The University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada is accepting applications for its Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics programme for the September 2027 intake. Eligible full-time doctoral students can receive a minimum annual funding package of CAD 40,000, with guaranteed support for the first four years of their studies.
The funding package amounts to at least CAD 160,000 over four years. Canadian and international students, including applicants from Pakistan, can qualify after securing admission and meeting the university’s funding conditions.
The application deadline is December 21, 2026. Students interested in pursuing advanced studies in economics should review the admission requirements and prepare their documents before submitting an application.
UBC Economics PhD Funding Details
The programme is offered through the Vancouver School of Economics at the University of British Columbia. It is a research-based doctoral degree designed for students interested in academic research, economic policy and related professional fields.
The minimum funding package of CAD 40,000 per year applies to eligible full-time PhD students at UBC’s Vancouver campus. Financial support may come from university scholarships, external awards, research assistantships, teaching assistantships and graduate academic assistantships.
UBC introduced the increased minimum funding requirement in September 2026. The policy covers domestic and international doctoral students.
The university’s historical funding statistics for September 2024 to August 2025 showed median annual gross funding of CAD 46,889 for supported Economics PhD students. The median annual net funding was CAD 37,054 after tuition and student fees were deducted.
These historical figures provide an indication of past funding levels, but individual awards and final amounts may vary.
Tuition Fees and Additional Financial Support
Although the programme offers substantial financial support, students should understand that funding does not automatically mean tuition is fully waived.
Published first-year tuition figures are approximately CAD 10,081.65 for international students and CAD 5,738.52 for Canadian students. Additional student fees are approximately CAD 1,203.20 per year.
Eligible international students may also receive an International Tuition Award worth up to CAD 3,200 annually.
Applicants should carefully review their funding offers to understand how scholarships, assistantships, tuition charges and other fees affect the amount available for living expenses. They should also confirm the latest fee schedule directly with the university before applying.
Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Students
Applicants must meet UBC’s general graduate admission requirements and the academic standards set by the Vancouver School of Economics.
The university generally expects applicants to hold a master’s degree in Economics. However, candidates with outstanding academic records in an undergraduate honours programme in Economics may qualify for direct admission.
Students applying directly after undergraduate studies must demonstrate strong academic performance in economic theory, mathematics, statistics and econometrics.
UBC generally expects an academic average in the B+ range or its equivalent. Meeting the minimum academic standard does not guarantee admission, as the department may apply higher requirements when assessing candidates.
The programme offers research opportunities in several areas, including development economics, econometrics, international trade and public economics.
English Language Requirements
International applicants may need to provide proof of English-language proficiency if their previous university education does not meet UBC’s exemption conditions.
The stated English-language requirements include:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each component.
- Duolingo English Test: Overall 125, with minimum component scores of 115 in Reading and Listening and 120 in Writing and Speaking.
- TOEFL iBT: A score of 93 for examinations taken before January 21, 2026, with at least 22 in each component.
Applicants should confirm the current accepted tests, score requirements and any exemptions through UBC’s official admissions guidance before submitting results.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants should prepare their academic and supporting documents before starting the online application.
The listed requirements include transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended, three confidential academic recommendation letters and a statement of intent explaining the applicant’s academic background, research interests and reasons for pursuing doctoral studies.
The statement of intent must not exceed two pages and should follow the university’s specified formatting instructions.
Applicants may also need to submit English-language test results and GRE scores, depending on their circumstances and the department’s requirements.
How to Apply for the September 2027 Intake
Interested students must apply through the University of British Columbia’s official graduate admissions system.
Applicants should first visit the Vancouver School of Economics website to review the Economics PhD programme requirements, funding arrangements and application instructions. They can then create or use their UBC Campus-Wide Login account to complete the online application.
Candidates must enter their academic information, describe their research interests, provide the contact details of three academic referees and upload the required documents. They must also pay the applicable application fee.
The deadline for the September 2027 intake is December 21, 2026. Pakistani students planning to apply should begin preparing their documents early and verify all requirements through the university’s official website.
Also read: Canada Seeks Pakistani Healthcare Professionals for Jobs
