Social and Legal Aspects of Doctoral Training in Canada: Criteria and Consequences of Admission

Abstract

Doctoral education in Canada is the constitutional responsibility of provincial governments, which authorize the awarding of degrees by universities, who determine admission criteria and procedures, as well as degree and programme requirements. Admission to a doctoral programme is either with a prior master's degree or by transfer from a master's programme upon excellent academic and research performance. The Canadian doctoral student population includes a high proportion of international students and female students, although both vary by discipline. Tuition fees vary by province, and doctoral students typically receive financial support to cover tuition and living costs through scholarships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships (from the supervisor's research grants). This article addresses the tensions felt by doctoral students at being both students and employees.