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The highest academic degree awarded by any renowned University is a PhD or Doctor of Philosophy. The degree encompasses extensive research that requires students to complete a dissertation, a substantial piece of research that is original.
Pursuing a PhD in Commerce in Canada will aid the candidate in securing and working on multifaceted areas like MNCs, Financial Institutions, Government Agencies, and non-governmental organisations spanning diverse fields.
| Program | PhD in Commerce |
| Location | Canada |
| Average Annual Tuition Fee | CAD 6,600 – CAD 17,300 |
| Major Fields | Accounting, Business Economics, Finance, and Marketing |
| Popular Scholarships | Ontario Trillium Scholarship, Ontario Graduate Scholarship, and Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship |
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Also Read – PhD in Canada
Scope of Pursuing PhD in Commerce in Canada
Canada is a go-to place when it comes to acquiring a PhD in Commerce. Canada becomes a sought-after destination to embark on this new journey of discovery. Do you want to know the reasons why?
- World-renowned educational institutions with exemplary PhD fieldwork – Canada has been on top of some of the best research work in recent times. These universities offer world-class research opportunities as they are well-connected to the business community. They also have a strong track record of producing graduates who go on to pursue successful careers in business.
- Diversified avenues of research in the field of Commerce – Some of the research topics being explored in Canada in the field of commerce include areas like – The impact of artificial intelligence on the workplace, The future of financial markets, The rise of social media and its impact on marketing, The sustainability of supply chains, etc
- Offers a boundless number of opportunities for scholars of research to explore – Canada is a very welcoming country for international students, and there are many opportunities for research scholars and agents to find employment after graduation. The Canadian government offers a number of scholarships and grants to support international students, including the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and the Canada Research Chairs Program. These scholarships and grants can help to offset the cost of tuition and living expenses.
Top Universities for PhD in Commerce in Canada
Various prestigious Canadian universities offer PhD in Commerce in Canada. These institutes are renowned for their excellence in academics and research. The high-ranking universities of Canada that offer PhD in Commerce with their estimated fees and programs are:
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 | Estimated Average Fee (Yearly) | PhD Programs |
| University Of Toronto | 25 | CAD 8,200 | PhD in Management |
| McGrill University | 29 | CAD 17,300 | PhD in Management PhD in Accounting PhD in Finance PhD in Information Systems |
| University of British Columbia | 38 | CAD 8,200 | PhD in Business Administration in Accounting PhD in Business Administration in Finance PhD in Business Administration in Management Information Systems |
| University of Alberta | 96 | CAD 9,000 | PhD in Management PhD in Accounting PhD in Finance PhD in Accounting and Business Analyst |
| University of Waterloo | 115 | CAD 12,300 | PhD in Management |
| Western University | =120 | CAD 9,000 | PhD in FinancePhD in Accounting |
| University of Calgary | =198 | CAD 11,500 | PhD in Accounting |
| McMaster University | =176 | CAD 14,500 | PhD in AccountingPhD in Finance |
| University of Ottawa | 189 | CAD 6,600 | PhD in Management |
| Queen’s University at Kingston | 193 | Cad 8,200 | PhD in Management |
Also Read – Best Colleges in Canada
Subjects Covered Under PhD in Commerce in Canada
The Universities offer PhD in Commerce in Canada in mostly the seven fields shown below. These specialisations are high in demand and very rewarding in terms of career growth.
- Accounting
- Business Economics
- Finance
- Marketing
- Operations Management
- Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management
- Strategic Management
Must Read – PhD in Accounting
List of Scholarships for Pursuing PhD in Canada
Scholarships and funding are available to support and aid meritorious students who are aspiring to pursue a PhD in Canada. From full financial support to stipends and accommodation assistance, there are multiple scholarships that help researchers explore opportunities for themselves. A list of scholarships available are-
- Ontario Trillium Scholarship at Waterloo University
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship
- Graduate Global Leadership Fellowship at the University of British Columbia
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
- NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
- The University of Calgary Merit-based Scholarship
- Robert Hartog Graduate Scholarship
- University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship
- UAlberta Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship
- UBC four-year Doctoral Scholarship
- Hira and Renu Ahuja International Graduate Scholarship
Admission Requirements
To study in Canada for PhD in Commerce program, one is required to fulfil certain eligibility conditions. The criteria differ in every university, given some general requirements that an applicant must adhere to. They are as follows:
- A Master’s Degree in Commerce or Accounting field such as M.Com, MBA, etc. Preference is also given to people with prior research experience
- Preparing a strong research proposal that underlines your prospected research inclinations may also be required
- Minimum English Language ability proof in the form of acceptable IELTS or TOEFL scores.
- Official GRE or GMAT scores along with copies of official transcripts, CV, SOP, and LOR may also be required
- After an applicant submits their exam scores, candidates might also be called for a personal interview (PI) round by the university
Documents Required
To help you get started with your PhD in Canada, below we have mentioned a list of documents that you will need during the application process-
- Transcripts of your previous courses
- Competitive exam scorecard
- Photocopy of your passport
- Detailed resume
- Letter of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Research proposal (Optional)
- Other important certificates and transcripts
- Canadian Study Permit
Also Read- PhD in Management
FAQs
A. For PhD program in Canada in most of the universities, international students were asked to pay the fees either on an annual basis or based on per term. Mainly the average annual payment required for PhD in Canada is around 4000 CAD – 8000 CAD/year. The fees range from 2000 CAD – 8000 CAD on a term basis.
A. The eligibility criteria to study at the doctorate level in Canada differs from university to university and varies in courses, but there are some basic requirements that you need to fulfil: A master’s degree in the related field, with grades, position, and proven research ability and potential. Some Universities may also require language Proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
A. Yes, Canadian universities do offer some form of pay for doctoral students in return for completing work in their department. This is supplementary paid work, which can be treated like a salary. PhD fellowships or some baseline funding packages may also be provided on some conditions.
A. Any PhD and Doctoral degree involves mainly 3 to 6 years of study in Canada which includes in itself a thesis, which could only be completed after submitting the final Dissertation, depending on the time required to finish the research.
A. There is no specific age limit for PhD in Canada. The only requirements are that the candidate must have completed his post-graduation and meets the various requirement and certificates asked by the university.
If you are planning to pursue a PhD in Commerce from a top-rated university in Canada, but are not sure about the process then reach out to us at Leverage Edu where the experts will provide assistance at every step of the admission process. You can also attend a brainstorming counselling session by booking 30 minutes of free career counselling with our experienced professionals!
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