Forensic Psychology (PhD)

Frequently asked questions

• How much does Forensic Psychology (PhD) cost?

  CAD 19,166 / year.

• What English score does it need?

  IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.

• When does it start?

  Intakes listed for this programme: September 2027.

• How long is it?

  4 years, as listed by the university.

• What are the entry requirements?

  PhD in Forensic Psychology Hold the university's Master of Science (MSc) degree in Forensic Psychology or an equivalent research project or thesis-based Master of Arts/MSc degree (e.g., Experimental Psychology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Biology, Criminology) at a recognized institution. Minimum academic standing of A-minus (GPA: 3.7 on a 4.3 scale or 80 to 84 per cent) during graduate study. PhD in Forensic Psychology – direct entry Hold a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent in Psychology or a related field (e.g., Neuroscience, Computer Science, Biology, Criminology) at a recognized institution. Students with both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees are encouraged to apply. Minimum overall academic standing of at least an A-minus (GPA: 3.7 on a 4.3 scale or 80 to 84 per cent), with a minimum academic standing of A-minus in the final two full-time years (four terms) of undergraduate study, including elective courses. Applicants who are not accepted into the PhD direct entry program will automatically be considered for the MASc program. Note: Completion of an honours thesis or comparable research experience is highly preferred but not required. Applicants with unrelated backgrounds may be admitted as special cases. However, applicants without sufficient psychology background or those who do not meet the admission requirements of the program may not be prepared to perform successfully in the program courses. In this case, they may be required to take additional courses or admitted as qualifying students. Please see the Graduate Academic Calendar and Course Catalogue for additional details. Required supporting documents: A curriculum vitae (CV) including education, employment, teaching and research experience, and publications (if any). A two- to three-page statement of academic intent (note that this is longer than the general requirements). The statement may describe previous research experience (e.g., thesis work, other research projects), industry or community experiences, general career aspirations, specific research interests and any experience relevant to these interests. If an applicant has already contacted a potential thesis supervisor (which is highly advised), that should be made known within the statement. A substantive writing sample. A sample of the applicant's thesis is preferred; an assignment or published work (with the applicant as first author) will suffice if a thesis has not been completed. Applicants must also submit the required documents outlined in the checklist of required documents . Additional supporting documents: General Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are encouraged but not required. There is no specified minimum score; however, scores will be factored into admission decisions. Psychology GRE scores for those applicants who have not completed a Psychology (undergraduate or graduate) degree within the last five years are encouraged but not required. There is no specified minimum score. All other applicants may still choose to have their Psychology GRE scores forwarded to the university, and the graduate committee will factor the scores into admissions decisions. The GRE® Subject Test date varies by location . Applicants should submit General GRE test scores prior to the deadline. Applicants should register early for the Psychology Subject Test. For an updated list of test centers, please see the Paper-delivered Test Center List . Institution code: 7178. Required test scores for English language proficiency See English language proficiency for the minimum required test scores for this program. · English: IELTS 6.5 · English test waiver: Waived if you have studied full-time for at least three years (or the part-time equivalent) in a university degree program where the language of instruction AND examination was English, or you have completed such a degree; enrolment in an English as a Second Language (ESL) program does not count toward the three years. Ontario Tech may ask for official verification. Applicants who meet every other admission requirement may instead enrol in an eligible English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program through an Ontario Tech EAP partner. Source: https://gradstudies.ontariotechu.ca/future_students/application_process_and_requirement/step%203/english-language-proficiency.php · GRE/GMAT: General Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are encouraged but not required. There is no specified minimum score; however, scores will be factored into admission decisions. || Psychology GRE scores for those applicants who have not completed a Psychology (undergraduate or graduate) degree within the last five years are encouraged but not required. There is no specified minimum score. All other applicants may still choose to have their Psychology GRE scores forwarded to the university, and the graduate committee will factor the scores into admissions decisions. || The GRE® Subject Test date varies by location . Applicants should submit General GRE test scores prior to the deadline. Applicants should register early for the Psychology Subject Test. For an updated list of test centers, please see the Paper-delivered Test Center List . Institution code: 7178. · Deposit: Ontario Tech does not publish a deposit amount: 'To accept your offer of admission and secure your place in the program, you must submit a non-refundable tuition deposit. The deposit amount is listed in your official Letter of Acceptance and on the Applicant Portal.' International applicants must pay it before requesting a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Source: https://registrar.ontariotechu.ca/fees-and-payment/ancillary-fees/miscellaneous-and-administrative-fees-2026-2027.php

• Is there a scholarship?

  Applicants to research-based graduate programs studying full-time are automatically considered at the time of admission for entrance scholarships, minimum funding packages, and teaching, research and graduate research assistantships - no application required. Assistantships are available to both Canadian and international students (an international student who accepts a TAship, RAship or GRAship must obtain a Social Insurance Number). Part-time students are not eligible. External awards also exist but Ontario Tech states "the majority of these awards are for domestic or permanent residents only". Sources:; the Funding tab of this program page View scholarship page