PhD Economics Scholarships in Canada usually come as funding packages rather than one named award, and UBC now sets one of the clearest minimums. From September 2026, UBC says every full-time PhD student at its Vancouver campus gets at least CAD 40,000 for each of the first four years.
This guide explains what that means for Pakistani applicants, who can apply, and what to check before the deadline. For more updates, see our Punjab board news.
PhD Economics Scholarships in Canada Overview
The Vancouver School of Economics at UBC offers a research-based PhD with specializations that include development economics, econometrics, international trade, labour economics and public economics. UBC states the school is ranked in the top 20 worldwide for research publications and first in Canada.
The CAD 40,000 minimum can be made up of internal or external awards, teaching assistantships, research assistantships and graduate academic assistantships. Many programs offer more, so confirm the details with the department.
Who Can Apply for PhD Economics Scholarships in Canada?
According to UBC, the main conditions are:
- A Master’s degree in Economics is normally expected.
- Students with an outstanding undergraduate honours record in Economics may be admitted directly to the PhD.
- UBC’s usual minimum is an average in the B+ range (76%), and the department can ask for more.
- At least three references are required for UBC graduate programs, according to the program page.
Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission, because the process is competitive. Funding applies to domestic and international students once they are admitted.
Funding and Scholarship Amount
Most PhD Economics Scholarships in Canada are packages, so the CAD 40,000 is a total minimum and not an extra payment on top of other awards. UBC still charges tuition, so ask the department how much of it your package covers.
UBC’s published funding statistics for the program show medians of CAD 14,843 for teaching assistantships, CAD 10,000 for research assistantships and CAD 26,225 for internal awards. These medians come from different groups of students, so do not add them together.
Documents Required
The online application lists the exact items. Typically you will need:
- Academic transcripts
- CV
- Statement of purpose or research interests
- Reference letters
- English test result or proof of exemption
- Passport details
International applicants pay an application fee of CAD 168.25, according to UBC. Check the program page for any required test scores.
Important Dates
For PhD Economics Scholarships in Canada at UBC, sources disagree on the deadline for September 2027.
| Source | Reported deadline |
|---|---|
| ProPakistani | December 21, 2026 |
| Educatly (aggregator) | December 15, 2026 |
| Older Vancouver School of Economics page | January 15 each year |
Treat the earliest date as your target and confirm the exact one on UBC’s program page. Other universities’ dates: official notification ka intezar hai.
How to Apply for PhD Economics Scholarships in Canada
- Read the admission requirements on UBC’s PhD Economics program page.
- Prepare transcripts, references and your research statement.
- Complete the online application and pay the fee.
- Make sure your referees submit their letters before the referee deadline.
- Wait for the department’s admission decision and funding offer.
An older Vancouver School of Economics page said the admission application also counts as a financial aid application. Confirm this with the school.
Other Canadian Options
The University of Toronto’s economics department says its PhD students receive funding through fellowships and teaching work. It also asks eligible students to apply for Ontario Graduate Scholarships and SSHRC awards. We could not verify exact amounts, so none are listed.
Compare more options in our latest scholarships 2026 hub, or read our guide to Masters in Chemistry in Canada.
Tips for PhD Economics Scholarships in Canada Applicants
- Start early, because references and statements take weeks.
- Build a strong math and econometrics profile.
- Ask whether your package covers tuition before you accept an offer.
- Put your offer terms in writing, including amount and duration.
Scam warning: Apply only through official university websites and never pay any fee to anyone who promises a scholarship.
FAQs
Are PhD Economics Scholarships in Canada fully funded?
UBC guarantees a minimum of CAD 40,000 a year for four years, but the package must cover tuition and living costs.
Do PhD students get paid in Canada?
At UBC, funding comes as awards and paid assistantships, which together make up the package.
Can Pakistani students apply?
Yes, international students can apply and are covered by the minimum funding once admitted.
Do I need a Master’s degree?
It is normally expected, but outstanding honours graduates may be admitted directly.
Final Words
PhD Economics Scholarships in Canada are strong for well-prepared applicants, and UBC’s CAD 40,000 minimum makes its offer easy to compare. Confirm the deadline, prepare your references early and check what the package covers.
Share this guide with economics students planning a PhD abroad, and we will update this page with PhD Economics Scholarships in Canada news as deadlines are confirmed.
Bushra Riaz writes about scholarships and higher education opportunities for Pakistani students at Al-Riaz Academy. She shares clear, step-by-step guides on eligibility, required documents and application processes, and always points students to official websites for the final details.
