Study Philosophy in Canada
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Erudera's Complete Guide to Studying Philosophy in Canada
Higher education quality thrives in Canada, which may or may not be enough reason to pursue a philosophy degree here. However, there are certain factors that contribute to Canada’s appeal as a study (abroad) destination. Whether it is the natural wonders, friendly people, or well-rounded study programs—it generally depends on the individual. But with over 600,000 international students in Canada, there must be something that adds to its flair and fame.
Here’s everything you need to know about studying philosophy in Canada:
Reasons to Study Philosophy in Canada
Comprehensive Philosophy Programs
Considering Canadian universities have a high standard of teaching and learning, you can expect a philosophy degree from here to be of great value. Philosophy programs in Canadian universities teach the fundamentals of philosophy, ethical reasoning, and interpreting and analyzing arguments, among other things. In addition, these programs offer an impressive array of courses through which students can learn and diversify their knowledge. Moreover, many universities offer co-op programs and internship opportunities, so students can put their theoretical knowledge into practice (and earn work experience before even graduating).
Global Student Population
A global student population like one found in Canada can have plenty of advantages to your study experience and growth. Making friends from different parts of the world will teach you so much about the world. You will learn about different cultures, points of view, traditions, customs, etc. You will broaden your horizons and expand your mind, which will benefit you in your personal life and your professional life. Regardless of the career path you choose, you will make friends and learn from them—and they will learn from you. You will meet locals, internationals, and create a valuable study experience!
Good Employment Prospects
Employment prospects with a philosophy degree in Canada are adequate, especially considering that Canada has a stable economy and a high employment rate. But, apart from that, a degree in philosophy from a Canadian university will give you an edge in the global job market, which means you will have employment opportunities in Canada but also outside of Canada. You may find employment in fields like education, publishing, politics, public relations, journalism, fundraising, etc. In addition, you may also use your philosophy degree as preparation for a career in law.
Top Universities to Study Philosophy in Canada
Some of the best universities in Canada for philosophy programs are:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- Western University
- Queen's University at Kingston
- University of Montreal
- University of Calgary
- University of Waterloo
- Simon Fraser University
- York University
Requirements
Studying philosophy in Canada comes with certain requirements. Specific program requirements change from one university to the other; however, most universities have their list of minimum requirements you must meet to be eligible for application. The first thing you must do when you choose a university is contact the admissions office and see the complete list of requirements.
To study philosophy in Canada, you must:
- Have successfully completed high school.
- Have a bachelor’s degree. For admission to master’s programs.
- Be eligible for university admission in your home country.
- Possess proof of English proficiency.
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, other.
- Show good academic achievement (GPA).
Application Process
The application process to study philosophy in Canada should begin the moment you choose the university you wish to attend.
Here’s what the application process to study philosophy in Canada generally looks like:
- Check the university website. Search the website for information about the program and list all the documents you need to prepare for the application.
- Review the program’s start date. See if the program begins at a time convenient to you.
- Contact the university. If you have difficulties finding the specific requirements, contact the university and ask for assistance.
- Evaluate admission requirements. Make sure you at least meet the program’s minimum requirements.
- Take required exams. As an international student, you will likely need to enter exams like TOEFL or IELTS as a way of proving English proficiency.
- Submit an application. You will typically need to submit an application online and pay an application fee. The documents you may need include:
- Identification documents.
- Academic transcripts.
- Proof of language proficiency (test scores).
- Letters of recommendation.
- Statement of interest.
- Receive letter of acceptance.
- Obtain a study permit. International students will need a study permit to be allowed to study in Canada.
- Prepare, pack, and travel.
Degree Duration: How Long Does It Take to Study Philosophy in Canada?
You can find three and four-year bachelor’s philosophy degree programs in Canada. Likewise, you may also find one and two-year master’s degree programs in philosophy at Canadian universities. Moreover, a PhD program may take anywhere from four to seven years to complete. The university sets the duration of the degree program; however, the time it takes a student to complete a specific program depends on the students’ commitment.
Tuition Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Study Philosophy in Canada?
The cost of studying philosophy in Canada is higher for international students compared to domestic (Canadian) students. For example, the average annual cost of a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in Canada is around CAD 5,754 (~USD 4,570) for domestic students and CAD 31,792 (~USD 25,250) for international students. On the other hand, the average annual tuition for master’s programs in philosophy at Canadian universities is CAD 4,753 (~USD 3,775) for domestic students and CAD 14,744 (~USD 11,710) for international students.
International students in Canada pay roughly five times as much as domestic students for the same undergraduate degree and around three times as much as domestic students for the same graduate degree. However, this does not stop over half a million international students from pursuing their degrees in Canada. Many students use scholarship opportunities, part-time work, or other forms of financial assistance to pursue a Canadian degree and enjoy the benefits that Canadian higher education offers.
Philosophy Career Prospects in Canada
You might have heard that a philosophy degree can only lead to a career in teaching. Truth be told, teaching philosophy is actually one of the main career options for philosophy graduates. However, it is not the only one nor the main one. During your philosophy education in Canada, the training you get will allow you to choose a wide array of career paths. For example, skills like critical thinking, argumentation, or problem-solving are transferable across several work areas.
A few career areas you can choose with a philosophy degree in Canada include:
- Education
- Publishing
- Research
- Consulting
- Operations
- Information Technology
- Healthcare Services
- Project Management
- Other
If you wish to become a philosophy professor at the university level, you must obtain a PhD. The duration of a PhD is anywhere between four to seven years, after which you will be qualified to teach at the university level. The average annual salary for philosophy professors in Canada ranges from CAD 90,000 (~USD 71,500) to CAD 280,000 (~USD 222,400), but it will depend on factors such as professional experience, province, institution, etc.
