Public Health Sciences - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
CanadaCourse at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 4 yearsDuration
- Main Campus, Waterloo, CanadaLocation
- Faculty of HealthField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Main Campus, WaterlooCampus
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)Awards
- $22,188Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Become an expert and tackle some of the biggest health concerns of today’s world with the PhD in Public Health Sciences program. Work alongside researchers, integrating perspectives from multiple disciplines and using research as a tool to design, implement, and evaluate health programs, policies, and services.
Read more
The trans-disciplinary nature of this program aims to address population and public health challenges on both a national and global scale with tangible, impactful solutions. You’ll learn how to use research to improve the management and accountability of health promotion programs and health systems, preparing you for a career in research (industry, government and academia), health promotion, health planning, policy and health informatics and analytics, research management, healthcare coordination, epidemiology, program evaluation and many others. You can pursue a graduate research field within your area of expertise such as epidemiology and biostatistics, health evaluation, health informatics, health and environment, global health, and work and health. If you’re a domestic PhD student, the Faculty of Health is committed to providing you guaranteed funding over four years as part of the PhD funding initiative.
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 7.5
- Study modeFull-time, Part-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
• Students applying to the program should have completed a master's degree (or its equivalent) with content related to ongoing faculty research in areas such as health, public health, health systems, gerontology, health informatics, global health, occupational health, and evaluation. || • A minimum 75% average in master's level coursework. || • Completion of a master's degree and evidence of prior research achievements (e.g., Master's thesis, first author peer-reviewed publication, adjudicated research report). || • Students may be allowed to transfer into the PhD program directly from the School of Public Health Sciences (SPHS) Master's programs. Such students must have completed all Master's coursework requirements, have demonstrated a superior academic record, and have evidence of prior research achievements (e.g., adjudicated research report, significant documented contribution as a co-author to a peer-reviewed publication, first author peer-reviewed publication). || • Students are sometimes accepted for direct admission to the PhD in the SPHS program if they have an Honours Bachelor of Science degree or the equivalent and have exceptional academic and research performance, including evidence of prior research achievements (e.g., adjudicated research report, significant documented contribution as a co-author to a peer-reviewed publication, first author peer-reviewed publication). Directly admitted students will be required to complete 9 (required and elective) graduate courses, graduate milestones and a doctoral thesis. || • Resume/Curriculum vitae || • Program-specific questions (PSQ) || • These are questions specific to the program you’re applying to. They can be viewed once you’ve started an application and are completed through a form in the online application. || • Transcript(s) || • Writing sample || • Students must submit a copy of previous academic work, such as copies of preprints, reprints, or master's thesis, or other evidence of written scholarly work. || • References || • Three academic references are required. || • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable || • || TOEFL 5 (writing 5, speaking 5), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0) || • || The School of Public Health Sciences does not consider international applications whose English language proficiency scores fall below the minimum requirements. · English: IELTS 7.5 (no band below 7.0) · English test waiver: Exempt from submitting an ELP test score if any one applies: three or more years of post-secondary education at a Canadian institution or university; a completed graduate degree at a Canadian university; three or more years of post-secondary education or a completed graduate degree in an exempt country (list includes Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, UK, USA and others); at least three years' employment in a position where English was the language of business in a listed country; or three or more years of post-secondary education / a graduate degree at a university where English is the only language of instruction per the IAU WHED (this WHED exemption expires two years after graduation). Letters from a university stating the medium of instruction is English do NOT satisfy the requirement. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-graduate-students/admissions/admission-and-english-language-proficiency-requirements · Application fee: CAD 150.00 per program, non-refundable (Graduate Studies Applicant Portal)
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$22,188 CAD / year≈ $16,315 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsWaterloo publishes guaranteed minimum funding for research-based programs: full-time research-based master's students (domestic and international) often receive minimum funding of CAD 12,000 for one year; full-time doctoral students receive minimum funding of CAD 29,145 per year (effective 1 May 2026) for up to four years. Minimum funding can come from scholarships, awards and graduate teaching/research assistantships. 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: • February 1 (for admission in September)
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 Public Health Sciences - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) cost?
CAD 22,188 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 7.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
4 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
• Students applying to the program should have completed a master's degree (or its equivalent) with content related to ongoing faculty research in areas such as health, public health, health systems, gerontology, health informatics, global health, occupational health, and evaluation. || • A minimum 75% average in master's level coursework. || • Completion of a master's degree and evidence of prior research achievements (e.g., Master's thesis, first author peer-reviewed publication, adjudicated research report). || • Students may be allowed to transfer into the PhD program directly from the School of Public Health Sciences (SPHS) Master's programs. Such students must have completed all Master's coursework requirements, have demonstrated a superior academic record, and have evidence of prior research achievements (e.g., adjudicated research report, significant documented contribution as a co-author to a peer-reviewed publication, first author peer-reviewed publication). || • Students are sometimes accepted for direct admission to the PhD in the SPHS program if they have an Honours Bachelor of Science degree or the equivalent and have exceptional academic and research performance, including evidence of prior research achievements (e.g., adjudicated research report, significant documented contribution as a co-author to a peer-reviewed publication, first author peer-reviewed publication). Directly admitted students will be required to complete 9 (required and elective) graduate courses, graduate milestones and a doctoral thesis. || • Resume/Curriculum vitae || • Program-specific questions (PSQ) || • These are questions specific to the program you’re applying to. They can be viewed once you’ve started an application and are completed through a form in the online application. || • Transcript(s) || • Writing sample || • Students must submit a copy of previous academic work, such as copies of preprints, reprints, or master's thesis, or other evidence of written scholarly work. || • References || • Three academic references are required. || • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable || • || TOEFL 5 (writing 5, speaking 5), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0) || • || The School of Public Health Sciences does not consider international applications whose English language proficiency scores fall below the minimum requirements. · English: IELTS 7.5 (no band below 7.0) · English test waiver: Exempt from submitting an ELP test score if any one applies: three or more years of post-secondary education at a Canadian institution or university; a completed graduate degree at a Canadian university; three or more years of post-secondary education or a completed graduate degree in an exempt country (list includes Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, UK, USA and others); at least three years' employment in a position where English was the language of business in a listed country; or three or more years of post-secondary education / a graduate degree at a university where English is the only language of instruction per the IAU WHED (this WHED exemption expires two years after graduation). Letters from a university stating the medium of instruction is English do NOT satisfy the requirement. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-graduate-students/admissions/admission-and-english-language-proficiency-requirements · Application fee: CAD 150.00 per program, non-refundable (Graduate Studies Applicant Portal)
Is there a scholarship?
Waterloo publishes guaranteed minimum funding for research-based programs: full-time research-based master's students (domestic and international) often receive minimum funding of CAD 12,000 for one year; full-time doctoral students receive minimum funding of CAD 29,145 per year (effective 1 May 2026) for up to four years. Minimum funding can come from scholarships, awards and graduate teaching/research assistantships. Source View scholarship page
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