University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada is now taking applications for its Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology, promising a minimum annual funding package of CAD 40,000 to eligible full-time doctoral students.

The university assures this support for the first four years, resulting in a minimum total of CAD 160,000.

Both Canadian and international candidates, including those from Pakistan, may qualify after gaining admission.

UBC has set the application deadline for the September 2027 intake as December 1, 2026. The research-focused programme blends professional counselling training with psychological research, preparing graduates for clinical practice, education and research careers.

Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology Scholarship

Scholarship DetailsInformation
Scholarship NameDoctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology Scholarship
UniversityUniversity of British Columbia (UBC)
CountryCanada
FacultyFaculty of Education
Study LevelPhD
Study FieldCounselling Psychology
Annual FundingMinimum CAD 40,000
Funding DurationFirst four years
Total Minimum FundingCAD 160,000
Eligible ApplicantsCanadian and international students, including Pakistanis
Academic RequirementThesis-based master's degree with at least 80%
English RequirementsIELTS 6.5, Duolingo 125 or TOEFL iBT 90 under the previous scoring system
Recommendation LettersThree
GRE RequirementNot required
Study ModeOn-campus
Program StartSeptember 2027
Application DeadlineDecember 1, 2026

Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology Scholarship Benefits

UBC guarantees a minimum funding package of CAD 40,000 per year to eligible full-time PhD students at its Vancouver campus, covering the first four years and totaling at least CAD 160,000.

Financial aid may come from university scholarships, external research awards, teaching assistantships, research assistantships and graduate academic assistantships.

The university mixes these sources based on each student's financial arrangement and available academic opportunities.

The CAD 40,000 minimum funding rule was introduced in September 2026 and applies to both domestic and international doctoral candidates.

Tuition Fees and Additional Financial Support

UBC lists annual tuition of approximately CAD 10,081.65 for international students and CAD 5,738.52 for domestic students in the Counselling Psychology PhD program.

International students may qualify for an International Tuition Award of up to CAD 3,200 per year, automatically considered for eligible research-based graduate enrolments.

Additional student fees are about CAD 1,203.20 each year, and applicants should also budget for Vancouver living costs.

Eligibility Criteria for the UBC Counselling Psychology PhD Scholarship

Applicants must normally hold a thesis-based master's degree in Counselling Psychology or an equivalent qualification and have an overall academic average of at least 80%.

The university also evaluates professional preparation, counselling experience, research background and fit for doctoral training.

Pakistani candidates must meet UBC's country-specific doctoral admission requirements, with recognised master's, M.Phil. or honours degrees of first-class or first-division standing.

English Language Requirements

International applicants whose prior education was not in English must submit results from an accepted English-language test.

UBC requires an IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.

Duolingo test takers need an overall score of 125, with component minimums of 115 in Reading and Listening and 120 in Writing and Speaking.

For TOEFL iBT exams taken before January 21, 2026, an overall score of 90 with at least 22 in each section is required.

For tests taken on or after that date, UBC asks for an overall score of 4.5 under the revised six-point system, meeting the specified component thresholds.

Required Documents for the UBC Counselling Psychology Scholarship

Applicants must gather academic records and supporting documents before completing the online admission process.

UBC asks for transcripts from all prior post-secondary institutions and three letters of recommendation, with referee contact details entered through the graduate application system.

A statement of interest outlining academic background, counselling experience, research interests and motivation for doctoral study is also required.

How to Apply for the Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology Scholarship

Prospective students must submit their applications via UBC's official graduate admissions portal.

First, visit the UBC Counselling Psychology PhD program page to review admission criteria, research opportunities and funding options.

Applicants need a UBC Campus-Wide Login account to complete the online graduate application for the September 2027 intake.

They must provide academic qualifications, research interests, potential supervisor details, and contact information for three referees, upload all required documents and arrange any English-test submissions.

UBC lists an application fee of CAD 168.25 for international applicants, subject to exemptions and future changes.

Find out more details about the Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology Scholarship

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