Top Universities In Canada For PhD In Psychology

What are the Top Universities In Canada For PhD In Psychology? If you are wanting to study Psychology in Canada, you will probably want to get the best possible Education for the time spent through your degree. Using data on reputation and research citations, the following Canadian Universities were ranked in the QS World Rankings By Subject, in the subject of Psychology and are ranked as the top five Psychology schools in Canada. Study amongst the best Psychology educational institutions in Canada in the following Universities – even though these are ranked as the top 5, remember there are tons of other Psychology schools throughout Canada depending on where you live / want to study. We will review the masters in psychology in canada for international students and the psychology courses in canada for international students.

Canada is constantly providing more courses and programs for international students in different domains. Psychology is being a vocational course that aims to study human behavior and the human mind concerning various situations is definitely in demand. To study abroad in Canada, international students can choose some of the best psychology universities in Canada to rank among the top 150 universities in the world as per QS Rankings, 2020.

• In Canada, psychologists earn an average remuneration between 49,000 – 117,000 CAD yearly. Psychologists also earn an average bonus between 997 – 20,000 CAD and share profits of up to 7,000 CAD.
• As per reports of Job Bank Canada, between 2017-2026, there will be 16,500 new jobs for psychologists. 
• Canada has international as well as country-specific scholarships available between 1,967 – 40,000 CAD for psychology students.
• As far as graduate employability is concerned, the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, and the University of Alberta rank # 16, 25, and 87 globally. And Canada’s unemployment rate is also minimal, which is 5.60 percent only to date.

psychology courses in canada for international students

Top Universities In Canada For PhD In Psychology

As per QS subject-rankings, Canada has several highly-ranked colleges, which makes it a popular study destination for international students. Psychology courses in Canada are available at all levels of study. Along with degree programs, some psychology courses in Canada are also available as short-term courses. So, let’s share the list of some top-ranked universities in Canada and the courses offered below:

Universities	QS Rankings subject-wise	Number of Courses
University of British Columbia	13	UG – 4, PG – 1, Doctorate – 1
University of Toronto	19	UG – 6, PG – 2, Doctorate – 2
McGill University	30	UG – 2, PG – 4, Doctorate – 2
University of Montreal	101-150	UG – 3, PG – 2, Doctorate – 4
Simon Fraser University	101-150	UG- 6, PG – 4, Doctorate – 3
McMaster University	151-200	UG – 1, PG- 2, Doctorate – 1
University of Alberta	151-200	UG- 4, PG-2 , Doctorate – 2
University of Ottawa	251-300	UG- 5, Doctorate – 2

1. University of Toronto

Province: Ontario

The University of Toronto, founded in 1827, is one of the oldest universities in Canada and one of the world’s leading research centres.

The scientific study of psychology has a long and illustrious history at the University of Toronto, beginning with J. Mark Baldwin’s founding of the tenth psychology laboratory in North America in 1891. Psychology gained department status at the University’s St. George campus in 1927, and was later expanded with the addition of the Scarborough (1964) and Mississauga (1966) campuses. The three campuses offer independent undergraduate programs but a common, integrated graduate program

Presently, there are more than 60 full-time and 20 cross-appointed faculty at the three campuses, with many of the latter based at affiliated hospitals and research institutes. The combined expertise of our faculty spans all major areas of psychology and reflects a wide range of approaches to the study of mind, brain, and behaviour.

With a diverse and internationally recognized faculty, first-rate laboratory facilities, and a tradition of cutting-edge, collaborative research in an inspiring intellectual atmosphere, the department has for over a century been a top choice for those pursuing a career in psychological research.

Learn more or apply to the University of Toronto.

Learn How to Become a Psychologist in Ontario

2. McGill University

Province: Quebec

With some 300 buildings, more than 38,500 students and 250,000 living alumni, and a reputation for excellence that reaches around the globe, McGill has carved out a spot among the world’s greatest universities [McGill About].

McGill is a large sized University with a population of under 30 000 and ranked as the 20th best Psychology University in the World according to the QS rankings

According to the McGill Department of Psychology Homepage –

Students from over 150 countries come to McGill because of

• A strong academic reputation. McGill’s 21 faculties and professional schools offer programs in some 300 areas of study.
• An outstanding faculty bring the latest research directly to their students.
• The Montreal setting has it all. Lively and cosmopolitan, Montreal is the second largest French-speaking city in the world. Although McGill is an English university, over 20% of our students are francophone.
• The name McGill sparks recognition worldwide and our graduates are prominent in every field of endeavour.
• There is an active alumni network provides graduates with contacts around the globe.

McGill’s international reputation for teaching and research attracts the best and the brightest students and faculty from around the world. Choosing McGill is an excellent step in ensuring a successful future for yourself!

Learn more or apply to McGill University

Learn How to become a Psychologist in Quebec

3. University of British Columbia

Province: British Columbia

Psychology was initially introduced as a single course and was offered by the Department of Philosophy in 1915. Over the years the number of courses and instructors grew until the University of British Columbia Psychology Department officially became the Department of Psychology in 1958. The Kenny Building was specifically designed and built to house the Psychology Department during the time that Peter Suedfeld was Department Head. He would go on to become Dean of the Graduate Faculty, and the Department moved into the building in 1984. The departments present home is named for Dr. Douglas T. Kenny, a developmental psychologist who was elected as the Head of the Department of Psychology in 1964, served as Dean of the Faculty of Arts from 1970-1975, and was President of UBC from 1975-1983.

UBC’s Department of Psychology advances the study and understanding of psychology to improve individual and societal well-being. We do this by creating a stimulating and collaborative research environment with a unique focus on enhanced teaching and learning.

UBS claims they are Canada’s top-ranked psychology department and are ranked 12th globally. The 51 faculty members and 115 full-time graduate students conduct research across the spectrum of psychology, representing eight sub-disciplinary specializations: Behavioural Neuroscience, Clinical, Cognitive Science, Developmental, Health, Learning Enhancement, Qualitative Methods, and Social/Personality.

The most popular undergraduate Major at UBC, Psychology currently has over 1700 students working toward their BA degree and over 120 studying for their BSc. During the 2013 academic year, more than 13,500 UBC undergraduates took at least one of our 52 courses (comprising 180 sections). Psychology was initially introduced as a single course and was offered by the Department of Philosophy in 1915. Over the years the number of courses and instructors grew until we officially became the Department of Psychology in 1958 [About UBC Psychology].

Learn more or apply to the university of British Columbia

Learn How to Become a Psychologist in British Columbia

4. Western University

Province: Ontario

The Department of Psychology at the University of Western Ontario offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in general psychology. The Graduate Program in Psychology allows students to further pursue individual studies in seven areas of research excellence.

Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. From its home in London, Canada, outward across every continent, Western prepares future leaders to succeed. Western appeals to students with a broad world view: those seeking to study, engage with, and lead in the global community. Students from more than 115 countries share in classroom experiences broadening perspectives and understanding. Beyond campus, students engage in study-abroad, research and volunteer opportunities. Western students strike a balance between high academic achievement and athletic, volunteer and social engagement, fostering a strong sense of pride and community. The community extends to a a network of 260,000 alumni across more than 150 countries. Western researchers collaborate with colleagues across the campus, country and globe to inform policy and share knowledge on the world stage. Western is home to many world-renowned research centres including the Rotman Institute of Philosophy, the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel, the Brain and Mind Institute, The Africa Institute, Canada-U.S. Institute, and Centre for Environment and Sustainability. Considered Canada’s most beautiful campus, Western is situated on 480 hectares of green space containing traditional and modern architecture. Our home, London, Canada, is a safe, welcoming community of more than 366,000 people [topuniversities.com].

Learn more or apply to Western University

Learn How to Become a Psychologist in Ontario

5. York University

Province: Ontario

York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York is Canada’s third largest university with a commitment to excellence which reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart.

As a globally recognized research centre, York is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York’s 11 faculties and 28 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York’s community is strong — 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.

Learn more or apply to York University

Learn How to Become a Psychologist in Ontario

Other Psychology Schools in Canada

If you are interested in becoming a Psychologist in Canada and are interesting in attending a school somewhere else in Canada, then check out the Psychology Schools page where you can explore all of the Psychology schools throughout Canada by Province, City or Town, Program Type, Degree Type and Specializations. Even though the above top 5 rated Canadian Psychology Universities are amongst the top in Canada, there are many other great educational schools throughout the Country that can provide a wonderful experience.

The above Universities were taken from the top five Universities in the subject of Psychology using their QS World University rankings for 2014,  filtered down to the Country Canada. If you would like to see the most up to dat rankings as the years go on, you can see them at topuniversities.com – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2014 – Psychology.

masters in psychology in canada for international students

Information is exploratory. For accurate information, refer to the official website of the school. Advanced searchShowing 1-15 of 353 items.

			Title	City	Bachelor	Master
	21	1	University of Toronto	Toronto	33,980 USD	33,980 USD
	34	2	McGill University	Montreal	27,390 USD	7,563 USD
	35	3	The University of British Columbia	Vancouver	21,737 USD	5,898 USD
	97	4	University of Alberta	Edmonton	18,190 USD	18,190 USD
	108	5	University of Montreal	Montreal	9,175 USD	12,500 USD
	116	6	McMaster University	Hamilton	17,346 USD	17,346 USD
	171	7	University of Waterloo	Waterloo	17,600 USD	17,600 USD
	197	8	University of Western Ontario	London	19,183 USD	19,183 USD
	201	9	University of Calgary	Calgary	14,156 USD	9,800 USD
	203	10	Queen’s University	Kingston	18,234 USD	21,238 USD
	208	11	Simon Fraser University	Burnaby	15,167 USD	8,342 USD
	233	12	Dalhousie University	Halifax	7,000 USD	7,000 USD
	241	13	University of Ottawa	Ottawa	5,000 USD	7,000 USD
	255	14	University of Victoria	Victoria	19,030 USD	19,030 USD
	258	15	Laval University	Québec	26,041 USD	24,602 USD

Advantages of Canadian universities

• Practical focus. While studying, a student at a Canadian university is more likely to participate in seminars and project work than attend lectures. 56% of undergraduates benefit from hands-on learning – such as co-ops, internships, and service learning – as part of their university education^[0].
• Global integration. Degrees and certificates granted by Canadian higher education institutions are highly valued all over the world. According to the three most famous world rankings, Canada has 5 of the top 150 universities worldwide. In total, all Canadian universities have more than 5000 partnerships, including those with large international companies.
• Funding. Universities in Canada are properly funded. Large endowments available at McGill University, the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia allow them to equip modern laboratories and academic buildings. Both the government and private sector are providing significant support. According to the OECD, 5.9% of Canada’s total GDP is allocated to education^[1].
• Bilingualism. In Canada, students can choose their language of study. Among the options are anglophone, francophone and bilingual universities. The latter offer programs in both state languages.

Disadvantages and features of Canadian universities

• High tuition fees. The average cost of studying for international undergraduate students is 30,000 USD per year, which is about 30% cheaper than in the United States, Great Britain or Australia. However, it is hard to actually call it affordable.
• Religious nature and conservatism. Despite the fact that many Canadian universities were founded not so long ago, they mainly adhere to the traditional paradigm of education. Moreover, almost all private universities in Canada are still formally affiliated with religious groups. The curriculum includes optional classes on the history of various religions, but most attention is paid to the study of Christianity and the Bible. Probably the only private secular university is Quest University in British Columbia.
• Medical education. In Canada, foreign students cannot get higher education in the field of medicine, except for the colleges providing nursing programs. Surgery and medical care programs at universities can only be offered by the agreement of two countries’ governments, which is extremely rare.

Admission requirements at Canadian universities

Type of study	Age	Duration	Min. cost per year	Avg. cost per year	Min. language level	Exams	Type of study
Foundation	16+	1 year	8,145 USD	20,362 USD	B1	IELTS 5.0-5.5	DELF B1
Colleges	17+	1-4 years	1,629 USD	8,145 USD	B2	IELTS 6.0-6.5	DELF B2
Bachelor’s	17+	3-4 years	16,290 USD	24,190 USD	B2	IELTS 6.0 -6.5	DELF B2
Master’s	20+	1-3 years	8,145 USD	14,417 USD	C1	IELTS 7.0-7.5	DALF C1
MBA	20+	2 years	31,765 USD	43,005 USD	C1	IELTS 7.0-7.5	DALF C1
Doctoral	20+	3-6 years	8,145 USD	12,217 USD	C1	IELTS 7.0-7.5	DALF C1

Admission requirements in Canada vary, depending on the institution. Usually, international students can apply to a college or university after 11-12 grades of secondary school (except for the province of Quebec, where a high school diploma achieved after 11 years of study is not sufficient for admission to a local university). The minimum entry age for higher education in Canada is 17-18.

Each foreign applicant has to demonstrate basic language proficiency. To study in English, you can submit TOEFL or IELTS results. For French-speaking universities, DELF / DALF is required.
The final list of documents may include:

• A certified copy of your certificate / diploma / qualifications with transcripts;
• Language test results;
• SAT results;
• A graduate entry test score GRE or GMAT;
• A research proposal;
• A letter of motivation, an academic essay, a curriculum vitae (CV), references from former teachers, etc.

Recognition of academic credentials

Types of educational institutions in Canada

Higher education in Canada is provided by colleges and universities. However, understanding of these types of educational institutions is a bit different from that adopted in many other countries.

• Universities in Canada are degree-granting institutions, i.e. institutions providing bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Particular importance is attached to scientific research. The title “university” is protected under federal regulation.
• Colleges are defined as higher education institutions that grant certificates, diplomas, associate’s degrees, and apprenticeships. Some are also permitted to award a limited set of bachelor’s degrees through joint programs with universities. Canadian colleges offer vocational training in specific employment fields.
• University colleges. In some provinces (mainly Ontario and Alberta), there are designated university colleges that do not have full university status, but, unlike ordinary colleges, are permitted to grant undergraduate degrees, including applied bachelor’s.
• CÉGEPs – Collèges d’enseignement général et professionnel. CÉGEP is a type of post-secondary institution exclusive to Quebec. These are pre-university colleges, which are primarily designed to prepare high school graduates for admission to Canadian universities. However, they also offer vocational programs for those who want to directly enter the profession. Depending on the purpose, training lasts 2 or 3 years.

Based on the language of teaching, higher education institutions can be divided into three categories: anglophone, francophone and bilingual. In English-speaking universities, undergraduate studies generally last 4 years and graduate (or postgraduate) programs – 1-2 years. In French-speaking universities, located mostly in Quebec, undergraduate programs take 3 years to complete due to the fact that Quebec students usually spend one extra year at CÉGEP prior to university. Bilingual universities mainly function as English-speaking ones.
Most universities are funded by the government, but there are several dozen private and religious universities and colleges.

Colleges in Canada

The main difference between colleges and universities is that college students rarely engage in research activities. Teaching is fully focused on providing them with specific employment skills. Students benefit from internships and co-op programs, which allow work experience as part of their educational process.
Canadian colleges may be known as colleges of applied arts and technology, community colleges, institutes of technology, polytechnics and career colleges^[2]. In total, they offer over 10,000 programs lasting from several months to four years, providing graduates with a straight path to employment in many technical and professional fields, including: agriculture and agri-food, engineering technology, social services and health, environment, hospitality management, information technology, broadcasting and journalism, business, languages and art and design^[3].

Top colleges in Canada

• British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is a public polytechnic institute in Burnaby, British Columbia. In addition to providing business, technology, health and trade programs, the institute is also engaged in applied research, focused on providing solutions to industry challenges. BCIT also has the Aerospace Technology Campus in Richmond, an interactive fire simulation theatre, an automated manufacturing robotics lab and other advanced facilities^[4].
• Humber College is a publicly funded polytechnic in Toronto, Ontario. Humber has 6 faculties and 31,200 full-time students, including over 6000 foreigners^[5]. Training takes place in state-of-the-art facilities and creative spaces. Humber’s Centers of Innovation offer students the opportunity to join interdisciplinary teams with faculty and partner companies to create meaningful applied research projects.
• Algonquin College is a publicly funded college with campuses located in several cities of Ontario. It is named after the indigenous peoples of North America who lived in this area – Algonkin. The college is actively expanding and renovating its campus through building green buildings according to LEED standards. Algonquin College ranks 2nd among top Ontario colleges for student and graduate satisfaction^[6]. In 2019, Algonkin was recognized as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers^[7].
• George Brown College is a public college of applied arts and technology in downtown Toronto, Ontario. It collaborates with companies for developing programs and employing graduates. 98% of career-focused programs include the so-called integrated field education, providing students with opportunities for experiential learning in real-world work environments^[8]. In 2018, George Brown was ranked 1st among the top 50 research colleges for the number of paid student researchers^[9]. 27% of George Brown’s students are international^[10].