Cybersecurity (PhD)

Frequently asked questions

• How much does Cybersecurity (PhD) cost?

  CAD 19,166 / 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?

  In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate studies , PhD in Cybersecurity applicants must meet the following program-specific requirements: Students would normally be expected to have completed a four-year undergraduate degree and a thesis-based Masters degree in a relevant field from a Canadian university, or its equivalent from a recognized institution, with an overall academic standing of at least 3.5 on a 4.0/4.3 scale or its equivalent in their last two years of study. MITS Pathway: Graduates of Ontario Tech University Master of IT Security (MITS) program can apply to the Ph.D. program If they have completed the MITS program with an overall academic standing of at least 3.5/4.3. A minimum of two letters of reference from persons having direct knowledge of the applicant's academic competence. Academic references are preferred; however professional references will be accepted. Letters of reference should come from individuals under whom the applicant has worked closely or studied. The quality of the letters will be assessed by the Graduate Committee to make sure relevant requirements have been met. Proof of English proficiency is needed from those applicants whose first language is not English, as per university regulations. Applicants must find a prospective faculty supervisor from among the list of graduate faculty members of the PhD in Cybersecurity program and receive formal acceptance of the faculty member to supervise their research. No applicant will be accepted to the program without having an approved prospective supervisor in advance. As part of the application form, students are required to provide a detailed personal research statement, outlining their area of interest in cybersecurity, their proposed academic research plan, and identify the faculty supervisor who has agreed to supervise their research. Students admitted to the program must demonstrate their broad proficiency in the area of cybersecurity through evidence of completing or having completed graduate-level coursework in the fields of theory, applications, legal and governance issues of cybersecurity. Students who do not demonstrate appropriate background in research methods and cybersecurity fundamentals and/or ethics will be required to complete the following additional/prerequisite courses within the first 18 months of the program: Cybersecurity: The following courses are required for students who do not have prior background in IT security. INFR 5010G - Fundamentals of IT security (6 Credits) INFR 5100G - Law and Ethics of IT Security (3 Credits) Research methods: The following prerequisite is required for students who have not completed a previous thesis-based Master’s program in a relevant field. CSCI 5010G – Survey of Computer Science Research Topics and Methods (3 Credits) Note: Students who demonstrate sufficient proficiency through prior graduate-level coursework or extensive related work experience, can request a waiver for the corresponding prerequisite course from the Graduate Program Director. Waiver requests are not guaranteed and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. · English: IELTS 6.5 · English test waiver: Waived if you have studied full-time for at least three years (or the part-time equivalent) in a university degree program where the language of instruction AND examination was English, or you have completed such a degree; enrolment in an English as a Second Language (ESL) program does not count toward the three years. Ontario Tech may ask for official verification. Applicants who meet every other admission requirement may instead enrol in an eligible English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program through an Ontario Tech EAP partner. Source: https://gradstudies.ontariotechu.ca/future_students/application_process_and_requirement/step%203/english-language-proficiency.php · Deposit: Ontario Tech does not publish a deposit amount: 'To accept your offer of admission and secure your place in the program, you must submit a non-refundable tuition deposit. The deposit amount is listed in your official Letter of Acceptance and on the Applicant Portal.' International applicants must pay it before requesting a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Source: https://registrar.ontariotechu.ca/fees-and-payment/ancillary-fees/miscellaneous-and-administrative-fees-2026-2027.php

• Is there a scholarship?

  Applicants to research-based graduate programs studying full-time are automatically considered at the time of admission for entrance scholarships, minimum funding packages, and teaching, research and graduate research assistantships - no application required. Assistantships are available to both Canadian and international students (an international student who accepts a TAship, RAship or GRAship must obtain a Social Insurance Number). Part-time students are not eligible. External awards also exist but Ontario Tech states "the majority of these awards are for domestic or permanent residents only". Sources:; the Funding tab of this program page View scholarship page