The University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada is accepting applications for its PhD program in Economics for the September 2027 intake. Eligible full-time doctoral students can receive a minimum annual funding package of CAD 40,000.
The university guarantees this financial support for the first four years of doctoral study. This brings the minimum total funding to CAD 160,000 over four years.
The opportunity is open to Canadian and international students, including applicants from Pakistan. Interested candidates must submit their applications by December 21, 2026.
The research-based program is offered through UBC’s Vancouver School of Economics. Students can explore research areas such as development economics, econometrics, international trade, and public economics.
UBC Economics PhD Scholarship Details
The scholarship provides financial support to eligible students pursuing doctoral studies in Economics. The main program details are listed below.
- University: University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Country: Canada
- Program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics
- Academic Unit: Vancouver School of Economics
- Study Level: Doctoral
- Minimum Annual Funding: CAD 40,000
- Funding Duration: First four years
- Minimum Total Funding: CAD 160,000
- Historical Median Annual Funding: CAD 46,889
- Eligible Applicants: Canadian and international students
- Program Start: September 2027
- Application Deadline: December 21, 2026
- Study Mode: On-campus
Scholarship Benefits and Financial Support
UBC offers a minimum annual funding package of CAD 40,000 to eligible full-time Economics PhD students. The funding guarantee covers the first four years of the program.
Students may receive financial support through university scholarships, external awards, and academic assistantships. These opportunities can include research assistantships and teaching assistantships.
The university introduced the increased minimum funding requirement in September 2026. The policy applies to both domestic and international doctoral students.
Funding statistics for September 2024 to August 2025 show a 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.
These figures provide historical context. Individual funding packages may differ depending on the student’s award and assistantship arrangements.
Tuition Fees and Additional Funding
Students must account for tuition and other university charges when planning their studies in Canada.
Published first-year tuition fees for the Economics PhD program are approximately CAD 10,081.65 for international students and CAD 5,738.52 for domestic students.
Eligible international students may also receive an International Tuition Award worth up to CAD 3,200 annually. Additional student fees are approximately CAD 1,203.20 per year.
The minimum funding package does not automatically mean students receive a complete tuition waiver. Applicants should carefully review their individual offers to understand their available financial support.
Eligibility Criteria for the Economics PhD Program
Applicants must meet the university’s graduate admission requirements and the Vancouver School of Economics’ academic standards.
Candidates generally need a master’s degree in Economics. However, students with outstanding academic records in an undergraduate honours program in Economics may qualify for direct admission.
Applicants entering directly from undergraduate studies must demonstrate strong academic preparation. Relevant areas include economic theory, mathematics, statistics, and econometrics.
The university generally expects academic performance around the B+ level, equivalent to approximately 76%. However, admission standards may be higher for the Economics PhD program.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Candidates should review the department’s specific criteria before applying.
English Language Requirements
International applicants may need to provide proof of English proficiency. This requirement generally applies when their previous university education was not primarily conducted in English.
The stated minimum language requirements include:
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each component.
- Duolingo English Test: Overall score of 125, subject to the university’s component requirements.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 93 for tests taken before January 21, 2026, with at least 22 in each component.
Applicants should confirm the applicable test requirements before submitting their applications.
Required Documents
Candidates must prepare the necessary academic and supporting documents before applying.
The application generally requires transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. Applicants must also arrange three confidential academic recommendation letters.
Other required materials include a statement of intent explaining the applicant’s academic background, research interests, and reasons for pursuing doctoral studies.
The statement must not exceed two pages. Applicants should follow the university’s formatting instructions.
English proficiency results and GRE scores may also be required, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and departmental rules.
How to Apply for the UBC Economics PhD Program
Interested candidates must apply through the university’s official online graduate admissions system.
Applicants should first visit the UBC Economics PhD program page to review the latest admission criteria, funding details, and application instructions.
Candidates must create or use their UBC Campus-Wide Login account to complete the online application. They should enter their academic information, describe their research interests, and provide contact details for three academic referees.
Applicants must also upload the required documents and pay the applicable application fee.
In other rlated news also read UBC Offers Funding for MSc Physics Students in Canada
The application deadline for the September 2027 intake is December 21, 2026. Pakistani students interested in doctoral studies in Canada should review the requirements early and prepare their documents before the deadline.
