Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] [Economics] From Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University Doctor of Philosophy [PhD] Economics is a research-intensive doctorate spanning five years of intensive study and original research. The programme is located in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, and accepts international applicants. Admission requires a minimum 3.5 GPA and GRE scores. Total fees reach CAD 42,500 (INR 28.76 Lakhs). Primary intake is September 2027.

This PhD trains economists to lead research in labour economics, macroeconomics, microeconomic theory, and applied fields. SFU Economics emphasises rigorous training in econometrics alongside theoretical foundations. The programme is ideal for candidates aiming for academic positions in top-tier universities, research roles in government agencies, or leadership in policy analysis and financial institutions.

• 100 per cent placement rate with graduates employed globally in academia, policy, and private sector.
• Guaranteed minimum funding for all admitted PhD students from day one of study.
• Strong faculty mentorship in labour economics and macroeconomic policy research.

Also Check: Simon Fraser University Doctor of Philosophy [PhD] Economics Admission

Simon Fraser University Doctor of Philosophy [PhD] Economics Fees and Living Costs 2027

PhD Economics tuition at SFU is uniform across domestic and international students. All PhD candidates pay annual research programme fees of approximately CAD 8,500 (INR 5.75 Lakhs) per year. The complete five-year cost reaches CAD 42,500 (INR 28.76 Lakhs). However, all admitted PhD students receive guaranteed minimum funding covering tuition and stipend.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of 1 CAD = INR 67.70 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.

• Research programme fees apply uniformly to all PhD students regardless of domestic or international status.
• Application fee varies based on transcript origin (Canadian CAD 112, international CAD 160).
• Ancillary fees for health insurance and athletics are typically included in annual assessment.
• All accepted PhD students receive guaranteed minimum funding covering full tuition.

Cost of Living in Burnaby for Doctor of Philosophy [PhD] Economics Students

Cost Reality for Indian Students: Combined five-year cost (tuition plus living) reaches INR 44.60 Lakhs without scholarship support. However, guaranteed PhD funding dramatically reduces out-of-pocket expense, often covering both tuition and living stipend.

Simon Fraser University Doctor of Philosophy [PhD] Economics Admission 2027

The PhD Economics programme at Simon Fraser University requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 from undergraduate study. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in economics, mathematics, or a related quantitative discipline. The programme prioritises quantitative training and prior exposure to econometrics.

Simon Fraser University is ranked 308th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 301st in the Times Higher Education World Rankings. The university maintains strong research outputs in economics across labour, macro, and micro policy domains.

English Language Proficiency for Doctor of Philosophy [PhD] Economics

All non-native English speakers whose bachelor’s degree was completed at an institution where English was not the primary language of instruction must submit TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic scores. Scores older than two years at application deadline are not accepted.

• Indian applicants most commonly achieve IELTS scores; TOEFL iBT and Duolingo are also accepted.
• IELTS 6.5 band (TOEFL 88) typically opens pathways; 7.0 band strengthens competitive applications.
• Credential evaluation via WES (World Education Services) required for all international degrees.
• Plan 8–12 weeks for WES processing and official score submission to SFU.

Simon Fraser University Doctor of Philosophy [PhD] Economics Application 2027

Applications open mid-October each year and close on 20 January. Interested candidates must submit all required documents together to the Faculty of Graduate Studies portal. The programme begins in late August following the application year.

• Submit unsigned unofficial transcripts from all institutions where bachelor’s or master’s study occurred.
• Upload GRE scores and TOEFL/IELTS scores directly from testing agencies.
• Provide two academic reference letters (usually from undergraduate or master’s thesis supervisors).
• Write a 500-word Statement of Interest outlining research goals and field preferences within economics.

Application Tip for Indian Candidates: Plan to complete GRE and TOEFL/IELTS by November 2025 to allow time for credential evaluation via WES before the 20 January deadline.

Simon Fraser University Doctor of Philosophy [PhD] Economics Scholarships 2027

All admitted PhD students receive guaranteed minimum funding. This funding typically covers full tuition (CAD 8,500 annually) plus a living stipend to support residence and basic costs. Scholarship sources include departmental awards, Faculty of Graduate Studies bursaries, and external scholarships.

The Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship (GDES) awards CAD 1,000 to CAD 8,000 at admission, with a maximum annual support of CAD 24,000 over four years. The Simons Foundation Doctoral Entrance Scholarship provides approximately CAD 15,000 over two terms. For highly competitive applicants, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship offers CAD 50,000 per year for three years.

• All PhD students in economics guaranteed minimum funding covering tuition and partial living costs.
• Departmental scholarships available to students demonstrating strong research potential.
• External scholarships include the Knud George Pedersen International Graduate Students Fund.
• Research assistantships and teaching assistantships provide additional income opportunities.

Scholarship Reality: Guaranteed minimum funding significantly offsets the CAD 42,500 tuition burden. Most Indian students complete the PhD with minimal out-of-pocket expense beyond visa and travel costs.

Simon Fraser University Doctor of Philosophy [PhD] Economics Salary and Placements 2027

The PhD Economics programme at Simon Fraser University achieves a 100 per cent placement rate within six months of graduation. Approximately 200 graduates have secured positions in universities worldwide, government agencies, and private-sector policy roles. Career trajectories span academic research, policy analysis, and financial services leadership.

Source: SFU Economics Graduate Programme Placement Report and academic labour market surveys.

• Academic salaries vary widely by institution rank and geography (US positions typically 15–25 per cent higher).
• Government roles include Bank of Canada, provincial treasuries, and international organisations.
• Private-sector placements span investment firms, central banks, and think tanks.
• Gross salary figures; Canadian tax on CAD 100,000 ranges 25–30 per cent depending on province.

ROI Reality: Total five-year cost of INR 44.60 Lakhs is offset within 18–24 months of work as an assistant professor or senior analyst, delivering strong return on investment.

Canada Visa Doctor of Philosophy [PhD] Economics

International PhD students are eligible for a Canadian study permit valid for the duration of their programme. Upon graduation, PhD graduates become eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) programme, which typically allows three years of unrestricted work in Canada. This pathway provides a bridge to permanent residence (PR) through Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Express Entry routes.

• Study permit: Valid for programme duration; proof of enrolment required for renewal each year.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit: Three-year duration allows full-time employment in any field or role.
• Permanent residence eligibility through Express Entry after two years of skilled work experience post-graduation.
• Spouse and dependent family members can accompany the primary PhD student on dependent visas with open work permits.

Read More: Canada Student Visa Requirements and Timeline

Visa Reality: PhD graduates enjoy a clear pathway to Canadian permanent residence, with policy priorities favouring highly educated international talent in all provinces.

Simon Fraser University Doctor of Philosophy [PhD] Economics Ranking 2027

Simon Fraser University does not hold a subject-specific ranking for PhD Economics in QS or THE subject rankings. However, the Economics department is recognised globally for research contributions, with the University itself ranked in the top 10 per cent of universities worldwide. The department maintains strengths in labour economics, macroeconomics, and microeconomic theory with faculty publishing regularly in top-tier journals.

Honest Take: SFU lacks a top-50 subject ranking but holds strong research output metrics and a robust job-market record, especially for Canadian and North American academic placements.