PhD in Chemistry in Canada: Complete Guide to Pursue PhD in Chemistry in Canada

Before diving deep into the details of the program, let us take a look at reasons why you should consider studying PhD in Chemistry in Canada:

• Home to coveted institutions: Canada is home to coveted institutions that have significantly contributed to research and development and have proved their excellence through rankings. Coming to Chemistry subject rankings, there are 20 institutions that have made their mark in the QS subject rankings 2021. Among these, 4 institutions namely University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University and University of Alberta have ranked in the top 100 categories.

• Financial aid options: There are ample financial aid opportunities especially scholarships provided by universities in Canada for PhD in Chemistry that is not restricted to Canadian students. Several scholarships are offered to students by Government agencies and private foundations besides the university itself. Combining these financial aid options may help you get a fully-funded PhD in Chemistry in Canada.

• High-tech facilities: One of the major reasons why international students prefer studying PhD in Chemistry in Canada is the availability of world-class facilities and infrastructure. Studying PhD in Canada will also give you the opportunity to work with experts in the field.

Suggested: Complete Guide to Pursue PhD in Canada for International Students!

Canada is home to nearly 20 institutions that have ranked for Chemistry in the QS subject rankings 2021. Some of these institutions discussed in detail are:

• University of Toronto

• University of British Columbia

• McGill University

• University of Alberta
• University of Ottawa

Here you will find top 5 universities in Canada for PhD in Chemistry with important details such as rankings, top courses, fees and more:

• University of Toronto

University of Toronto is a remarkable institution in Canada that has established its excellence through rankings. The university ranks 26th globally in QS rankings 2022 and 19th for Chemistry in QS subject rankings 2021 with very high research output. One of the most significant factors worth considering for studying at this university is that it provides a fully-funded PhD in Chemistry in Canada.

• University of British Columbia

University of British Columbia is home to one of the largest research departments with the most up-to-date facilities in North America. The Department of Chemistry within the Faculty of Science at UBC provides excellent research facilities and resources for nearly 500 students. 

• McGill University

McGill University is an international university with over 200 graduate students, 40 postdoctoral fellows and nearly 39 professors who have the opportunity of undertaking edge-cutting research. The university’s Department of Chemistry has made groundbreaking research over the years and awarded nearly 1500 PhDs to date.

• University of Alberta

The Department of Chemistry at University of Alberta provides students with one of the best equipped and well-funded PhD in Chemistry in Canada. The faculty of the university is top-notch and research is supported by state-of-the-art equipment. Research not only revolves around traditional areas but also interdisciplinary programs such as chemical physics, medicinal chemistry, bioanalytical, bioorganic, biophysical, etc.

• University of Ottawa

The PhD in Chemistry is provided by the Ottawa-Carleton Chemistry Institute (OCCI) that combines research excellence of both University of Ottawa and Carleton University. The program is offered in English and French. You will have to provide proof of proficiency in the chosen language of instruction only.

Suggested: Universities in Canada for PhD

Various specializations for studying PhD in Chemistry in Canada combine other science subjects with Chemistry. For instance, PhD in Medicinal Chemistry in Canada combines two disciplines as it deals with integrating various chemicals present within the human body for developing pharmaceutical drugs. The demand for specializations such as PhD in Analytical Chemistry in Canada, PhD in Organic Chemistry, PhD in Environmental Chemistry, PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry in Canada has seen significant growth in recent years.

Here is a table showing the different specializations along with best universities in Canada for PhD in Chemistry:

Here you will find the general eligibility criteria for admission to PhD in Chemistry in Canada for international students. You will need the following to apply: 

• Master’s degree

• English language proficiency test scores
• Visa requirements

We shall now take a look at each of the  requirements closely for PhD in Chemistry in Canada:

1. Master’s Degree

Applicants for PhD in Chemistry in Canada must have a master’s degree from a recognized university with a minimum average of B+ i.e. 75% or its equivalent.

2. English Language Proficiency Test Scores

It is necessary for international students whose native language is not English to submit English language proficiency test scores for admission. A minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or TOEFL score of 100 is recommended for admission to PhD in Chemistry in Canada for international students.

3. Visa requirements

You will have to apply for a Canadian study permit after admission to PhD in Chemistry. You can only apply after receiving an admission confirmation.

Suggested: What is the Eligibility, Requirements & Application Process for Masters in Canada?

Here is a list of documents necessary to apply for admission to universities in Canada for PhD in Chemistry:

• Complete transcripts of academic records from post-secondary education
• English language proficiency tests scores
• Academic/ professional reference letters
• Statement of purpose to study in Canada
• CV
• Description of research interest
• Preference of research supervisor
• Writing sample
• Copy of passport
• Evidence of sufficient finances

The most common intake for admission to PhD in Chemistry in Canada universities is in Fall. Some universities also offer Winter intake. The number of applications received every year is quite high compared to the number of seats available which makes admission to universities in Canada for PhD in Chemistry competitive. It is best to apply as early as possible to avoid the risk of rejection. Summarized below are the steps to be followed to apply for admission to PhD in Chemistry in Canada for international students:

1. Start by looking for the available intake and application deadline for your program.
2. Check the eligibility criteria and requirements for admission before applying.
3. Complete the online application available on the university’s official website and submit the application fee.
4. Upload all necessary documents along with the application.
5. Some universities ask candidates to submit preferences of supervisors and the supervisors are assigned by the university while others may directly need to secure their supervisor and discuss the research proposal.
6. Once you have completed the application, check the university website for any updates and wait for the admission decision.
7. If accepted, proceed with the visa application and check the enrollment process at the university.
8. Make sure you pay the enrollment deposit within the specified deadline to confirm your place.

Suggested: Intakes and Deadlines to Study in Canada in 2022!

The cost of studying PhD in Chemistry in Canada includes the tuition fees and the cost of living. The expenses can vary to a great extent depending on your university fees, location within Canada and lifestyle, mainly your choice of accommodation.

• The tuition fees PhD in Chemistry in Canada for international students is 7,200-9,200 CAD per year. 
• On the other hand, the average cost of living in Canada for international students is around 10,000-12,000 CAD per year i.e. around 800-1,000 CAD per month.
• Private accommodation is quite costly, around 8,000-9,000 CAD per year while on-campus accommodation costs around 3,000-7,500 CAD per year. Other cost of living expenses include food, utility bills, transportation, entertainment, health insurance, etc.

Having discussed the cost of studying PhD in Chemistry in Canada for international students, we shall now take a look at the scholarships available for international doctoral candidates. Nearly all doctoral programs in Canada have standard funding that is provided to all students by the respective universities. You can combine external scholarships awarded by various organizations, agencies or Governments with your program funding and significantly reduce the overall program cost. You may also be eligible for an additional stipend. 

Here are some scholarships that you must keep in mind while applying to universities in Canada for Phd in Chemistry:

Chemists in Canada can work in a variety of fields depending on their area of specialization such as agri-food, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, environment, metallurgy, plastics and rubber, pulp and paper, cosmetics, etc.

• Professionals in the field of Chemistry have salaries ranging between 118,000 CAD to 374,000 CAD per year. 
• The salaries in Canada differ by province you are working in. Therefore, it is important to know that individuals working in Ontario have the highest salaries followed by British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba and Alberta compared to other provinces.
• Public sector employees in this field can expect around 4% higher salaries than those employed in the private sector.

Take a look at the table below for popular job titles and average salaries after PhD in Chemistry in Canada:

You can expect almost a 23% salary hike after pursuing a PhD in Chemistry in Canada. Therefore, it is a completely secure investment to study in Canada. The role is quite analytical and requires an eye for detail and strong numerical and technical skills. It is a vivid field where you will be constantly exploring, analyzing, challenging, experimenting, modifying and giving shape to your research and working on projects which may someday prove to be world-leading.