Getting a PhD in Canada can be a great decision if you are interested in a research-based program and if you want to experience Canada’s impressive natural beauty. Just like in most countries, the cost of getting a PhD can be demanding, hence many PhD candidates back out. However, if you wish to survive as an international student in Canada, there are ways to reduce the cost of obtaining a PhD abroad, and that is what has prompted this post, “How to Pay Less For a PhD in Canada”.
Apart from learning how to pay less for a PhD in Canada, other Countries are Offering Affordable Doctoral Degrees or No-Cost PhDs. Canada has been ranked by the the US News as one of the best places in the world to live—guess it helps that Canada has a stunning selection of natural parks! Also, Canada is a country that values peace, hence there is a low crime rate, entertainment choices, clean environment, high life expectancy, and GDP per capita.
However, something to consider when planning to get your PhD is that there can be significant expenses related to postgraduate studies and the cost of living. Well, don’t let that discourage you too much, we will today explore ways to reduce expenses and to get more financial support to lower your overall costs. Thereby helping you pay less for your PhD in Canada.
How to pay less for a PhD in Canada
As we stated in the beginning, it is a thrilling endeavor, to pursue a PhD in Canada but it can be financially frightening at the same time. Especially if you are not well equipped financially. Let us go ahead to look at some ways to reduce the cost of a PhD in Canada, making sure that doctorate education is affordable for everyone.
The essence of this post is to help potential PhD candidates navigate the complexity of tuition costs, scholarships, and ways to save money so that they may make the most of their investment in Canadian education. Whether you’re pursuing a PhD in Canada for academic or financial reasons, let us show you how to minimise the cost of a doctorate study as an international student.
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Find Affordable Universities
It isn’t difficult to find a PhD program that won’t charge you tuition fees in Canada. As a matter of fact, and as a postgraduate student, paying tuition is something that you certainly shouldn’t be doing. There are publicly funded schemes that apply to all international PhD students and this ensures that you will not have to pay any additional international fees.
The biggest PhD tuition fees to avoid are the differential fees – the master’s fees. These fees generally apply to the period of master’s degree study as well as any fee-paying period of a PhD. Finding a university that does not charge master’s level fees can dramatically reduce the costs of postgraduate study and offer a better chance of an affordable PhD in Canada.
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Scholarships and Grant Opportunities
This is the most popular means to pay less for a PhD in Canada and globally. Whenever the topic “How to pay less for a PhD in Canada” comes up, scholarships and grant opportunities are the first things that come to mind. Scholarships and grants are types of gift money that students do not need to repay and are provided by many different public and private organizations. These include the federal and provincial governments, colleges, universities, and independent organizations.
Scholarships are usually awarded based on academic achievement while grants are awarded based on financial need. Unlike loans, which have to be paid back with interest, scholarship and grant opportunities offer financial aid that does not have to be repaid. As such, scholarship opportunities often exist for both domestic and international students and programs may offer additional funding for scholars looking to gain experience undertaking part of their research study in another country.
Related: Top PhD Scholarships in Canada for International Students
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Part-time Work Options for Financial Support
In Canada, universities do offer a good number of part-time jobs inside the campus. You can try for these chances initially because it could be a little simpler to get a part-time job on campus instead of outside. In Canadian universities, the minimum wage rate may vary from $10.25 to $13 per hour. Students are typically paid by the hour, hence working part-time could not be the only solution. However, it could provide very good financial support.
Usually, a student with a spouse is authorized to work off-campus if the student is a full-time student, has a valid study permit, and his/her course of study is at least six months or more. Nevertheless, the student must apply to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada office for a work permit and must wait until the work permit is issued. Looking for part-time jobs you can do in Canada? See our post on 10 Menial Jobs for International PhD Students in Canada to get started ASAP!
Tips for Minimizing Living Expenses
By following the suggestions below, PhD students in Canada can keep their living costs to a minimum and gain more financial freedom, as detailed in the work “How to pay less for a PhD in Canada”. Here are a few important tips for minimizing living expenses as a PhD student in Canada:
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Choose Universities Located in Small Cities
It is important to remember that university campuses often come with higher living expenses compared to smaller towns. By choosing a university located in a smaller city, such as Wilfrid Laurier University or Dalhousie University, students can save a significant amount on rent and other accommodation costs as well as groceries.
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Use Shared Accommodation
PhD students could also look into shared houses, rather than staying in university accommodation since private renting often works out to be the most affordable anyway. As well as living more cheaply, shared houses can also allow students to live with others they know, which can be a big help during stressful times of studying. It may sound simple, but this can also make it easier for students to eat healthily and not overspend on takeaways and ready meals since they can take turns cooking and sharing food.
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Cook Bulk Food
Cooking meals in bulk and freezing them is another good way to save on food, and also saves time in the evenings. In addition to common recommendations like setting a budget and not borrowing too much, students can also make use of discounts specifically aimed at young people and those in full-time education. See our dedicated topic on 10 Tips to Save Money As A Doctoral Candidate as it may help you to not only minimize living expenses but pay less for a PhD.
Strategies for Reducing Tuition Fees in Canada
Among the various strategies for reducing tuition fees, one of the most effective methods is to establish an independent student residency in Canada. Most university programs charge different fees for domestic and international students, with the latter required to pay several times more. By obtaining a Canadian student visa, you will qualify as a local student and thus pay less for tuition.
Each province in Canada is responsible for designating its own residency guidelines for students. It is best to start by understanding the residency rules for a specific province since you will only be qualified for reduced tuition in that province. Keep in mind that different provinces have different definitions of residency for students. For example, Ontario requires living in the province for a full 12 months without any significant interruption, while some other provinces only need 8 months of residency.
Related: How To Get PR in Canada As A PhD Student
There are lesser-known methods of reducing tuition fees. For example, students who have completed an admission pathway program for a doctorate at some universities may be eligible for a refund of tuition up to $1800. Some universities, such as the University of Calgary, have special policies that allow students to pay reduced fees for a few terms in the provisional year when paying full tuition for every term may not be necessary.
Another example is that the University of Saskatchewan has a tuition reduction program for students who exceed the normal expected length of the study. However, there are no general methods that would universally guarantee tuition reduction. Students must understand the options that are available at their university and take action accordingly.
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