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Doctor of Philosophy - Psychology - Psychological Science

Doctoral degree, Social sciences and humanities. Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.

Level
Doctoral degree
Field
Social sciences and humanities
School
Lakehead University
Location
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Tuition (first year)
19,000 CAD
Application fee
128 CAD
Earliest intake
Sept 2027
Living costs (school estimate)
23,448 CAD a year
School type
Public
DLI number
O19396019447

Program overview

Doctor of Philosophy - Psychology - Psychological Science is a doctoral degree program in social sciences and humanities at Lakehead University, a public institution in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, founded in 1965.

First-year tuition is listed at 19,000 CAD and the application fee at 128 CAD. The earliest intake currently open is Sept 2027.

Applications to Lakehead University typically receive a decision in 29 days and 21 hours, based on recent applications.

Cost of the first year

Plan for about 42,576 CAD for the first year before travel, insurance and visa fees. Plan for first-year tuition, living costs at the level IRCC sets, and travel. Tuition varies widely between universities, colleges and provinces. IRCC revises the living-cost figure from time to time, so confirm the current amount on the official study permit page.

Figures are as listed in October 2026. Schools revise tuition every year, so confirm the current amount with the school before you pay a deposit.

ItemAmount (CAD)
Tuition, first year19,000 CAD
Living costs, first year (school estimate)23,448 CAD
Application fee (one time)128 CAD
Estimated first-year total42,576 CAD

How the tuition compares in Canada

Our directory lists 9 doctoral degree programs in social sciences and humanities at 3 schools in Canada. Their median first-year tuition is 19,000 CAD, and the middle half cost between 19,000 CAD and 19,000 CAD.

At 19,000 CAD, Doctor of Philosophy - Psychology - Psychological Science costs about the same as the median, in the most affordable quarter.

Lower-cost doctoral degree options in social sciences and humanities

If budget matters, these doctoral degree programs in social sciences and humanities have some of the lowest listed first-year tuition in Canada.

ProgramSchoolTuition (1st year)
Doctor of Philosophy - Educational StudiesUniversity of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown15,202 CAD
Double Degree - Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) - Political Science & Juris Doctor of Law (OYF) (French Immersion)University of Ottawa, Ottawa43,335 CAD

Plan for the Sept 2027 intake

Working back from a Sept 2027 start, this is a realistic plan. Popular programs can fill early, so the earlier end of each window is safer. September is the main intake. Many institutions also admit in January and May. Applications usually open several months ahead and some programmes close early.

ByStep
November 2026Shortlist programs, check entry requirements and book your English test.
January 2027Prepare your statement of purpose, references and transcripts, then apply.
March 2027Receive offers, compare total costs and accept one.
May 2027Pay the deposit, gather funds evidence and apply for the student visa.
August 2027Book travel and accommodation once the visa is approved.

Entry requirements and documents

Lakehead University sets the exact entry requirements for Doctor of Philosophy - Psychology - Psychological Science. For a doctoral degree, applicants usually need the following.

Most institutions accept IELTS Academic, TOEFL, PTE Academic or similar tests. Each institution sets its own minimum scores, so read the programme page rather than relying on a general figure.

  • A master's degree (some schools accept an outstanding bachelor's degree).
  • A research proposal and the name of a possible supervisor.
  • Academic references and a CV with any publications.
  • A valid passport.
  • English test results, unless the school waives them.

Student visa: Study permit

Students from India need a Study permit to study in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) decides the application.

Canada admits international students to designated learning institutions (DLIs) on a study permit. The admission, the funds and the permit application all have to line up, and several rules have changed in recent years, so check each step against IRCC before you pay anything.

  • Shortlist programmes at a designated learning institution and check that the programme itself is eligible for the outcome you want (for example a post-graduation work permit).
  • Apply and receive a letter of acceptance. Check on IRCC whether you also need a provincial or territorial attestation letter.
  • Prepare proof of funds, identity documents, a study plan or letter of explanation, and any language test results the institution or IRCC asks for.
  • Complete the study permit application online and give biometrics when asked. A medical exam may be required.

After you graduate

Graduates of eligible programmes at eligible institutions may apply for a post-graduation work permit. Eligibility depends on the institution, programme and field of study, and the rules have been changing, so check the current IRCC conditions before choosing a course on that basis.

How to apply with Study Spectra

  • Send us your marksheets, English test result (or test plan) and budget.
  • We check your profile against Doctor of Philosophy - Psychology - Psychological Science and suggest alternatives if it is a stretch.
  • We prepare your statement of purpose and documents, and submit the application.
  • When the offer arrives, we help with the deposit, funds evidence and the student visa file.

Questions students ask

How much is the tuition for Doctor of Philosophy - Psychology - Psychological Science?

First-year tuition is listed at 19,000 CAD. Living costs are extra; Lakehead University estimates 23,448 CAD a year. Confirm the current fee with the school.

What is the application fee?

The application fee is 128 CAD. It is paid once per application and is not refunded after the school receives the application.

When is the next intake?

The earliest intake currently open is Sept 2027. Start your application about eight months before that.

Is Doctor of Philosophy - Psychology - Psychological Science a degree?

It is listed as a doctoral degree. The school awards the degree on completion.

Which visa do I need to study in Canada?

You need a Study permit, decided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Apply after you accept an offer and can show the required funds.

Can Study Spectra help me apply?

Yes. We check your profile, prepare your documents and submit your application to Lakehead University, then help with the visa. The first call is free.

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