
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)
Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 5.7 yearsDuration
- Vancouver, CanadaLocation
- September 2027Intakes
- Counselling PsychologyField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- VancouverCampus
- Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)Awards
- $10,082Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
The Counselling Psychology Program, in line with the mission of the research-intensive University of British Columbia, creates, advances and critically examines knowledge in counselling psychology, especially with respect to its validity, applicability, limits, and interface with other disciplines. In developing and applying pertinent and innovative research methodologies, the Counselling Psychology Program relies upon and builds qualitative and quantitative evidence to determine effective counselling interventions in educational, community, health, and occupational settings.
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Our Doctoral Program is accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association and follows the scientist-practitioner model for the education of counselling psychologists: students receive a substantial education as both researchers and professional psychologists. Designed for those with relevant experience who want to gain doctoral level competence, this program enhances research, counselling theory, and counselling skills. For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website $40,000 Minimum funding per year * 24 Enrolled students 81.0% Graduation rate 5.7 Average years to completion * All full-time UBC PhD students receive, at a minimum, this amount of funding in each of the first four years. For latest program-specific funding packages, please review details under Tuition & Financial Support or the program website . I decided to study at UBC because the Counselling Psychology program prepares its students to be excellent researchers as well as clinicians. Katie McCloskey
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
- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- 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 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; Duolingo English Test 125 · 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 not required. · 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
Application deadline: September 2027 intake - international applicants: 1 December 2026
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 Counselling Psychology (PhD) cost?
CAD 10,082 / 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?
5.7 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 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; Duolingo English Test 125 · 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 not required. · 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.
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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