Doctor of Philosophy in Planning (PhD)
CanadaCourse at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 6.2 yearsDuration
- Vancouver, CanadaLocation
- PlanningField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- VancouverCampus
- Doctor of Philosophy in Planning (PhD)Awards
- $10,082Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
SCARP’s mission is to, through education and research, generate and transform knowledge into action by planning in partnership to improve lives and communities and the quality of built and natural environments. We are interested in attracting students to our PhD program who are interested in gaining the capabilities of a planning scholar – including deep awareness of intellectual history and planning theory, the diverse research designs employed in planning research, and in specific research methodologies – data collection and analysis.
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Planning scholarship touches on issues of participatory democracy, policy, and social and environmental change in place-based communities. Explicit connection of knowledge to action distinguishes planning research from that of many other disciplines. SCARP’s faculty have diverse areas of expertise and interest that prospective students are encouraged to seek out, including sustainable/active transportation, disaster and resilience planning, social planning, place-based health and care planning, climate adaptation and energy transition, cross-cultural and indigenous planning, housing and infrastructure planning, community based urban design, and urbanisation and its challenges in the Global South, to name just a few of our faculty's research interests. Our research approach is inherently interdisciplinary and spans qualitative, quantitative, and participatory/action methodologies. For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website $54,533 Net funding per year * 17 Enrolled students 6.2 Average years to completion * Historically, 50% of students have received this amount of funding or more in each of the first four years, after deducting tuition and fees. For latest program-specific funding packages, please review details under Tuition & Financial Support or the program website . Once I decided to pursue my PhD in urban planning, UBC was an obvious choice. The School of Community and Regional Planning (
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
Canada- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 7.0
- Study modeDissertation
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies minimum: a bachelor's degree with a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC); individual programmes may set higher minimums. Applicants from a university outside Canada where English is not the primary language of instruction must submit an English language proficiency test taken within the last 24 months. · English: IELTS 7.0 (no band below 6.5); TOEFL iBT 100; Duolingo English Test 130 · English test waiver: Applicants whose degree is from a university where English is the primary language of instruction are not required to submit an English language proficiency test (UBC Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies English language requirement). · GRE/GMAT: The GRE is optional. · Application fee: CAD 168.25 (international applicants); CAD 118.50 (Canadian citizen / permanent resident / refugee / diplomat)
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$10,082 CAD / year≈ $7,413 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsInternational Tuition Award (ITA) CAD 3,200.00 per year for eligible individuals, as published in the programme fee table.
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Doctor of Philosophy in Planning (PhD) cost?
CAD 10,082 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 7.0 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
6.2 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies minimum: a bachelor's degree with a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC); individual programmes may set higher minimums. Applicants from a university outside Canada where English is not the primary language of instruction must submit an English language proficiency test taken within the last 24 months. · English: IELTS 7.0 (no band below 6.5); TOEFL iBT 100; Duolingo English Test 130 · English test waiver: Applicants whose degree is from a university where English is the primary language of instruction are not required to submit an English language proficiency test (UBC Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies English language requirement). · GRE/GMAT: The GRE is optional. · Application fee: CAD 168.25 (international applicants); CAD 118.50 (Canadian citizen / permanent resident / refugee / diplomat)
Is there a scholarship?
International Tuition Award (ITA) CAD 3,200.00 per year for eligible individuals, as published in the programme fee table.
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