University of Waterloo, Canada

PhD in Philosophy

Canada 4 years Taught in English Open to international students

Why students choose University of Waterloo, Canada

  • World-leading co-op program with 8,000+ employers in over 70 countries
  • Ranked #1 in Canada for reputation among comprehensive universities
  • Top 5 in Canada for computer science, engineering, and mathematics programs
  • Strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Located in Waterloo, a major technology hub in Canada

About PhD in Philosophy

Tuition comes to 10,725 USD per year.

The PhD in Philosophy at University of Waterloo, Canada is for students with a Master's degree, offering a PhD degree that takes several years to complete, focusing on advanced philosophical studies and research.

The curriculum explores subjects like ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and logic, developing skills in argumentation, writing, and critical thinking, with opportunities for in-depth study and discussion of philosophical texts and ideas.

Graduates can pursue careers as Philosophy Professors, Ethics Consultants, Policy Analysts, Writers, or Researchers, working in academia, government, non-profit organizations, or private industry.

About University of Waterloo, Canada

The University of Waterloo, founded in 1957 in Ontario, is a leading public research university known for excellence in engineering, mathematics, computer science and innovation. With roughly 41,000 students and more than 9,600 international learners, Waterloo combines rigorous academics with a culture of entrepreneurship and experiential education. Its strong ties to industry and research institutes help students access cutting-edge projects and mentorship from researchers and business leaders.

Waterloo’s distinctive cooperative education model integrates paid work terms with academic study, enabling students to gain practical experience, refine career goals and build professional networks. The university offers extensive undergraduate and graduate program options across more than 300 areas of study, and research centres such as the Institute for Quantum Computing and the Perimeter Institute enhance opportunities for advanced study and collaboration.

On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available, with residence communities, meal plans and support services to help international students settle in. The university’s strong career services, entrepreneurship resources and alumni network support transitions into industry or further study. If you value a rigorous STEM-focused education, hands-on co-op experience and a research-rich environment, Waterloo offers a dynamic setting to launch a global career.

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 8.0+. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

Duolingo

English Test · fastest & cheapest

140–150

Take the Duolingo Test We earn a referral credit
TOEFL iBT
110–114
PTE Academic
79–82
CEFR level
C1
Convert your own score

Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

PhD in Philosophy: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees for PhD in Philosophy?
Tuition: USD 10,724.57 per year. Application fee: USD 90.
What are the entry requirements for PhD in Philosophy?
Entry requirements include: Education: Master's Degree; Academic performance: Grade A (70%+, GPA 3+); English: IELTS 8.0+; Minimum age: 18.
Is PhD in Philosophy available online?
This is an on-campus program at University of Waterloo, Canada.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

Edit Program

Related Blog Posts

Show More Blog Posts →

Takes about 15 minutes

Complete your profile to unlock

Direct application links unlock once your profile is at least 80% complete. You're currently at 0%. It only takes a minute.