Nursing (PhD)

Frequently asked questions

• How much does Nursing (PhD) cost?

  CAD 8,571 / year.

• What English score does it need?

  IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.

• How long is it?

  4 years, as listed by the university.

• What are the entry requirements?

  If your first language is not English, you must provide proof of language proficiency. Learn more about language requirements , including allowable exemptions and tests. Review our general admission requirements for more information. Program specific requirements - Completion of a baccalaureate and master's degree in Nursing from an institution recognized by UVic with a minimum 7.0 (A-) GPA in your master's program - If you have less than a 7.0 GPA, we may consider appropriate work experience and additional credentials. - We may consider a master's degree in other disciplines, though you may be required to take additional courses to acquire the necessary grounding in nursing knowledge development. - Completion of an advanced level (500 or higher) university statistics course before starting the program - Active practicing registration as a Registered Nurse (RN) - We strong recommend a minimum of two years' full-time nursing practice as a registered nurse (or equivalent) You should have the capacity to conduct original research and scholarship and the ability to communicate clearly in written and verbal format at a graduate level. As part of your application, you must submit: - Letter of intent : an important part of the application process that provides a formal sample of your writing and an opportunity to reflect on your preparation and goals in pursuing the doctoral degree in Nursing. - Curriculum vitae (CV) , including your educational background, employment history, professional/academic affiliations and any publications or awards. - Sample of scholarly writing (e.g., a chapter of thesis, published article, project paper) uploaded to your application checklist in PDF format. - Supervisor confirmation : All potential PhD students must secure a supervisor prior to application. You are encouraged to review faculty profiles and email potential supervisors. - Once you have secured a supervisor, upload a PDF of their email confirmation to the online application that shows their willingness to supervise your program of study and dissertation research. - Two academic references: The referees must be qualified individuals (generally those who hold an academic position at a recognized post-secondary educational institution) who can provide evidence of your ability to undertake advanced academic work in the area of interest. IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no section less than 6.0 (Academic IELTS only, test centre or online; IELTS Academic One Skill Retake accepted); TOEFL iBT for tests taken after 21 January 2026: 4.5 overall with no section less than 4.0; for tests taken before 21 January 2026: 90 overall with no section less than 20 (iBT test centre or Home Edition; MyBest Scores accepted); PTE 65 with no skill less than 60; CAEL 70 with no component below 60; MET 64 with no section less than 60; Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 180 with no component below 170. Test scores more than two years old are not accepted. Individual departments may set a higher standard. (Source: UVic Graduate Admissions, Language proficiency.) · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; PTE Academic 65 · English test waiver: Requirement already met if English is your primary language, you hold a degree from a designated English-speaking country, or you hold a degree from a recognized institution at which the language of instruction is English. Applicants who cannot provide proof may still be considered and complete UVic's University Admission Preparation (UAP) course with a grade of at least 80%, provided the prospective academic unit is willing to admit on that condition; UAP is a 12-week program offered in January, April and September, and in an intensive four-week summer format. UVic does not accept university English preparation courses from other institutions. · Application fee: CAD 187.00 if any documents originate outside Canada; CAD 145.25 if all documents originate within Canada (payable online by credit card; the application is not processed until payment is received). Source: UVic Graduate Admissions, How to apply.

• Is there a scholarship?

  Graduate students admitted to a graduate degree programs are automatically considered for a fellowship, based on a qualifying GPA. Individual fellowship amounts may vary depending on the program. UVic Fellowship - Up to $20,000 per year (PhD) Eligibility - The minimum requirement for UVic fellowship consideration is a B+ average on the last two years of course work - To receive your payment, UVic fellowship holders must be registered in a minimum of 1.5 units of graduate level courses - Full-time registration for students registered with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) is 1.5 units You can also join the co-op program or work as a research or teaching assistant . Funding opportunities