Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 4 yearsDuration
- Main Campus, Waterloo, CanadaLocation
- Faculty of ArtsField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Main Campus, WaterlooCampus
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)Awards
- $22,188Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Conduct original research and become an agile scholar in multiple fields with the Phd in English program. This limited enrolment program integrates literary studies with fields such as rhetoric, new media, and discourse analysis.
Read more
Working with faculty, you’ll develop a singular research project that combines literary, rhetorical, and digital studies, while also developing as a teacher. In our vibrant and active graduate community, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in events and present your research at national and international conferences. With the unique combination of knowledge and skills gained from the program, you’ll be prepared for a career in business, industry and the non-profit sector, or for a career in academia where graduates of the program have an enviable placement rate.
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 7.5
- Study modeFull-time, Part-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
• Students may be admitted to the PhD program upon completion of an MA program in English. Although candidates normally enter PhD studies from master's programs, it is possible for outstanding candidates to enter directly from an Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA). Because enrolment in the program is limited, only candidates with an 85% average and up will be considered. Applicants should also complete a Plan of Study detailing plans for their PhD studies and describing their goals once their studies are completed. || • Program-specific questions (PSQ) || • These are questions specific to the program you’re applying to. They can be viewed once you’ve started an application and are completed through a form in the online application. || • || Transcript(s) || • References || • Three academic references are required. || • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable || • TOEFL 5 (writing 5, speaking 5), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0) · English: IELTS 7.5 (no band below 7.0) · English test waiver: Exempt from submitting an ELP test score if any one applies: three or more years of post-secondary education at a Canadian institution or university; a completed graduate degree at a Canadian university; three or more years of post-secondary education or a completed graduate degree in an exempt country (list includes Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, UK, USA and others); at least three years' employment in a position where English was the language of business in a listed country; or three or more years of post-secondary education / a graduate degree at a university where English is the only language of instruction per the IAU WHED (this WHED exemption expires two years after graduation). Letters from a university stating the medium of instruction is English do NOT satisfy the requirement. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-graduate-students/admissions/admission-and-english-language-proficiency-requirements · Application fee: CAD 150.00 per program, non-refundable (Graduate Studies Applicant Portal)
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$22,188 CAD / year≈ $16,315 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsWaterloo publishes guaranteed minimum funding for research-based programs: full-time research-based master's students (domestic and international) often receive minimum funding of CAD 12,000 for one year; full-time doctoral students receive minimum funding of CAD 29,145 per year (effective 1 May 2026) for up to four years. Minimum funding can come from scholarships, awards and graduate teaching/research assistantships. 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: • February 1 (for admission in September)
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 English - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) cost?
CAD 22,188 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 7.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
4 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
• Students may be admitted to the PhD program upon completion of an MA program in English. Although candidates normally enter PhD studies from master's programs, it is possible for outstanding candidates to enter directly from an Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA). Because enrolment in the program is limited, only candidates with an 85% average and up will be considered. Applicants should also complete a Plan of Study detailing plans for their PhD studies and describing their goals once their studies are completed. || • Program-specific questions (PSQ) || • These are questions specific to the program you’re applying to. They can be viewed once you’ve started an application and are completed through a form in the online application. || • || Transcript(s) || • References || • Three academic references are required. || • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable || • TOEFL 5 (writing 5, speaking 5), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0) · English: IELTS 7.5 (no band below 7.0) · English test waiver: Exempt from submitting an ELP test score if any one applies: three or more years of post-secondary education at a Canadian institution or university; a completed graduate degree at a Canadian university; three or more years of post-secondary education or a completed graduate degree in an exempt country (list includes Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, UK, USA and others); at least three years' employment in a position where English was the language of business in a listed country; or three or more years of post-secondary education / a graduate degree at a university where English is the only language of instruction per the IAU WHED (this WHED exemption expires two years after graduation). Letters from a university stating the medium of instruction is English do NOT satisfy the requirement. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-graduate-students/admissions/admission-and-english-language-proficiency-requirements · Application fee: CAD 150.00 per program, non-refundable (Graduate Studies Applicant Portal)
Is there a scholarship?
Waterloo publishes guaranteed minimum funding for research-based programs: full-time research-based master's students (domestic and international) often receive minimum funding of CAD 12,000 for one year; full-time doctoral students receive minimum funding of CAD 29,145 per year (effective 1 May 2026) for up to four years. Minimum funding can come from scholarships, awards and graduate teaching/research assistantships. Source View scholarship page
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