
Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 16 termsDuration
- Ottawa (Main Campus), CanadaLocation
- Political ScienceField of study
- bilingualLanguage of instruction
- Ottawa (Main Campus)Campus
- $17,478Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
The School of Political Studies offers graduate programs leading to the Graduate Diploma in Public Management and Governance, and to the degrees of Master of Arts (MA) and PhD in Political Science. The MA program is offered both full- and part-time whereas the PhD program is offered full-time only.
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The programs are offered in French and English. Two options are available for the MA: the MA with thesis and the MA with research paper. It is possible to follow the Master’s or the PhD program exclusively in French. Students who enroll in their program in French (MA or PhD) must take the majority of their courses in French: Master’s with Thesis: students must take at least three of their required courses in French. Master’s with Major Research Paper: students must take at least four of their required courses in French. PhD: students must take at least three courses in French. Students who enroll in their program in English (MA or PhD) must take and pass at least one of their required courses in French. All students are permitted to hand in their assignments in French or in English. At the time of admission, students must have an active knowledge of French and a passive understanding of English. French is the working language of the School’s meetings, including those of the graduate students’ association, and in the School’s internal communications. The department participates in the collaborative programs in Women’s Studies (at the MA level) and in Canadian Studies (at the PhD level). The programs are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies.
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 modeFull-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Minimum requirements: B+ in a master's degree in political science; Please note that admission to this program is competitive and having the minimum requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission. Application Fee: CA$125.00 (non-refundable) Recommendation letter(s): 2 Transcript(s): 1 Required document(s): Description of your research For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage. To be admitted to the PhD program, candidates must hold a master’s degree in political science (or the equivalent) with a minimum average of 75% (B+) calculated in accordance with graduate studies guidelines. Exceptional students in the master’s program at the University of Ottawa may, under certain conditions (see “Transfer from master’s to PhD"), be allowed to transfer to the PhD without being required to write a master’s thesis. An active knowledge of French and English is essential. All students admitted will have to take at least one of their courses in French and must be capable of reading texts in English and French. Students must indicate in their application the language in which they plan to take the majority of their courses. Those students who plan to study mainly in English will have to demonstrate in their application an active knowledge of English and French. All stude Published language requirement: English Program: TOEFL 92-93/New TOEFL 4.5 / IELTS 6.5 overall – Individual 6.0 (Internet-based) · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 92 · English test waiver: French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Paper-based) English Program: TOEFL 580 / IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based) French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Internet-based) English Program: TOEFL 92-93/New TOEFL 4.5 / IELTS 6.5 overall – Individual 6.0 (Internet-based) IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based) IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Internet-based) · Application fee: CAD 125.00
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$17,478 CAD / year≈ $12,851 / year
- Application feeNo application fee for this programme
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsInternational Doctoral Scholarship valued at CAD 45,000 over five years for international PhD students (conditions changed for students who began a PhD in May 2023 or later). Source: uOttawa Tuition fees - International students 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: Fall: December 1 (international applicants).
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 Doctorate in Philosophy Political Science cost?
CAD 17,478 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
16 terms, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum requirements: B+ in a master's degree in political science; Please note that admission to this program is competitive and having the minimum requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission. Application Fee: CA$125.00 (non-refundable) Recommendation letter(s): 2 Transcript(s): 1 Required document(s): Description of your research For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage. To be admitted to the PhD program, candidates must hold a master’s degree in political science (or the equivalent) with a minimum average of 75% (B+) calculated in accordance with graduate studies guidelines. Exceptional students in the master’s program at the University of Ottawa may, under certain conditions (see “Transfer from master’s to PhD"), be allowed to transfer to the PhD without being required to write a master’s thesis. An active knowledge of French and English is essential. All students admitted will have to take at least one of their courses in French and must be capable of reading texts in English and French. Students must indicate in their application the language in which they plan to take the majority of their courses. Those students who plan to study mainly in English will have to demonstrate in their application an active knowledge of English and French. All stude Published language requirement: English Program: TOEFL 92-93/New TOEFL 4.5 / IELTS 6.5 overall – Individual 6.0 (Internet-based) · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 92 · English test waiver: French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Paper-based) English Program: TOEFL 580 / IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based) French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Internet-based) English Program: TOEFL 92-93/New TOEFL 4.5 / IELTS 6.5 overall – Individual 6.0 (Internet-based) IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based) IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Internet-based) · Application fee: CAD 125.00
Is there a scholarship?
International Doctoral Scholarship valued at CAD 45,000 over five years for international PhD students (conditions changed for students who began a PhD in May 2023 or later). Source: uOttawa Tuition fees - International students page.
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