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PhD Economics

  1. U of G Homepage
  2. Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics

Future You will be a skilled researcher.

Lang's PhD in Economics program will prepare you to become an independent and skilled researcher, in preparation for a career in academia, public or private sector.

As a student in the program, you will benefit from learning and conducting your own research beside some of the world's most renowned economists and leaders in financial economic theory. Our faculty currently rank in the top 4% of the world for research output in economics, according to Research Papers in Economics (RePEc). The program's course offerings cover a broad range of topics in theoretical and applied economics.

The Department of Economics and Finance has a faculty complement of 27, with teaching and research interests across the entire range of economic and financial analysis. PhD Candidates may write a dissertation in any of the areas of expertise of the graduate faculty in the department. For information on recent PhD thesis and job placements visit the Department of Economics and Finance website.

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3+ years
Program length
Top 6%
of the world's business schools - AACSB Accredited
Every September
Program start date

PhD Economics program at a glance

Program length
3+ years
Program start date
Every September
Program delivery
On-campus
Application deadline
occurs in January

The PhD in Economics program consists of six core courses and six elective courses covering microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. Core courses are followed by a comprehensive examination in economic theory. Students will then complete a qualifying research paper. The remainder of the program is devoted to the completion and defense of a full doctoral dissertation.

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for admission:

  • Master's degree with a focus on Economics with at least an A- average (80-84%) from a recognized post-secondary institution
    • International applicants should use this guide to compare their academic credentials and determine the grade equivalency needed.
  • Two academic references, with an option for a third
  • Proof of English proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English. Please note that test scores must be valid for the start of the program
    • Applicants who completed a post-secondary degree from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand may request that this requirement be waived. This request will be reviewed by the graduate selection committee, who may ask for an interview and/or supplementary documentation in their consideration.

A GRE/GMAT is not required.

Note: Master's degrees from some countries are considered equivalent to undergraduate degrees in Canada. International students can check their credential evaluation online.

Fall 2027 admission:

  • January 15 -- submission of the online application form
  • February 1 -- submission of all required supporting documents

An application fee of $120 CAD is payable to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) directly when submitting your application. This application fee cannot be waived.

Full-time PhD students are offered guaranteed financial support in their offer of admission. The funding extends throughout the program duration for all eligible semesters (generally the first 12 full-time semesters) and can include a combination of: Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA), Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA), Graduate Service Assistantships (GSA), scholarships and awards.

Please note: Additional funding is available to students in the form of competitive scholarships and additional GTA, GRA and teaching earnings. Funding packages may be adjusted if major external or internal scholarship is awarded.

Click here for information regarding tuition for the PhD Economics program.

Click here for more information about graduate student scholarships.

Are you an international student considering applying to Lang's PhD Economics program? The digital international student viewbook provides you with an overview of our programs, admission requirements, and supports available for international students at the University of Guelph and Lang.

View Lang's International Student Viewbook

To view the current Academic Calendar for the PhD Economics program, click here.

Meet our students

Graduates of Lang's PhD in Economics program are well-regarded within academia. Many hold faculty positions at institutions across North America, including: University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, Auburn University, Carleton University, Ryerson University, St. Mary’s University, University of Windsor.

PhD Economics candidate Parisa Mahboubi and professor Thanasis Stengos talk about the program.

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