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Aerial view of Johnston Green University of Guelph

PhD Economics

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

Degree

  • PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Program Type

  • Thesis

Delivery

  • On-campus

Entry Terms & Deadlines

  • Fall (September): January 15

Duration

  • Full Time: 48 months
  • Part Time: 96 months

Admission Average

A- (80%)**Additional Requirements
Program Structure

Become a skilled researcher.

The PhD in Economics at the University of Guelph is a highly selective, research-intensive doctoral program designed for students seeking careers in academia, public policy, central banking, financial institutions, and research-driven organizations. Each year, a small cohort of exceptional students joins a collaborative community of scholars and works closely with internationally recognized faculty. The department is ranked among the world’s leading economics and finance research departments according to RePEc. Students receive rigorous training in economic theory, econometrics, and pursue research in their chosen field of study, while benefiting from individualized mentorship and outstanding financial support. The program prepares graduates to make original contributions to economic knowledge and pursue successful careers at leading universities, government institutions, and private-sector organizations.

Program Highlights

  • Faculty ranked among the world's leading economics and finance researchers (RePEc)

  • Highly selective program admitting approximately 4–5 doctoral students each year

  • Exceptional funding for both domestic and international students

  • Research strengths in economics, econometrics and financial economics

  • Close faculty mentorship and individualized research supervision

  • Outstanding academic and professional placement record


Why Choose Guelph?

World-Class Research Environment

Work with internationally recognized scholars conducting influential research across economics and finance.

Small Cohorts, Individual Attention

With only a handful of students admitted each year, doctoral candidates receive close mentorship and substantial interaction with faculty.

Exceptional Financial Support

Generous multi-year funding allows students to focus on research rather than finances. Comprehensive funding packages are available to successful domestic and international applicants.

Strength in Financial Economics

Many doctoral students pursue research in financial economics, financial econometrics, asset pricing, corporate finance, and related fields.

PhD Graduate Placements

Our PhD graduates have secured faculty positions at:

  • University of Toronto

  • University of Waterloo

  • Carleton University

  • Brock University

  • Toronto Metropolitan University

  • Saint Mary's University

  • University of Windsor

and research-oriented positions at:

  • TD Bank

  • Royal Bank of Canada

  • CPP Investments

  • Anheuser Busch

  • Statistics Canada

  • Treasury Board Secretariat of Ontario

  • C.D. Howe Institute

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Program Brochure
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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%) 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 $125 CAD is payable to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) directly when submitting your application. This application fee cannot be waived.

Applicants are strongly advised to apply by the above deadline but consideration of qualified applicants may continue past this date.

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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