
Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- Waterloo, CanadaLocation
- EducationField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- WaterlooCampus
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)Awards
- $20,655Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Shape the future of education through engaging in focused research and sharing consequential new insights into educational structures, policies, processes, practices and outcomes. Laurier offers our PhD in Educational Studies program as a full-time, funded, four-year program, as well as as a flex-time, self-funded, six-year program for practicing professionals.
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
Admission Requirements: Embarking on a doctoral journey is a significant step, and our PhD in Educational Studies program is designed to attract passionate, research-oriented individuals like you. Here's what we look for: • A strong academic foundation: You'll need a master's degree in education or a closely related field from a recognized postsecondary institution. We expect a strong academic record, typically a cumulative grade equivalent to a Wilfrid Laurier University A- (80-84) or better in your master's degree. This ensures you have the foundational knowledge essential for advanced research. • Real-world insight: We value relevant professional experience in education – whether that's in teaching, administration, student affairs, or other educational professions. Your practical insights enrich your perspective and deepen the relevance of your research. Even if your professional experience is limited, we consider other practical and lived experiences. • Research acumen: We're keen to see evidence of your prior research experience. This could be a master's major research paper, a thesis, or published academic papers. A sample of your academic writing will demonstrate your capability for independent inquiry, which is crucial for a PhD. If you are an unconventionally prepared applicant, the Faculty of Education at Laurier is deeply committed to social justice, equity, and inclusion and we welcome your application! In partnership with the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, we offer alternative admission pathways. This means we can consider individuals who may be unconventionally prepared, particularly from Indigenous communities and other equity-deserving groups, based on their potential for academic success and their unique contributions to the diversity of our student cohort. This approach ensures a vibrant and multifaceted learning community. If you are an international student applicant , the Faculty of Education welcomes you to the PhD in Educational Studies program. International students who have confirmed funding from a third party , such as their employer or a scholarship program in their home country, will be considered for admission. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 83; PTE Academic 59 · English test waiver: Exemption from English-language testing: no test is required if your previous degree was taught in English - provide an official letter from the prior institution stating the degree was completed in English, uploaded with your supplemental documents. Laurier also accepts the English for Academic Success (EFAS) program, Level 400 with a minimum final score of 75%, in place of a test. Individual programs may set additional language requirements. Source: https://www.wlu.ca/academics/faculties/graduate-and-postdoctoral-studies/admissions/assets/resources/english-proficiency.html · Deposit: CAD 4000.00 - international graduate tuition deposit, payable within two weeks of accepting the offer and applied to the first-term tuition balance. Source: https://www.wlu.ca/future-students/undergraduate/applicants/international/assets/resources/international-student-tuition-deposits.html
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$20,655 CAD / year≈ $15,188 / year
- Application feeNo application fee for this programme
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsResearch-intensive master's programs: most provide full-time DOMESTIC students an average of CAD 16,500 for one or two years, made up of teaching assistantships and internal and/or external scholarships. Doctoral programs that offer funded doctoral positions guarantee eligible full-time students a minimum of CAD 24,000 per year for up to four years. Laurier states that funding models and international funding eligibility vary by doctoral program, and that international applicants should check the programme's funding information or contact the programme to establish whether Laurier funding is available or third-party funding is required for admission. Winners of major external awards may be eligible for top-up funding including the Dean's Graduate Scholarship (total value over CAD 10,000). 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: Jan. 15 .
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 Educational Studies (PhD) cost?
CAD 20,655 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
What are the entry requirements?
Admission Requirements: Embarking on a doctoral journey is a significant step, and our PhD in Educational Studies program is designed to attract passionate, research-oriented individuals like you. Here's what we look for: • A strong academic foundation: You'll need a master's degree in education or a closely related field from a recognized postsecondary institution. We expect a strong academic record, typically a cumulative grade equivalent to a Wilfrid Laurier University A- (80-84) or better in your master's degree. This ensures you have the foundational knowledge essential for advanced research. • Real-world insight: We value relevant professional experience in education – whether that's in teaching, administration, student affairs, or other educational professions. Your practical insights enrich your perspective and deepen the relevance of your research. Even if your professional experience is limited, we consider other practical and lived experiences. • Research acumen: We're keen to see evidence of your prior research experience. This could be a master's major research paper, a thesis, or published academic papers. A sample of your academic writing will demonstrate your capability for independent inquiry, which is crucial for a PhD. If you are an unconventionally prepared applicant, the Faculty of Education at Laurier is deeply committed to social justice, equity, and inclusion and we welcome your application! In partnership with the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, we offer alternative admission pathways. This means we can consider individuals who may be unconventionally prepared, particularly from Indigenous communities and other equity-deserving groups, based on their potential for academic success and their unique contributions to the diversity of our student cohort. This approach ensures a vibrant and multifaceted learning community. If you are an international student applicant , the Faculty of Education welcomes you to the PhD in Educational Studies program. International students who have confirmed funding from a third party , such as their employer or a scholarship program in their home country, will be considered for admission. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 83; PTE Academic 59 · English test waiver: Exemption from English-language testing: no test is required if your previous degree was taught in English - provide an official letter from the prior institution stating the degree was completed in English, uploaded with your supplemental documents. Laurier also accepts the English for Academic Success (EFAS) program, Level 400 with a minimum final score of 75%, in place of a test. Individual programs may set additional language requirements. Source: https://www.wlu.ca/academics/faculties/graduate-and-postdoctoral-studies/admissions/assets/resources/english-proficiency.html · Deposit: CAD 4000.00 - international graduate tuition deposit, payable within two weeks of accepting the offer and applied to the first-term tuition balance. Source: https://www.wlu.ca/future-students/undergraduate/applicants/international/assets/resources/international-student-tuition-deposits.html
Is there a scholarship?
Research-intensive master's programs: most provide full-time DOMESTIC students an average of CAD 16,500 for one or two years, made up of teaching assistantships and internal and/or external scholarships. Doctoral programs that offer funded doctoral positions guarantee eligible full-time students a minimum of CAD 24,000 per year for up to four years. Laurier states that funding models and international funding eligibility vary by doctoral program, and that international applicants should check the programme's funding information or contact the programme to establish whether Laurier funding is available or third-party funding is required for admission. Winners of major external awards may be eligible for top-up funding including the Dean's Graduate Scholarship (total value over CAD 10,000). Source View scholarship page
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