How long is a PhD in law in Canada?

Asked by: Earlene Feeney  |  Last update: January 12, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (19 votes)

The Queen's Law PhD program is a four-year program of advanced scholarly research and writing, culminating in a dissertation. Queen's Senate recently approved the expected length of the PhD program from three to four years.

Can I finish PhD in 2 years in Canada?

Length of a PhD in Canada

Most courses require at least three years of full-time study and research. Some students may study for longer. You can usually register for up to six years.

How long does it take to get a PhD in law?

The average Ph. D. in Law program takes three to four years to finish and may take longer depending on if the students is enrolled part-time or full-time. A doctoral degree in law may also be earned alongside a Juris Doctorate as a dual degree program.

How many years is a PhD in Canada?

Graduate program options

In Canada, your master's studies can include a thesis, practicum, research paper or a course‑based program. PhD and doctoral degrees involve 3 to 5 years of study, including a thesis. This usually is pursued after completing your master's degree.

How much does it cost to do a PhD in law in Canada?

On average, the annual tuition fee for PhD in Law in Canada is 6,955 CAD - 15,000 CAD. The exact cost of living in Canada will depend on various factors such as your location, type of accommodation and preferences.

How long does it take to get a phD in Canada?

36 related questions found

Are PhD fully funded in Canada?

Yes, several Canadian universities offer fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada, covering tuition fees and providing a stipend for living expenses. These scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden of pursuing a PhD.

Which is the cheapest country to study law in?

1. What is the cheapest country for Indian students to study law in? Countries with free public education systems, like Germany and Norway, would be good destinations to study law for cheap prices. However, you can also opt for various scholarships if you want to go to other countries.

What is the salary of a PhD in Canada?

Phd Student salaries in Canada

The estimated total pay for a Phd Student is $28,871 per year, with an average salary of $25,102 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.

Which country is best for PhD?

Here we have highlighted some of the best of what certain countries have to offer for PhD programs -- take a look, then get your passport ready!
  • Consider Israel for natural sciences. ...
  • Look to Japan for business opportunities. ...
  • Aim for Australia if you're on an alt-ac track. ...
  • Canada is a great option for STEM PhDs.

What is the age limit for PhD in Canada?

The answer is that there is no specific age limit, but there are a few factors to keep in mind. Here are 4 things to keep in mind that will help ease your mind.

Is it harder to get a PhD or law school?

Yes, grad school requires learning new approaches, new theories, new ways of thinking. Some of this even makes your head spin. But it simply doesn't require the same radical realignment that law school does. What you learned as an undergraduate applies to grad school — but not so much to law school.

How long is Harvard law PhD?

Students will ordinarily be enrolled for at least four years (8 terms) in Harvard Griffin GSAS. They must complete at least 16 half courses to receive their PhD.

What is the highest degree for a lawyer?

Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)

A Doctor of Juridical Science degree is considered the highest level of a law degree and is designed for professionals who are looking to gain an advanced legal education after earning their JD and LLM.

How much does a PhD cost in Canada?

How much does it cost to do PhD in Canada? There are many scholarships dedicated for PhD programs at the universities of Canada. But generally speaking, the cost of PhDs in Canada varies between CAD 8,000 to 20,000 annually depending on the program, specialisation and the university.

What is the difference between a doctorate and a PhD?

While a PhD focuses on academic research, a professional doctorate makes a significant and original contribution to furthering professional practice. A professional doctorate consists of coursework and a thesis of between 70,000 and 100,000 words.

Who is the youngest person to get a PhD?

The youngest person to be awarded a PhD is the German child prodigy Johann Heinrich Friedrich Karl Witte (born 10 July 1800; better known simply as Karl Witte), who received his doctorate from the University of Giessen, Germany, on 10 April 1814 at the age of 13 years 283 days.

Which country pays highest for PhD?

For the highest salary: Switzerland

Says CareerAddict, “The average scientist in Switzerland receives an annual salary of roughly $95,000 (in Euros, of course), making Switzerland the country with the highest salary for scientists in the world.

Is PhD in Canada fully funded?

Canada offers world-class PhD programs in Computer Science with a multicultural, welcoming environment. Fully-funded scholarships and fellowships make pursuing a PhD financially accessible. Top universities like Toronto, UBC, and McGill provide cutting-edge research opportunities in diverse fields.

What is the salary of a PhD in the US?

PhD students' stipends vary widely depending on the institution, field of study, and location. As of 2024, PhD students typically earn between $20,000 and $35,000 per year. Stipends may be tax-free (if they are fellowship awards) or taxable (if classified as salary for teaching or research assistant roles).

What is the cost of living in Canada?

A family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,607.4$ (5,194.0C$) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,003.1$ (1,444.3C$) without rent. Cost of living in Canada is, on average, 9.7% lower than in United States. Rent in Canada is, on average, 26.1% lower than in United States.

What country pays lawyer the most?

The top countries which offer the highest average Lawyer's salary are the USA, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland. The legal field presents numerous opportunities for skilled professionals to create significant impacts locally and globally.

Which country is best for PhD in law?

Here is a list of the top 10 Law schools worldwide, according to our Meta Rankings:
  • Columbia University, United States.
  • Yale University, United States.
  • UCL (University College London), United Kingdom.
  • University of California, Berkeley, United States.
  • University of Toronto, Canada.
  • University of Melbourne, Australia.

What is the best country to qualify as a lawyer?

The US stands as the leading destination for law studies, home to prestigious institutions such as Harvard Law School, Yale Law School, and Stanford Law School. Ranking #1 in quality of education, the US offers comprehensive legal training across specialties like corporate law, public interest law, and technology law.