prepare and complete various steps to be able to submit a completed application in time.

International applicants will need to ensure there is enough time to take the required English language tests. Applicants should also check if they have to complete any other courses before applying and that they have enough time to collect the necessary documentation and proofread everything. 

We recommend that prospective students review application timelines for their programme of interest and then plan backwards, ensuring they have time to complete all aspects of the application. All the steps may take longer than expected, so give yourself extra time to compile the strongest possible application.

How long will the application process take?

This will depend on each university, programme and sometimes supervisor. Once you have applied, the process will probably take a further two to three months at least. At UBC, many graduate programmes close applications in December and January, with offers being made February to April as a rough guideline. Depending on subject area, applications can close as late as April or May for a September start though.

What supporting documents do I need as an international student?

In general, required supporting documents won’t be too different from those for a domestic applicant, with the exception being proof of English language ability. Examples of supporting documents could be: 

• Transcripts of all post-secondary courses/degrees previously enrolled in
• Reference letters 
• Statement of interest/research statement
• English language test scores
• Depending on programme, test scores or portfolio

Many institutions allow applicants to apply with scans of their transcripts initially. However, once applicants receive an admission offer they will usually have to submit official copies, which may include translations for international applicants. 

International applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with other details, such as study permit procedures, work opportunities and health insurance. While not required for the application itself, these are important considerations for which to plan and budget if the application is successful.

Do I have to pay for my PhD application?

Most universities in Canada will charge an application fee. At UBC, the application fee for international applicants is CAD$168.25. UBC automatically waives these fees for applicants from countries identified among the world’s 50 least developed nations. Other universities in Canada may have similar measures in place, so be sure to check this.

Other than application fees, students should make a financial plan that incorporates tuition and living costs, as well as checking what financial aid you could be eligible for and which scholarships are available for international students. 

What would be your top pieces of advice for an international student applying for a PhD?

Deciding to go to graduate school is a big decision and often a difficult one if you do not have a clear understanding of what it will be like. It is important to go to graduate school for the right reasons, including:

• Being interested in a given field.
• Desiring to be part of an intellectual or professional community.
• Gaining qualifications for career progression.
• Acquiring expertise to change sector or professional area.
• Gaining experience and entry requirements for an academic career.

Also, it is important to think about where you would like to study. Location and lifestyle can make a significant difference. Think about how this will affect your life, and importantly, is it a place where you could live in the future?

Regarding being successful in the process, preparation is key. Most universities provide a lot of information on their websites about the process and how to prepare strong applications. Make use of these resources, take the time to read the advice and treat the application itself as an opportunity to show that you possess key qualities faculty members are looking for, such as paying attention to detail, and writing ability. 

• Shane Moore is marketing and recruitment manager at the University of British Columbia .
• Julian Dierkes is associate dean of funding at graduate and postdoctoral studies, and assistant professor, school of public policy and global affairs at the University of British Columbia .
• Jens Locher is assistant dean, strategic technologies and business initiatives at the University of British Columbia .

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