Linguistics — Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (Thesis-based)
CanadaCourse at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 4 yearsDuration
- Main Campus, CanadaLocation
- Faculty of ArtsField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Main CampusCampus
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)Awards
- $8,576Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
The School of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures and Cultures offers a rigorous doctoral program in theoretical linguistics, drawing on work in syntax, phonology, phonetics, morphology and more to train authoritative scholars with a comprehensive understanding of the discipline. Our program also has a long tradition of field work-based research and work closely with speakers, collaborators and educators in our local First Nations communities.
Read more
PhD students take six courses and conduct two small-scale independent research projects as part of their candidacy requirements. Post-candidacy, students complete a doctoral thesis, based on original research, which is expected to make a significant contribution to knowledge in the field of linguistics. Students benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio that ensures personalized attention to each student's academic needs and research goals. Students are expected to complete the program within four years; we guarantee funding packages of $22,000/year for four years.
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 3.4 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree. | Minimum education: A master’s degree in linguistics, or a master’s degree in a related field with significant training in linguistics at the graduate level, normally including at least one graduate course in syntax and one graduate course in phonology. | Work samples: A sample of previous work in linguistics or a related field (e.g., a seminar paper or Master of Arts thesis). | Documents: A statement of purpose specifying the applicant’s research interests and reasons for wishing to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Calgary | 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
- Application feeNo application fee for this programme
- 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 / January 30 application deadline for applications and supporting materials 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 Linguistics — 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 3.4 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree. | Minimum education: A master’s degree in linguistics, or a master’s degree in a related field with significant training in linguistics at the graduate level, normally including at least one graduate course in syntax and one graduate course in phonology. | Work samples: A sample of previous work in linguistics or a related field (e.g., a seminar paper or Master of Arts thesis). | Documents: A statement of purpose specifying the applicant’s research interests and reasons for wishing to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Calgary | 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
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