Counselling Psychology — Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (Thesis-based)
CanadaCourse at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 4 yearsDuration
- Main Campus, CanadaLocation
- Werklund School of EducationField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Main CampusCampus
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)Awards
- $8,576Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
This specialized thesis-based degree is designed to help students develop the philosophical, theoretical, research, and practical expertise required to offer effective psychological education and counselling. The program offers you the opportunity to study diverse topics of particular relevance to counsellors, including interpersonal communication, lifespan human development, family functioning, career assessment and evaluation, and statistics and research design.
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The program follows a scientist-practitioner model of training and is delivered on campus only, with a two-year residency required. Training is based on the definition of counselling psychology approved by the Canadian Psychological Association’s board of directors.
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 6.5
- Study modeThesis-based program
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
GPA: A minimum of 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the last two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree. | Minimum education: A thesis-based Master's degree in Counselling Psychology or equivalent, including 500 yours of practicum with a minimum of 400 hours (200 direct client contact hours) completed under the supervision of a registered psychologist; one senior undergraduate or one graduate course in the historical and scientific foundations of general psychology. Two senior undergraduate or one graduate course (3 units or 0.5 full-course equivalent each) in (i) biological bases of behaviour, (ii) cognitive-affective bases of behaviour, (iii) social bases of behaviour, and (iv) individual behaviour. | Documents: • A typed curriculum vitae • A concise rationale (500 words or less) for the application • A completed Pre-Admissions Checklist | Reference letters: Three · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 86; PTE Academic 59; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: The department or graduate program may waive the English proficiency-testing requirement in certain circumstances, such as the possession of a baccalaureate degree or its academic equivalent from a recognised institution in which the language of instruction is English. Applicants are told to contact the graduate program to which they plan to apply. Source: G.A.1 Graduate Qualifications, https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/pages/833465eb455d4f95aed3e67c017fcd04 · Application fee: CAD 145.00 for International Students (CAD 125.00 for Canadians or Permanent residents), paid when the online application is submitted. Source: Faculty of Graduate Studies Applying for grad studies, https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/how-apply
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$8,576 CAD / year≈ $6,306 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsFull-time students registered in a graduate degree program are eligible for awards and financial assistance, and select awards are available for prospective students; applicants are encouraged to apply for awards at the same time as they apply for admission. The University states that international students are eligible for award applications that do not specify Canadian residency. Government student loans are limited to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons and American citizens. SourceView scholarship page
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
Application deadline: For admission on September 1: / • Canadians and permanent residents: Dec. 1 application deadline / • International students: Dec. 1 application deadline Source: programme page 'Deadlines'.
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 Counselling Psychology — Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (Thesis-based) cost?
CAD 8,576 / 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?
GPA: A minimum of 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the last two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree. | Minimum education: A thesis-based Master's degree in Counselling Psychology or equivalent, including 500 yours of practicum with a minimum of 400 hours (200 direct client contact hours) completed under the supervision of a registered psychologist; one senior undergraduate or one graduate course in the historical and scientific foundations of general psychology. Two senior undergraduate or one graduate course (3 units or 0.5 full-course equivalent each) in (i) biological bases of behaviour, (ii) cognitive-affective bases of behaviour, (iii) social bases of behaviour, and (iv) individual behaviour. | Documents: • A typed curriculum vitae • A concise rationale (500 words or less) for the application • A completed Pre-Admissions Checklist | Reference letters: Three · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 86; PTE Academic 59; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: The department or graduate program may waive the English proficiency-testing requirement in certain circumstances, such as the possession of a baccalaureate degree or its academic equivalent from a recognised institution in which the language of instruction is English. Applicants are told to contact the graduate program to which they plan to apply. Source: G.A.1 Graduate Qualifications, https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/pages/833465eb455d4f95aed3e67c017fcd04 · Application fee: CAD 145.00 for International Students (CAD 125.00 for Canadians or Permanent residents), paid when the online application is submitted. Source: Faculty of Graduate Studies Applying for grad studies, https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/how-apply
Is there a scholarship?
Full-time students registered in a graduate degree program are eligible for awards and financial assistance, and select awards are available for prospective students; applicants are encouraged to apply for awards at the same time as they apply for admission. The University states that international students are eligible for award applications that do not specify Canadian residency. Government student loans are limited to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons and American citizens. Source View scholarship page
Is it accredited?
Psychologist: Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Accreditation Panel. The CPA accredits DOCTORAL programmes in clinical psychology, clinical neuropsychology, counselling psychology and school psychology, and doctoral RESIDENCY programmes in clinical, counselling, clinical neuropsychology and school psychology. The CPA states it does not accredit any Master's-level programmes, that a programme not on its list is not currently accredited, and that the list is updated twice a year (typically…
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