PhD in Psychology in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide to Study PhD in Psychology in Canada for International Students

You must be wondering what makes Canada a lucrative option for studying PhD in Psychology. Here is the answer to your question

• Home to coveted institutions: Canada is home to some of the oldest and prominent institutions ranked among the top globally which promises world-class education to students. 18 Universities in Canada rank for Psychology as per QS subject ranking 2021.
• Affordable fees: Compared to other study abroad destinations like the US or UK, the cost of PhD in Psychology in Canada for international students is quite affordable. Not only this, you will also be able to save yourself from cutting a hole in your pocket by applying for funding available for international doctoral applicants.
• Good future opportunities: For Psychologists, over the period 2019-2028, new job opportunities in Canada (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) are expected to total 15,700 , while 13,700 new job seekers (arising from school leavers, immigration and mobility) are expected to be available to fill them.
• World-class facilities: The health infrastructure of Canada is supported by high-tech facilities. By pursuing a PhD in Psychology in Canada you will not only be practicing with experts in the field but also get the benefits of world-class infrastructure.

Suggested: Masters in Psychology in Canada

The admission requirements in Canada may vary from one university to another. The general eligibility criteria for PhD in Psychology in Canada that must be fulfilled to get into any university across Canada are discussed below:

• Master’s Degree

To apply for PhD Psychology in Canada, you must have a thesis-based MA or MSc in Psychology degree. You will need a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above to be eligible for admission or minimum overall average in the B+ range. Remember that the minimum requirement does not guarantee admission.

• Proof of English Language Proficiency

All international students are required to fulfill this requirement to get into Psychology PhD programs in Canada. You are expected to have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 or overall TOEFL score of 90.

• Test Scores

Some universities require GRE scores depending on the area of research and according to the recommendation of the research supervisor.

• Visa Requirements

International students will have to apply for a Canadian student visa to be eligible to study in Canada. You will be able to apply for a study permit only after receiving the offer letter for admission. It is advisable to apply as early as possible to ensure sufficient time for processing the visa.

• Documents Required

Keep the following documents handy while applying for admission to PhD in Psychology in Canada for international students:

• Transcripts from previously attended university.
• Master’s degree certificate
• English language proficiency test scores
• GMAT/ GRE scores
• Letters of reference
• Statement of Research Interest
• Preference of supervisor
• CV/ Resume
• Personal statement of purpose 
• Writing sample
• Criminal record check
• Copy of passport
• Financial statement

Suggested: Universities in Canada for PhD

Majority of institutions in Canada offer PhD in Psychology only for the fall intake. The general application deadline for Fall is December 1. The PhD programs have limited seats which is why admissions are quite competitive. Try being an early applicant to be a step ahead of others in the admission process. It is important to be aware of the steps in the admission process for PhD in Psychology in Canada for international students:

1. Check_the_available_intake_and_application_deadline_forPhD in Canada.
2. Review_the_eligibility_criteria_and_admission_requirements_before_filling_the_online_application
3. Complete_the_online_application_and_submit_the_non_refundable_application_fee
4. Gather_the_documents_required_to_complete_the_application
5. Apply_to_the_doctoral_program_with_your_research_project_and_look_for_a_suitable_supervisor_and_discuss_with_them_your_project
6. After_submitting_your_application_track_the_progress_and_wait_for_the_admission_decision
7. Once_you_receive_the_admission_decision_pay_the_enrollment_deposit_and_confirm_your_acceptance
8. Obtain_the_letter_of_admission_and_proceed_with_the_application_process_for_Canadian_study_permit

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

Take a look at the top universities for PhD in Psychology in Canada along with important details such as top courses, fees, rankings and more:

• University of British Columbia

University of British Columbia is home to one of the top ranked Department of Psychology, praised for its research not only in Canada but worldwide. The department is run by 58 faculty members supporting 120+ full-time graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in research related to various disciplines with psychology. The key areas of research include clinical, cognitive science, developmental, health, behavioral neuroscience, quantitative methods and social psychology.

• Simon Fraser University

The graduate programs in Psychology at Simon Fraser University are directed towards a PhD. The PhD program is based on the scientist-practitioner training model and accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) and the American Psychological Association (APA).

• McGill University

The Graduate Department of Psychology at McGill University is one of the oldest and most well-known in North America. The university itself enjoys a great reputation as it ranks in the top 30 worldwide in QS Rankings 2022. It offers PhD in various specializations including Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Applied Child Psychology and Educational Psychology.

• University of Victoria

University of Victoria also provides a Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) accredited program which is based on the scientist-practitioner model. With completion of a PhD in Psychology from University of Victoria, international students will automatically qualify for licensed practice across Canada and the US. The program will prepare you for working in both academic and clinical settings be it with families, communities or organizations.

• University of Guelph

The College of Social and Applied Human Sciences at the University of Guelph offers PhD in Psychology. Depending on your area of interest you can choose from one of the four specializations that include Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Applied Social Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science.

• University of Toronto

University of Toronto is the highest ranked institution in Canada. The program emphasizes experimental psychology with behavioral neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, developmental and personality as areas of specialization.

Affordability is a major factor for pursuing Psychology PhD in Canada after eligibility. As we have already discussed the tuition fee for various universities let us now take a look at the overall cost of studying PhD Psychology in Canada:

The cost of studying Psychology PhD programs in Canada includes the tuition fees and the cost of living. The tuition fees PhD in Psychology in Canada for international students is between 7,000 CAD and 17,000 CAD. 

• The cost for Indian students is around 412,000-10,02,000 INR. Another component of the cost of education in Canada is the cost of living. 
• The average yearly cost of living in Canada for international students is around 10,000-12,000 CAD i.e. 5,87,000 - 7,05,000 INR. The cost of on-campus accommodation is around 3,000 CAD - 7,500 CAD while private accommodation is costlier and the rent is around 8,000 CAD - 9,000 CAD. 
• Other cost of living expenses include food, utility bills, transportation, entertainment, health insurance, etc.

The expenses of studying for a PhD in Psychology in Canada may be overburdening for students. But the good news is that there is a lot of scholarships for international students in Canada to fulfill their endeavors. You will also have access to a variety of merit and need-based funding opportunities from the university you apply to. Some scholarships that you must consider for studying PhD in Psychology in Canada are:

The salary of an individual is predicted to increase by 23% after completing a PhD. After getting a PhD in Psychology, you are most likely to practice in your area of specialization or take teaching roles. On an average, a psychologist in Canada earns around 200,000 CAD per year with salaries starting from 104,000 CAD and going up to 305,000 CAD. Take a look at the table below to understand the average salaries for various jobs after Canada PhD Psychology:

Suggested: Part time jobs for international students in Canada!

PhD in Clinical Psychology in Canada for international students has recently gained a lot of popularity as it is one of the highest paying specializations with a lot of scope within the field of Psychology. With a PhD from Canada you will be academically prepared for facing practical situations and excel in your job no matter which corner of the world you are in. Therefore, it is a justified choice to study for a PhD in Psychology in Canada. PhD in Psychology is not a completely theory based discipline but involves a lot of thinking and assessment to be well-known in your job.