• Interesting for you
  • My settings

Physiotherapy in Canada

Endor

Why Study Physiotherapy in Canada

  • Studying Physiotherapy in Canada is a great choice, as there are 5 universities that offer PhD degrees on our portal.
  • Over 323,000 international students choose Canada for their studies, which suggests you’ll enjoy a vibrant and culturally diverse learning experience and make friends from all over the world.
  • We counted 33 affordable PhD degrees in Canada , allowing you to access quality higher education without breaking the bank. Moreover, there are 504 available scholarships you can apply to.

4  Physiotherapy PhDs in Canada

Rehabilitation Science The Rehabilitation Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto will prepare PhD candidates for a career in... University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Rehabilitation Science Our mission in the Rehabilitation Science program from Queen's University is to educate and train... Queen's University Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Rehabilitation Science The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Rehabilitation Science offered by the School of Physical and Occupational... Faculty of Medicine Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Rehabilitation Science The PhD in Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University provides training to develop rehabilitation... McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Study in Canada

Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to its high focus on the quality of its universities and its emphasis on attracting international students who can later immigrate. Canadians are very welcoming to international students and they invest a lot into making sure students are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their stay in the country. Study in one of the strongest economies in the world while enjoying a high living standard and a flexible study environment. Classes have smaller student groups ensuring everyone gets the attention they need, and encouraging group assignments and debates.

Is Canada the right place for you?

Take the test and find out which country is your best fit.

Explore your Physiotherapy degree

Physiotherapy degrees teach students treatment methods that help recover, sustain or improve the well-being and the complete functioning of the human body and its locomotor system. Physiotherapy degrees offered by international universities and colleges prepare students to work in hospitals, sports clinics, special schools, or nursing homes.

Is Physiotherapy the best for you?

Take the test and find out if Physiotherapy is the right path for you.

Go to your profile page to get personalised recommendations!

Graduate Studies

Physiotherapy.

Physiotherapists are experts in movement and function. As health care professionals, physiotherapists work with people across the lifespan, who have a wide array of mobility issues, injuries, and/or health conditions, and work in a variety of settings. Using a client-centred approach, physiotherapists work with people to: prevent disability and chronic conditions, maximize the ability to move and function, and improve health, wellness, and quality of life.

Faculty of Health Sciences

Program Contact

Degree Options

Physiotherapy (msc (pt)).

A professional Master’s program comprised of academic and clinical education, which prepares students in their eligibility to be registered practicing physiotherapists in Canada. This program meets Canadian professional accreditation and practice standards.

Alan Nolet Physiotherapy Academic Grant $

Established in 2018 by Mr. Alan Nolet, BKin (Class of ’96) and BHS. in Physiotherapy (Class of ’98). To be granted to graduate students enrolled in the Physiotherapy Program who demonstrate financial need and a B+ average in the previous academic year. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate a passion for teamwork and collaboration. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Assistant Dean of the Master of Science Physiotherapy Program.

Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS) Varied values

Varied values

ACUNS established its scholarship program, the Canadian Northern Studies Trust (CNST) in 1982 to advance knowledge and understanding of Canada’s North. The purpose of the CNST is to develop a cadre of scholars and scientists with northern experience and, at the same time, to enhance the educational opportunities available for northern residents.

For a list of scholarships and funding available, as well as eligibility criteria, award values, application details, and deadlines, visit the ACUNS website.

Canada-U.S. Fulbright Program

The bi-national program is an educational exchange, with a mandate to enhance mutual understanding between the people of Canada and the people of the United States of America. Available to graduate students, faculty, professionals and independent researchers, successful applicants conduct research, lecture, or enroll in formal academic programs in the United States. Fulbright Canada offers various scholarship awards within this program, with further information on the various award opportunities made available through the Canada-US Fulbright Program website.

For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright website.

Carmen Kirkness-Asche Memorial Scholarship $

Established in 2019 by friends and family of Carmen Kirkness-Asche. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies, to students enrolled in year 2 of the Rehabilitation Science Physiotherapy program, who on the recommendation of the Master of Science Physiotherapy Student Scholarships and Awards Committee (PTSSAC), demonstrate excellent academic achievement and leadership in the previous academic year. Preference will be given to students conducting research in orthopedics.

CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship $$$$

Deadline Date:

September 27, 2023

Postdoctoral research opportunities funded through CIHR. E-Approval done through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

Fellowships provide support for highly qualified applicants in all areas of health research at the post-PhD degree or post-health professional degree stages to add to their experience by engaging in health research either in Canada or abroad.

Up to $60,000 per annum for up to five years.

Eligibility

At the time of application, the Nominated Principal Applicant must be/have:

  • a trainee, with an identified primary supervisor,
  • commit 75% of your time in the research fellowship role to the proposal,
  • hold or be completing a PhD degree or a regulated health professional degree by the last possible date to take up the fellowship.

General application process

Information and instructions for this year’s competition are available on SharePoint.

Applications are prepared and submitted by individuals on ResearchNet by the internal deadline set by McMaster . Please see the ResearchNet website for information on eligibility requirements, guidelines, how to apply, and information regarding the review process and evaluation.

McMaster Internal RESEARCHNET deadline: 12 p.m. EST, Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Review and Submission

Please note that applications will be returned to applicants for correction or review and final approval before they are submitted to CIHR. It is the applicant’s responsibility to resubmit their application after the internal deadline and before the McMaster final deadline for submission.

It is important to note that it is the applicant’s sole responsibility to follow up with his/her sponsors to ensure that the assessments are submitted online by their sponsors no later than 12 p.m., Monday, September 25, 2023.

McMaster Internal Final Deadline for Submission: 12 p.m., Wednesday, October 4, 2023

  • CIHR deadline: October 5, 2023
  • Anticipated notice of decision: April 30, 2023
  • Funding start date: April 1, 2024

For questions on CIHR funding guidelines, how to apply, contact:

For ResearchNet technical support contact:

This competition is being managed by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs in the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants are encouraged to contact Catherine Maybrey, coordinator of postdoctoral affairs and research training, at [email protected] for questions regarding deadlines and submissions.

Clarification of Signature Pages

  • Only supervisor(s) signatures are required. Printed names should always accompany signatures.
  • No institution signatures are required on the pages at the time of application, as McMaster University’s submission on your behalf acts as the institution/institution paid signature.

Scan and upload the signed signature pages, including the routing slip, as one PDF (unprotected and not exceeding 30 MB), in the Print/Upload Signature Pages task in ResearchNet prior to submitting the application

CSA Group Graduate Scholarship $$

March 31, 2024

The purpose of the CSA Group Graduate Scholarship is to support graduate students in the pursuit of knowledge generation related to standards. Full-time graduate students at the Masters level studying at a publicly funded, accredited Canadian university are eligible to apply.

The research can be conducted in any field (e.g. engineering, social sciences, health sciences) and must include standards as a component of the research. The topic does not need to be related to an area in which CSA Group already has standards. The research may investigate aspects of an existing standard or may explore an area for future standards development.

Dr. J. A. Campbell Young Investigator Award $$

April 30, 2023

The Dr. J. A. Campbell Young Investigator Award of $5,000 for any kind of research into celiac disease and / or gluten sensitivity is available to students and those who have recently completed degrees.

Eligibility criteria, application details and deadlines available on the Canadian Celiac Association website.

Dr. John Thomas Memorial Bursary $

Dr. John Thomas Memorial Bursary was established in 1996 in memory of Dr. John Thomas by family, friends and colleagues. The bursary fund will assist graduate students enrolled in the department of philosophy or the Faculty of Health Sciences who demonstrate financial need. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies with preference given to students studying medical or applied ethics.

E.B. Eastburn Fellowship $$$$

March 3, 2025

Under the terms of a bequest to Hamilton Community Foundation by the late Eugene B. Eastburn, a two-year Fellowship will be awarded for full-time postdoctoral studies in engineering or sciences (Natural or Physical sciences, including Health Sciences).

The fellowship will be awarded for 24 months for a total value of $90,000.

Note: The 2025 competition will be announced in late fall 2024.

Fulbright canada student awards $ – $$$.

November 15, 2023

Traditional Fulbright Canada Student awards are intended for Canadian citizens who are graduate students, prospective graduate students, or promising young professionals who wish to study and/or conduct research in the United States. Awards may be held at any university, research centre, think tank, or government agency in the United States.

For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright Canada website.

Gregory Spadoni Scholarship in Physiotherapy $

Established in 2021 by Gregory Spadoni Physiotherapy Professional Corporation. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the School of Rehabilitation Science to a graduating graduate student in the Physiotherapy program who demonstrates a commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion principles in the community.

GSA Travel Award $

The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are funded from the proceeds of the Graduate Students Association Development Fund, which receives contributions from graduate students and the University. The GSA Travel Assistance Grants fund is administered through the School of Graduate Studies. The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are designed to enable graduate students to travel to undertake research or present at conferences relevant to their field of study. There are a fluctuating number of awards available each semester.

The successful recipients will be determined randomly by selecting one recipient from each faculty (Health Sciences, Engineering, Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business) and the balance of the awards left in a given period will be randomly selected from a list of the remaining applicants from all faculties combined.

Application dates:

  • Fall competition for September to December travel: Opens September 1, 2023 and closes October 2, 2023
  • Winter competition for January to April travel: Opens January 2, 2024 and closes February 5, 2024
  • Summer competition for May to August travel: Opens May 1, 2024 and closes June 3, 2024

H.G. Hilton Master’s Scholarship $$

The H.G. Hilton Master’s Scholarships were established by the income from a bequest in the estate of Hugh G. Hilton, at one time Chief Executive Officer of Stelco and member of the McMaster Board of Governors support a Master’s scholarship. The scholarship is tenable for one year, and is awarded annually to incoming Canadian citizens, permanent residents or, international students from departments which offer full-time Master’s graduate studies. Priority will be given to students intending research in Canadian industry or industrial problems. Other things being equal, preference will be given to deserving children of employees or former employees of Stelco Ltd.

Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship $$-$$$

March 14, 2024

The Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis Students was established in 2009 in honour of Harvey E. Longboat, and in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to McMaster University and to the broader community. The School of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the Indigenous Studies program and the Indigenous Education Council, will award the scholarship annually to a First Nation, Inuit, or Métis student(s) who has demonstrated high academic achievement and exceptional promise.

The scholarship is tenable for one year, although previous award winners may re-apply.

Incoming students are eligible to apply.

Health Research Postdoctoral Opportunities

A comprehensive list of funding sources and agencies for postdoctoral fellows in the Faculty of Health Sciences and those doing health-related research can be found in McMaster’s funding database.. On the site, you will find a variety of filters to help you in your search.

Health Sciences Graduate Scholarship for Indigenous Scholars $$

All incoming Indigenous graduate students who are studying in a graduate program located within the Faculty of Health Sciences, are eligible to apply for this award.

Applicants who are completing a FIAP application for a facilitated graduate program, will be automatically considered for this award.

For full eligibility criteria, application details and deadlines, visit the Faculty of Health Sciences website. (Link below.)

Iranian Student Memorial Scholarship $

Established in honour of McMaster Faculty of Engineering PhD students Iman Aghabali and Mehdi Eshaghian, and a former Faculty of Health Science Post-Doctoral Fellow, who lost their lives on the downing of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight PS752. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of the Associate Deans responsible for graduate studies, to international graduate students from Iran who demonstrate academic excellence.

John Charles Polanyi Prize $$$

December 1, 2023

In honour of the achievement of John Charles Polanyi, recipient of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the Government of the Province of Ontario has established a fund to provide annually up to five prizes to outstanding researchers in the early stages of their career who are continuing to postdoctoral studies or have recently started a faculty appointment at an Ontario university.

Lyle Makosky Values and Ethics in Sport Fund $

April 30, 2024

This award is through the True Sport Foundation of Canada. Open to applicants who are

  • high-performance athletes enrolled at a Canadian university, community college or other post-secondary educational institution.
  • post-secondary students active in sport at a non-high-performance level.
  • sport practitioners active/working in sport as an official, administrator or high-performance coach.
  • educators working in a sport, sports sciences, sport management/administration or other applicable discipline.

All questions should be directed to the True Sport Foundation of Canada.

Visit their website for all details and contact information.

MacDATA Graduate Fellowship $$

March 15, 2021

The advent of large collection of data and ensuing development in data analysis techniques has made collaboration between data scientists and content experts necessary for cutting-edge research. Furthermore, there is a need for trainees to be exposed to both aspects of such research, namely for data science trainees to learn about real life practical projects and for content expert trainees to gain experience in data analysis and management. The aims of the MacDATA Graduate Fellowship Program are:

  • To provide trainees with an opportunity to acquire practical and theoretical skills in data science.
  • To facilitate exchange of expertise and knowledge in data science across faculties.

Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarships $$-$$$

February 1, 2024

The Mackenzie King Scholarships were set up under the will of the Rt. Hon. W.L. Mackenzie King (1874-1950), who was Prime Minister of Canada 1921-26, 1926-30, and 1935-48.

Two types of the Mackenzie King Scholarship are available to graduates of Canadian universities: the Open Scholarship and the Travelling Scholarship . Both are to support graduate study.

Manulife Life Lessons Scholarship Program $$

March 31, 2023

Manulife has introduced the first Life Lessons Scholarship Program in Canada, for students who’ve experienced the death of a parent or guardian with little to no life insurance. The Scholarship Program helps combat the financial burden of paying for post-secondary education during an emotional time and recognizes the perseverance that so many youth show in such adversity.

The next application call for this scholarship opens on February 1, 2024. Visit the Manulife website for details on that date.

Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security $$$

February 23, 2024

Four scholarships open to master’s and PhD students who are conducting research on determinants, impacts, and policy or program interventions into food insecurity in Canada.

Visit Maple Leaf Centre for Food Insecurity to learn more and apply.

Questions can be directed to [email protected] .

Mary Buzzell Graduate Scholarship for Resilient Aging $

December 1, 2024

The Mary Buzzell Graduate Scholarship for Resilient Aging will be awarded to an outstanding student enrolled in any Master’s Degree program at McMaster University who is preparing for a career in the multidisciplinary field of Aging. This award is sponsored by Hamilton Aging in Community.

About Mary Buzzell

Mary Buzzell, a McMaster University faculty member in Nursing, was recognized by McMaster with an honorary doctorate as a pioneer in resilient aging, especially through innovative educational and community programs.

McMaster Graduate General Bursary $

What is a bursary.

A bursary is based solely on financial need. In most cases, information from your OSAP application is used to determine your financial need (some students who don’t receive OSAP can still apply for a bursary).

The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program application opens mid-August in AwardSpring. Funding is paid out in mid-February.

Who can apply?

Graduate students who demonstrate financial need can apply for the McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program.

Please note: The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program is not open to international students enrolled in graduate studies, MBA, medicine or physician assistant programs.

Bursary eligibility requirements:

  • Be enrolled at McMaster
  • Submit a completed application by the bursary deadline
  • OSAP students who receive an income update request must complete it by the income update deadline
  • Continue to demonstrate financial need throughout the study period
  • Indigenous students
  • students with OSAP government aid restrictions include:
  • academic progress restriction
  • income verification restriction
  • provincial and/or federal default restriction
  • credit check restriction
  • students with a disability taking a reduced course load
  • students with out-of-province student aid
  • part-time students
  • students receiving social assistance

McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) Postdoctoral Fellowship $$$$

July 15, 2020

Prospective postdoctoral fellows are invited to submit a research plan that focuses on interdisciplinary, impact-driven approaches in the study of optimal aging through one or more of the following research areas:

  • the impact of exercise on mobility;
  • the interrelationship between psychological function and social function;
  • causes and consequences of multimorbidity, frailty, and polypharmacy;
  • the role of caregiving, equity, economics and transportation in optimal aging;
  • the understanding of the biological mechanisms of diseases of aging;
  • evaluating approaches to knowledge translation to improve optimal aging; and
  • the use of technology to promote optimal aging and aging in place.

The applicant and principal supervisor are expected to involve at least two other researchers from two different McMaster faculties (outside of the principal supervisor’s faculty) as mentors in the development of an interdisciplinary research plan.

MIRA Graduate Student Travel Awards $

March 15, 2020

The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging funds up to 10 graduate student travel awards per year – five in each round – valued at $500 each for students working with MIRA researchers.  Graduate students travelling to an academic conference to present an accepted abstract in aging research are eligible for up to $500 in travel funding.

For details about this and other funding opportunities, visit MIRA .

Deadlines for 2020: March 15 and September 15

OGS for Indigenous Graduate Students $$$

Two OGS-I scholarships are awarded to Indigenous graduate students at McMaster University who face significant financial hardship, with particular priority given to women with family responsibilities.

This criteria has been established in consultation with the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) and is adjudicated by a committee chaired through the Indigenous Studies Program.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarships in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) $$$

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and The Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) programs provide funding to full-time students at the master’s and doctoral levels. They are merit-based scholarships for students with an A- or above average.

Rainbow Fund $

To be granted to graduate students enrolled in any program who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ students and demonstrate financial need.

Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada Graduate Student Award of Merit $$

At least three awards, each in the amount of $4000, will be awarded annually to the women graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the university or general community while maintaining exemplary academic records.

Women registered in master’s or PhD programs within a designated region. Regions and number of awards rotate each year. SWAAC has designated Ontario as the region for this 2023 competition. There are five awards available for this competition. Each university may nominate one person for the award.

Read about McMaster PhD student Liza-Anastasia DiCecco, who received the 2023 SWAAC Award of Merit .

The Anne Hall Memorial Academic Grant $

The Anne Hall Memorial fund was established in 1989 by family and friends in memory of a very special physiotherapist who died prior to completing her Doctoral studies in Medical Sciences at McMaster. Awards will be available yearly to physiotherapy graduate student(s) enrolled in the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University. The funds are to be awarded to high academic standing physiotherapy graduate students based on social accountability and good citizenship and who demonstrates financial need.

The Barkleys of Avonmore Scholarship $

The Barkley’s of Avonmore Scholarship was established in 1977 through the generosity of Fred Barkley to assist a student from a developing country to pursue advanced studies at McMaster University.  Each year the Dean of Graduate Studies will identify a worthy graduate student from one of the developing countries to receive the award.

The Dr. Colin Webber Graduate Scholarship $$

Established in 2013 to honour the memory of Dr. Colin Webber, McMaster University professor, physicist, radiation safety expert, teacher, mentor, and leader in the field of bone research. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to master’s or doctoral students. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate interest in bone research.

Value: Minimum $1,600

The Edna Howard Bursary $

Established in 2022 by the family of Edna Howard, this bursary honours the support Edna offered graduate students through her work as a cook at The Phoenix Bar and Grill, owned and operated by the Graduate Students Association. Her food warmed the hearts of the McMaster campus community for many years until her retirement. To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies to full-time students in any program who demonstrate financial need.

The Graduate Students Association Bursary $

The Graduate Students Association Bursary was established in 1999 by the Graduate Students Association at McMaster University under the McMaster Student Opportunity Fund initiative. To be granted to a full-time or part-time graduate student in one of the following faculties: Engineering, Health Sciences, and Humanities, Science, Social Sciences, or the PhD program in Business. The bursary will be awarded annually by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Graduate Students Association.

The H. Vincent Elliott Memorial Travel Bursary $

The H.Vincent Elliott Memorial Travel Bursary was established in 2010 by Dr. Susan J.Elliott (MA `97 and PhD`92), esteemed former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, professor of Geography and Earth Sciences, and senior research fellow at the United Nations Institute on Water (UNU-IWEH), Environment and Health, in memory of her father, H.Vincent Elliott. To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation on the program director of ‘Water Without Borders’ to students registered in a Master’s or PhD program will be given to students in financial need.

The James F. Harvey and Helen S. Harvey Travel Scholarships $

Established in 1995 with funds from the estate of Helen S. Harvey.  James F. Harvey was a member of the first McMaster graduating class in Hamilton in 1935.  This travel scholarship will enable students to engage in research requiring travel.  To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence.

The Karen Anne (Murray) Winchar Memorial Bursary $$

Established in 2021 by Charla Murray in memory of her sister, Karen Anne (Murray) Winchar, who enjoyed working for many years in her chosen career as a Registered Physiotherapist. To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies to graduate students enrolled in the Physiotherapy program who identify as a member of an equity-deserving group and demonstrate financial need.

The Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada Graduate Award

Established in 2022 by the Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to a graduate student who is currently enrolled in their first year of any program who identifies as a member of the queer, trans community and is Black, racialized, or Indigenous.

The Myra Baillie Academic Grant $

Established in 2005 by the Surgical Associates in memory of Myra Baillie. To be granted to a graduate student in any degree program who attains and “A” average and demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to a female graduate student.

Award Value: 2 awards of $1,000 each

The School of Graduate Studies Grant in Aid for Research Travel $-$$

March 8, 2024

The SGS Grant is intended to be a grant in aid of research; students should not expect the grants to cover the full cost of travel or field work.

The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Grant is not intended for conference or course work travel .

It is not meant to replace sources of funding already available from the tri-agencies (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC), other external granting sources, or internal scholarships and bursaries.

It is not intended to fund the research itself, but the travel to do the research.

Application Date

The application will open in Mosaic on January 8, 2024, and close on March 8, 2024.

The Wojkowski and Chapdelaine Family Bursary $

Established in 2021 by Sarah Wojkowski and Ben Chapdelaine. To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies to graduate students enrolled in the Physiotherapy program who identify as a member of an equity-deserving group and demonstrate financial need.

The Zonta Club of Hamilton 1, Frances Colter Memorial Bursary $

Established in 2016 by members of the Zonta Club of Hamilton 1 in memory and recognition of dedicated member and supporter of our club, Fran Colter, who was a pioneer in the field of physiotherapy at Chedoke Hospital, Hamilton. To be awarded by the School of Graduate studies to students enrolled in the School of Rehabilitation Science physiotherapy program who demonstrates financial need. Preference to be given to female students.

Wilson Leadership Scholar Award $$-$$$

March 28, 2022

The Wilson Leader Scholarship Award for graduate students is different. Valued at $12,000 in direct funding and up to $2,000 for experiential funding, it’s a leadership development and career launcher program that builds on your studies. It involves about 15 hours/month, including time for synchronous group events between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET.

Awarded to up to three graduate students annually.

Related News

phd physiotherapy canada

{Link Label}

It’s time to celebrate our 2024 vanier scholars.

phd physiotherapy canada

McMaster’s DASH team to the rescue for data analysis and software help

phd physiotherapy canada

Nominations open for 25th Annual Graduate Student Recognition Awards

phd physiotherapy canada

Five grad students receive Wilson Leadership Scholar Award

phd physiotherapy canada

McMaster ranked #1 for graduate student research intensity

phd physiotherapy canada

McMaster’s newest graduate Wilson Scholars begin their programs this September

phd physiotherapy canada

Winter term will be online: Provost’s letter

phd physiotherapy canada

830,000 print books from Library’s collection now digitally available to faculty, students

Tell your research story in the 2020 three minute thesis competition.

  • Répertoires
  • Bibliothèques
  • Plan campus
  • Mon portail UdeM

Logo UdeM

Faculté de médecine

Accueil / Studies / Rehabilitation science / Ph.D. rehabilitation science

  • A career in Occupational Therapy
  • Short graduate program for occupational therapists
  • Specialized graduate certificate (DESS in french) for occupational therapists
  • Professional master’s degree for occupational therapists
  • Professional Qualification Program in occupational therapy
  • A career in physiotherapy
  • Master’s degree for practising physiotherapists
  • Short Graduate program in perineal and pelvic rehabilitation
  • Continuing education for physiotherapists
  • Professional qualification program for physiotherapists (QPP in french)
  • Clinical Placements
  • Awards and Bursaries
  • Ph.D. rehabilitation science

For more information

  • Description officielle du programme
  • Conditions d’admission
  • Pour remplir une demande d’admission

The doctoral program is designed to train students to be independent researchers in the field of rehabilitation science. At the end of their training, our students are able to assume leadership roles in rehabilitation science research in a wide range of academic and clinical settings as well as in the health system.

The doctoral program includes a total of 90 credits which are distributed as follows:

  • required course (3 cr.) ;
  • optional courses (minimum 3cr.) and electives for a total of 9 cr. ;
  • research project and thesis (78 credits).

Comprehensive Doctoral exam

The candidate must undergo a comprehensive examination with a written and an oral test, no later than by the end of the sixth semester. This examination is held before a jury. The candidate must demonstrate a good knowledge of his/her field of study and a thorough knowledge of the research subject under study. The jury declares whether the candidate has passed or failed the exam. The jury may decide to adjourn the examination, in which case, the applicant may retake the exam within a maximal delay of six months.

La Faculté de médecine

  • Confidentialité
  • Conditions d’utilisation
  • Continuing education for ot clinicians and clinical training supervisors
  • Researchers
  • Signalement d’incivilité, d’harcèlement, d’inconduite et de violence à caractère sexuel
  • International
  • Support Dal
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Family & Friends
  • Agricultural Campus (Truro)
  • Halifax Campuses
  • Campus Maps
  • Brightspace

Dalhousie University

School of physiotherapy.

  • Faculty & Staff
  • PT Community
  • How to Give
  • Explore Programs

DalPT_web

Provide extraordinary learning experiences, advance research and innovation, and strengthen our communities.

impact-the-future-of-PT copy

WE ARE ASKING OUR COMMUNITY TO JOIN US!

The clinical community is critical to enabling student learning and progress through the MScPT entry to practice program. Click the link to find out how you can benefit from assisting us while impacting the future of our Physiotherapy Community.

Dal physiotherapy Instagram logo

Access the latest PT Matters Research Presentations

Read more....

PT_Website_ACCE_ask

THANK YOU! WE HAVE NOW RECEIVED ALL PLACEMENT OFFERS for JUNE 17 to JULY 26th, 2024.

Please click if you would like to submit an offer for a fall placement..

rebecca_lab2_web

Research Advancement

Learn about our faculty researchers.

_DA_shaun_boe_lab_26254-P-022

Explore our Graduate Programs

JenwithSimGroup

Consider the Endless Possibilities of the Physiotherapy Profession

Teaching and learning.

Dalhousie's School of Physiotherapy programs , educate physiotherapists and scientists who excel in their profession through advanced education and research training in the rehabilitation sciences.

Communities On Campus

Students sitting in circle smiling

We believe every person within the School of Physiotherapy has a right to be respected and safe. We support diverse and inclusive communities and encourage you to get involved in one of the many communities on campus.

Clinical Community

Student with preceptors

Clinical Instructors provide an invaluable service in shaping the future of Dalhousie's physiotherapy students. Visit the " PT Community " page for news on the clinical community, resources and opportunities.

School of Physiotherapy - Dalhousie University 4th Floor, Forrest Building 5869 University Avenue, Halifax, NS  B3H 4R2 1.902.494.2524

  • Campus Directory
  • Student Career Services
  • Employment with Dalhousie
  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms of Use
  • Media Centre

phd physiotherapy canada

  • Alumni Awards & Recognition
  • Administration & Staff
  • Faculty Members
  • Strategic Plan: 2021-2026
  • Request IT Support
  • DesignED: Course Design Support
  • Join our Team: Faculty Position Postings
  • Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)
  • Combined MPT/PhD Program
  • Master's & PhD Programs
  • Advanced Health Care Practice (MClSc)
  • Outcome Measurement
  • Educational Research
  • Neurorehabilitation
  • Musculoskeletal Health
  • Community Partners Values Statement
  • Meet Our Faculty

Elborn College

Program Preview Day

Learn about Western's graduate programs in Physical Therapy at Professional Program Preview Day.  Learn more and register.

  • Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022
  • 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  • Virtual Prestentations

Applications to the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) program are now open.

Admission and Application

General Contact Information

Master of Physical Therapy Program [email protected]

Advanced Health Care Practice Program [email protected]

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Program [email protected]

Elborn College, Room 1000 (see map) Western University London, Ontario  N6A 1H1

Office Hours

Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Office hours for individual faculty members vary

The Government of Canada recently announced a cap on new study permits . We have been assured that this cap will not affect incoming Master’s or Doctoral applicants.

If you have any immigration-related questions, Western International’s immigration advisors are happy to help. Please visit Western International’s website , make an appointment with an advisor,  or contact the advising team at [email protected] .

Master of Physical Therapy Program

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) Program

The Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) program is dedicated to being internationally recognized for excellence, leadership and innovation in Physical Therapy education, practice and research through dedicated clinical, academic, research and professional partnerships. The program prepares students to seek licensure to practice physiotherapy in Canada in a wide range of practice settings.

Master of Physical Therapy Program

Combined Master of Physical Therapy/PhD Program

The combined MPT/PhD program takes fives years to finish and students complete all of the requirements of both the PhD program and the MPT program in Physical Therapy, offered through the School of Physical Therapy. Students begin with two years of full-time study in the PhD program, followed by two years of full-time in the MPT program.

Master of Physical Therapy Program

MSc and PhD Programs (Health & Rehabilitation Sciences)

Leveraging the expertise of School of Physical Therapy faculty members, the Graduate Program in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences (HRS) centres around nine different fields of study that reflect areas of strength among researchers in the Faculty of Health Sciences and provides students with an opportunity to explore issues and ideas related to the health of people around the world.

AHCP Program

Advanced Health Care Practice Program

The first of its kind in Canada, the Advanced Health Care Practice program offers advanced training in clinical specialties. Students can focus their studies on the program's distinct fields of study, which are led by members of the School of Physical Therapy:

  • Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
  • Pain Management
  • Sport and Exercise Medicine
  • Upper Extremity Rehabilitation
  • Wound Healing

1151 Richmond Street London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 3K7 Privacy | Web Standards | Terms of Use | Accessibility

Main navigation

  • Clinical Education
  • Initiatives
  • Alumni/Events
  • Professional Development
  • Registration
  • Travel Grants
  • Undergraduate Programs
  • Professional Programs

Graduate Research Programs

  • Inter-Faculty Transfers
  • Admissions FAQ
  • Deadlines & Application Status
  • Occupational Therapy Program
  • Physical Therapy Program
  • Online Graduate Certificates
  • SPOT Assessment Library

The application deadlines for Fall are:

  • January 15, for international  students
  • January 31, for Quebec and Canadian students

Thesis programs applicants must find a supervisor before applying. The profiles of our supervisors can be consulted here . 

Master of Science in Rehabilitation (Thesis) - Fall Admission

This program is approximately two years long and is designed for experienced clinicians who wish to expand their skills to learning about interdisciplinary research related to health and rehabilitation. The Master of Science (MSc)  includes 16 credits of course work and a 29-credit thesis component. This program also provides the foundation for a PhD Program and offers the possibility of fast tracking directly to our PhD Program for those who meet the criteria. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN REHABILITATION (THESIS)

Master of Science in Rehabilitation (Non-Thesis) - Fall Admission

This two-year program is designed to provide the skills for experienced health professionals to become consumers of research in order to promote evidence-based practice in rehabilitation science. The program is ideally suited for experienced therapists (>2 years clinical experience recommended), with an undergraduate degree in physical or occupational therapy or related fields. The degree is meant for those who wish to advance to a leadership role in their profession, implement change in their working environment, enhance their teaching skills and promote evidence-based practice in their day-to-day activities. The program offers two options; the first option is comprised of 45 credits of course work whereas the second option includes a 15-credit research project and 30 credits of course work. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN REHABILITATION (NON-THESIS)   

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Rehabilitation (Thesis) - Fall Admission

The PhD Program trains health professionals who want to pursue a research career in a broad range of academic, research and clinical settings. The PhD Program includes intensive experience in clinical research related to health and rehabilitation from learning to ask the right questions through research design, analysis, interpretation and presentation of results. Also included is course work in education and for those with a clinical background, the opportunity to teach professional courses in the Undergraduate Physical and Occupational Therapy Curriculum. The program requires 3 to 5 years of full-time study and includes course work, a comprehensive exam, research proposal, thesis and an oral defense. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN REHABILITATION  

Department and University Information

School of physical & occupational therapy.

School of Physical & Occupational Therapy

  • Academic Integrity
  • Athletics and Recreation
  • Counselling Services
  • Health Sciences Calendar
  • Ombudsperson
  • P&OT Undergraduate Society (POTUS)
  • Psychiatric Services
  • Student Information
  • Student Rights and Responsibilities
  • Graduate and Post-Graduate Calendar
  • Graduate rehabilitation science society (GRSS)
  • Life Sciences Library
  • McGill Writing Centre
  • PGSS Insurance
  • The WELL Office : Wellness Enhanced Lifelong Learning
  • Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy University Programs
  • Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
  • Canadian Council of Physiotherapy University Programs
  • Canadian Physiotherapy Association
  • CRIR Website
  • Ordre des ergothérapeutes du Québec
  • Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec
  • REPAR Website

Hotcourses International

  • Skip to main content

head image

  • All countries /
  • North America /
  • All study levels /
  • Postgraduate /
  • Health and Medicine /
  • Physiotherapy

9 Universities in Canada offering Doctoral Degrees Physiotherapy degrees and courses

More Information

Are you looking for Doctoral Degrees courses in Physiotherapy? Here you can find course providers offering full-time, part-time, online or distance learning options.

You've reached your limit of 10 Favourites

University of Alberta

THE World Ranking: 109

Simon Fraser University

THE World Ranking: 251

University of Ottawa

THE World Ranking: 177

McGill University

McGill University

THE World Ranking: 49

Wilfrid Laurier University

Wilfrid Laurier University

Queen's University

Queen's University

The University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia

THE World Ranking: 41

University of Calgary

University of Calgary

THE World Ranking: 201

McMaster University

McMaster University

THE World Ranking: 103

There are more Physiotherapy courses available in North America

  • Sports Physiotherapy
  • British Columbia
  • Study level:
  • Postgraduate
  • Doctoral Degrees
  • Study mode:
  • Online/Distance
  • Cross-border

Filter your results

Tell us about you.

  • Nationality Select country Select country
  • My current qualification is from Select country Yes No Select country Select country
  • Current qualification {0} is not applicable for the study level you selected below. Qualification Qualification
  • Grade type (only one grade type for your qualification) Grade type Grade type
  • My score (current or expected) Please select Please select Please select Please select Please select Please select

Tell us your preferences

  • Subject Physiotherapy
  • Qualification Doctoral Degrees
  • Destination Canada
  • Study options
  • Annual tuition fees

Subject areas

Qualification, destination.

  • The UConn School of Business has grown to become one of the most comprehensive business schools in the country.
  • NEW: Want to study in your home country for a foreign qualification? Find out more about cross-border study!

Close

Study and Work in Physiotherapy in Canada

Graduate Physiotherapy Admission Requirements The prequisites required to become accepted in an graduate and/or post-graduate PhD program in Physiotherapy.

What Physiotherapy Students Learn Topics and concepts that are covered and the overall approach or focus taken in studying Physiotherapy.

Research in Physiotherapy Research areas, topics, interests projects in Physiotherapy.

Career and Employment Opportunities in Physiotherapy Professions or occupations available to graduates in Physiotherapy and links to employment resources.

























Physical therapy (PT, also called physiotherapy) is a health care specialty involved with evaluating, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Common ailments in PT include back and neck pain, arthritis, heart and stroke rehabilitation, long-term breathing problems, and incontinence. The ultimate goal is to restore maximal functional independence to each individual patient. Physical therapists evaluate, diagnose, and manage the physical therapy treatment plan, customizing it to each individual's needs.

PT and occupational therapy (OT) are similar, except that OT also focuses on lifestyle changes and managing a client's health through non-physical means, while PT focuses more on curing the actual injury and preventing re-injury. Rehabilitation science is the general term for both PT and OT, and some schools use this term instead.

PT is a branch of kinesiology and rehabilitation sciences, and is similar to physical medicine and rehabilitation and OT. It is also related to orthopedics, sports studies, and biomedical engineering.


Copyright 2021 - Hecterra Publishing Inc. - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

  • MPT Program Accreditation Status
  • MPT/PhD program
  • Rehabilitation Sciences (PhD/MSc)
  • Curriculum and Courses
  • Instructor Profiles
  • Student Profiles
  • GCOMPT Admissions
  • Physio Refresh
  • Overview and Timeline
  • Admission requirements
  • Prerequisite Requirements
  • Prerequisite Course Review Request Form
  • Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics test (CASPer)
  • Interviews and Program Entry
  • Admitted students
  • Aboriginal Ancestry Admission Policy
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Indigenous Applicants
  • Admissions Events
  • Accreditation Status
  • Student Handbook
  • Awards, Scholarships and Grants
  • Tuition Fees
  • Counselling for MPT Students
  • Mistreatment Help
  • Research Areas
  • Research Faculty
  • Supervising Students
  • Clinical Educator Professional Development
  • Clinical Education Manual
  • Clinical Faculty
  • Awards and Recognition
  • Non-UBC Student Placements
  • Alumni Benefits
  • Credentialing Package
  • News & Announcements
  • Indigenous Health
  • Strategic Plan 2021
  • Career Opportunities

phd physiotherapy canada

Programs Overview

Master of physical therapy.

The only entry-to-practice Physical Therapy Program in BC

The Master of Physical Therapy Program at UBC is one of the leading Physical Therapy Programs in Canada. The MPT program is fully-distributed and provides students with the opportunity to study in state-of-art labs at UBC’s campus in Vancouver, in the Fraser Valley, and at UNBC’s campus in Prince George. The program curriculum uses an integrated, case-based approach and is taught by the department’s award-winning academic faculty and a community of clinical educators.

MPT Admissions

For a more thorough understanding of physical therapy as a profession and physical therapists’ role please refer to the following websites: Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia (PABC) and Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA)

This program provides an option for outstanding students with an interest in both clinical and research training relevant to physical therapy. The MPT/PhD program is designed to provide students flexibility in the completion of their concurrent clinical and research training, and to integrate their clinical and research learning, resulting in an accelerated completion time (approximately 5 years).

The Department also offers training for the research-oriented student, enabling students to acquire a Masters of Science (MSc) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, as well as receive post-doctoral training.  Faculty supervision is of the highest quality and provided by internationally recognized experts in several fields from neuroscience, orthopaedics, oncology, knowledge translation and others.

Physio Refresh assists registrants to prepare for and succeed at the Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE) and to enter into clinical physiotherapy practice in Canada. The program is open to internationally-trained and Canadian-trained Physiotherapists who wish to refresh their skills or competencies, who have been out of practice and are required to sit the PCE for entry or re-entry into practice, or who are new to physiotherapy practice in Canada. Physio Refresh combines self-directed learning with an instructor-led review and encompasses both theoretical and practical components. Practice examinations and workshops with instructors assist participants to focus on the review of Physical Therapy knowledge, clinical skills, and clinical reasoning.

This certificate is offered as a mix of online and hands-on instruction. Graduates of this program (typically taken over a 2-year period part-time) will be eligible to apply for FCAMPT status as an advanced practitioner of musculoskeletal therapy. The GCOMPT courses may also be taken for credit towards an MRSc degree.

This online Master’s program is designed for working health professionals and to enhance interdisciplinary practice. Unlike traditional thesis-based research master’s programs, the MRSc is a combination of courses and work- or practice-based research projects. The MRSc allows you to obtain a master’s degree without interrupting your work.

This online program is for health professionals. It consists of five courses that help participants develop the essential knowledge and skills required for best practice in rehabilitation. Some learners who are not sure about taking a full master’s program will try one of these courses first and most continue on to do the online .  These courses may also assist internationally educated therapists in meeting certain educational standards required by the Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators.

Subscribe for Admissions Updates

Sign up to receive news and updates on the Department of Physical Therapy.

phd physiotherapy canada

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology (PhD)
  • Graduate School
  • Prospective Students
  • Graduate Degree Programs

Canadian Immigration Updates

Applicants to Master’s and Doctoral degrees are not affected by the recently announced cap on study permits. Review more details

Go to programs search

The PhD degree in Kinesiology is a research oriented thesis-based degree. The areas of research include the broad domain of physiological, biomechanical, behavioural and psychosocial factors influencing human movement and the analysis of social and cultural transformations in the role and functions of physical activity.

Interested applicants are advised to visit the Frequently Asked Questions section for more information.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

What makes the program unique?

The PhD in Kinesiology program affords students an opportunity to learn in a vibrant, supportive, and multidisciplinary research environment. Graduate students are drawn to the School to work with specific research faculty members and benefit from their expertise in specific content areas. Students work closely with individual faculty members who provide exceptional training and focused supervision using a mentorship model. The School offers competitive financial packages to highly qualified students in the form of teaching assistantships and entrance scholarships. Individual faculty members can "top up" a financial package from external grant sources to assist with recruitment of exceptional students. Please see our Awards section for more details.

UBC is a well-known university with higher education options and world-class facilities. UBC provides educators with resources and undoubtedly with the most experienced mentors in each field.

phd physiotherapy canada

Monir Shahzeidi

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, program instructions.

Confirm the proposed faculty member’s interest and availability before proceeding with the formal application process. If you do not receive a response please contact the Graduate Programs Assistant at [email protected] . DO NOT SUBMIT AN APPLICATION WITHOUT CONFIRMING A POTENTIAL SUPERVISOR AS YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED WITHOUT THIS CONFIRMATION. APPLICATION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

1) Check Eligibility

Minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

  • Canada or the United States
  • International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 96

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 7.0

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

Prior degree, course and other requirements

Prior degree requirements.

The School of Kinesiology normally requires a thesis-based master's degree in Human Kinetics, Physical Education, Kinesiology, or other related fields of study, for admission.

2) Meet Deadlines

3) prepare application, transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology (PhD)

Citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Tuition & Financial Support

FeesCanadian Citizen / Permanent Resident / Refugee / DiplomatInternational
$114.00$168.25
Tuition *
Installments per year33
Tuition $1,838.57$3,230.06
Tuition
(plus annual increase, usually 2%-5%)
$5,515.71$9,690.18
Int. Tuition Award (ITA) per year ( ) $3,200.00 (-)
Other Fees and Costs
(yearly)$1,116.60 (approx.)
Estimate your with our interactive tool in order to start developing a financial plan for your graduate studies.

Financial Support

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Program Funding Packages

All full-time students who begin a UBC-Vancouver PhD program will be provided with a funding package of at least $24,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. Please see our Awards section for more details.

Average Funding

  • 25 students received Teaching Assistantships. Average TA funding based on 25 students was $10,056.
  • 26 students received Research Assistantships. Average RA funding based on 26 students was $13,851.
  • 8 students received Academic Assistantships. Average AA funding based on 8 students was $2,987.
  • 30 students received internal awards. Average internal award funding based on 30 students was $9,673.
  • 8 students received external awards. Average external award funding based on 8 students was $27,396.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Outcomes

39 students graduated between 2005 and 2013: 2 graduates are seeking employment; 1 is in a non-salaried situation; for 2 we have no data (based on research conducted between Feb-May 2016). For the remaining 34 graduates:

phd physiotherapy canada

Sample Employers in Higher Education

Sample employers outside higher education, sample job titles outside higher education, phd career outcome survey, career options.

The PhD program prepares graduates for a broad range of careers. Former PhD students have pursued additional training including post-doctoral degrees as well as careers in health promotion, governmental and non-governmental work, research, and teaching. Many former Kinesiology graduates have become successful academics.

Alumni on Success

phd physiotherapy canada

Andrea Bundon

Job Title Assistant Professor

Employer The University of British Columbia - School of Kinesiology

phd physiotherapy canada

Employer Trinity Western University

phd physiotherapy canada

Jordan Guenette

Job Title Associate Professor (Department of Physical Therapy) and Associate Director (Centre for Heart Lung Innovation)

Employer University of British Columbia

phd physiotherapy canada

Catherine Sabiston

Job Title Associate Professor

Employer University of Toronto

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology (PhD). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

This program went through a name change in previous years that may have included curriculum changes. It was previously known as: Doctor of Philosophy in Human Kinetics until 2011. Historical data on this page may include data collected under the previous name(s) of the program.

ENROLMENT DATA

 20232022202120202019
Applications1512151020
Offers8812614
New Registrations581249
Total Enrolment3843403843

Completion Rates & Times

Upcoming doctoral exams, tuesday, 9 july 2024 - 9:00am - room 200, friday, 12 july 2024 - 9:00am - room 200.

  • Research Supervisors

Advice and insights from UBC Faculty on reaching out to supervisors

These videos contain some general advice from faculty across UBC on finding and reaching out to a supervisor. They are not program specific.

phd physiotherapy canada

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

  • Beauchamp, Mark (Kinesiology; social determinants of health; Health Promotion; Quality of Life and Aging; Mental Health and Society; Children; Exercise Psychology; Group Processes; Health Psychology; Intervention; Leadership; Older Adults; Physical Activity; Social Cognition; Sport Psychology)
  • Bennett, Erica (Sport and exercise psychology; stress, emotion, and coping; Aging; sport; chronic illness; disability; Physical Activity; community and critical perspectives in physical activity psychology)
  • Blouin, Jean-Sebastien (Kinesiology; sensorimotor integration; Motor System; robotics and automation; Trauma / Injuries; Physiology; Balance robot; Computational approaches; Head and neck; Sensorimotor physiology; Sensory virtualisation; Standing balance; Whiplash injuries)
  • Boushel, Robert (Kinesiology)
  • Bredin, Shannon (Education; Psychology and cognitive sciences; Health sciences; Motor Behaviour (Motor Expertise, Learning, and Development); Human Performance; Physical Activity; Knowledge Translation and Mobilization; Indigenous Physical Activity and Health; Long-Term Athlete Development; Childhood Development)
  • Bundon, Andrea (Kinesiology; Social Contexts; critical disability studies; disability; Paralympics; social media; sociology; sport)
  • Carpenter, Mark (neural control of movement, fear of falling, Neural control of movement, postural control, fears of falling, balance disorders, Parkinson's disease)
  • Chua, Romeo (Other natural sciences; Human sensorimotor control; Visual-motor control)
  • Faulkner, Guy (Kinesiology; Community Health / Public Health; behavioral medicine; Exercise Psychology; mental health; physical activity and public health; physical activity interventions)
  • Fewster, Kayla (Injuries in the spinal tissue; Temporal mechanical changes in the lumbar spine in relation to motor control and joint mechanics)
  • Forsyth, Janice (Kinesiology; History of Physical Culture and Sport; Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology; Socio-Cultural Studies)
  • Hodges, Nicola (Sport and exercise psychology; Behavioural neuroscience of learning and memory; action anticipation and observation; coaching and motor skill expertise; skill acquisition; Motor learning; observational learning and instruction; sports skill development)
  • Hurd, Laura (Sociological methodology and research methods; Sociology and social studies of health, health systems and health care; Aging; Gender; health; ageism or age-based discrimination; sociology of aging; sociology of health; embodiment or embodied experience; body image; chronic conditions or chronic illness; disability; Assistive technology; qualitative methods; media representation; LGBTQ+ aging; intersectionality)
  • Inglis, J Timothy (Exercise science, neurophysiology, biomechanics, stance and balance control, human microneurography, physical therapy and rehabilitation, vestibular system)
  • Kim, Hyosub (Sensorimotor control; Motor systems; Sensorimotor neuroscience; Sensory processes, perception and performance; Motor learning; motor control; Computational modeling; Bayesian Methods)
  • Koehle, Michael (Systems physiology; Other clinical medicine; Musculoskeletal biology and physiology; Exercise Physiology; air pollution; Sport and Exercise Medicine; Environmental Physiology; Altitude)
  • Lam, Tania (Sensorimotor physiology; Kinesiology; Physical therapy; Neurological disorders (except neuromuscular diseases))
  • McEwan, Desmond (Sport and exercise psychology; Industrial and organizational psychology; Teamwork; Sport Psychology; Group Dynamics; High-Performance Teams; Human Thriving)
  • Miran-Khan, Karim (Exercise is Medicine; Health promotion via Exercise; Type 2 DM prevention)
  • Mitchell, Cameron (Kinesiology; Aging; molecular biology; Muscle hypertrophy; Nutrition; Physical performance; Protein metabolism; Resistance training; Sarcopenia)
  • Norman, Moss (Kinesiology; Community and public health; Critical weight studies; Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology; Indigenous physical cultures; Masculinities; Socio-Cultural Studies)
  • Petrella, Robert (Aging; rehabilitation; Geriatrics; Chronic Disease prevention, management and control; Physical Activity; Lifestyle management)
  • Puterman, Eli (Kinesiology; Neurosciences, biological and chemical aspects; Neurosciences, medical and physiological and health aspects; Acute exercise; cellular aging; chronic stress; Exercise interventions; Health Psychology; Physical Activity; Physical literacy; Stress physiology; telomeres)
  • Sheel, William (Animal physiology, exercise; Kinesiology; airways, exercise, hypoxia, pulmonary physiology, respiratory muscle)
  • Vertinsky, Patricia (social and cultural history of the body, gender relations, health, sport and exercise, social history of women and health, social/cultural aspects of sport and physical activity, health education, promotion and policy, Social and cultural history of sport and physical activity, gender, race, aging and disability, modern olympics)

Doctoral Citations

Year Citation
2024 Dr. Trainor explored elite athlete well-being. Her research demonstrates the critical role of sport culture and the high-performance environment in comprising athlete well-being. After interviewing Olympic and Paralympic athletes, she identified eight sport-specific components that make up athlete well-being, which can help support elite athletes.
2024 Dr. Dean illustrated how participation in adaptive skateboarding and wheelchair motocross may offer health benefits and social benefits to physically disabled people and illuminated how larger social, cultural, political, economic, and structural forces may influence disabled riders' participation in different sporting spaces.
2024 Dr. Ramachandran explored the history of body classification systems in health and sport-focused areas, through the example of the somatotype. She found that the somatotype was used to characterize race, class, athletic ability, and intelligence biologically, demonstrating how measurement methods are value laden and warrant critical exploration.
2023 Dr. Chen combined experimental and probability-based computational approaches to study how the brain integrates motion sensations into perceived self-motion. His research advanced our knowledge in sensory processing at both the individual neuron and sensory organ levels, offering insights for future works in neuro-prosthetics and rehabilitation.
2023 Dr. Ahmadian investigated the potential cardiovascular benefits of breathing low oxygen in a rodent model of spinal cord injury. His works lay the foundation for future translational hypoxia therapies to help restore blood pressure control in individuals living with spinal cord injury.
2023 Dr. Wierts examined factors that contribute to the well-being and exercise behaviour, and demonstrated the importance of identity in predicting exercise behaviour. He further examined key antecedents of exercise identity and the feasibility of a group-based exercise program for promoting exercise identity and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2023 Dr. Sauvé examined the perspectives of national team coaches, National Sport Federation performance directors, and Olympians regarding factors they felt undermined and supported Olympic-level athlete well-being. The findings and recommendations were discussed with influential leaders within the Canadian elite sport environment, with the intention of optimizing athlete well-being in the future.
2023 Dr. Fagan examined if physical activity prevents substance use among Canadian youth. Overall, there was no evidence that physical activity confers broad, universal benefits in prevention. However, sport participation may provide a contextual experience that enhances school connectedness which in turn is associated with substance use prevention.
2023 Dr. Yogev examined the reliability and validity of wearable near-infrared spectroscopy during exercise, to better inform practitioners about the utility of measuring muscle oxygenation in field conditions. His work provides valuable guidelines for muscle oxygenation monitoring in real-time during exercise.
2023 Dr. Leahy studied the effect of age and sex on the human skeletal muscle metaboreflex. His studies further our understanding on the effects of healthy ageing on reflex cardiovascular function, as well as sex differences in blood flow distribution and ventilatory control during exercise.

Sample Thesis Submissions

  • Olympic and Paralympic athletes' (de)construction of athlete psychological well-being
  • The fate of the somatotype: examining the afterlives of a body classification system
  • A sociocultural analysis of adaptive skateboarding and wheelchair motocross
  • Acute intermittent hypoxia : a potential therapeutic to improve cardiac function following experimental spinal cord injury
  • Physiological computations underlying our internal representation of vestibular self-motion
  • An examination of factors that undermine and support Olympic-level athlete well-being : a multi-perspective approach
  • Exercise behaviour and well-being : examining a novel psychological needs framework
  • Measuring muscle oxygenation in endurance sports with wearable nirs - from validation to application
  • The effect of age and sex on the skeletal muscle metaboreflex
  • The mechanics and energetics of the aging pulmonary system during exercise
  • The athlete's high? : can physical activity and sport participation prevent substance use in youth?
  • From sampling to specializing : examining youth sport trajectories
  • Social justice in the clinic : caring for larger patients
  • Affective dynamics underlying physical activity behaviour engagement : a matter of (continuous) time
  • The control of skilled walking: development of novel protocols for assessment of spinal cord injury function and rehabilitation

Related Programs

Same specialization.

  • Master of Arts in Kinesiology (MA)
  • Master of Kinesiology (MKin)
  • Master of Science in Kinesiology (MSc)

At the UBC Okanagan Campus

Further information, specialization.

Kinesiology is an academic discipline which involves the study of physical activity and its impact on health, society, and quality of life. It includes exercise science, sports management, athletic training and sports medicine, socio-cultural analyses of sports, sport and exercise psychology, fitness leadership, physical education-teacher education, and pre-professional training for physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine and other health-related fields.

UBC Calendar

Program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, social media channels, supervisor search.

Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

phd physiotherapy canada

Brook Hadwen

UBC's Kinesiology department is ranked first in Canada and fourth globally, with esteemed faculty members to work with and learn from. After reading some of the top-notch research that the department conducted, I couldn’t wait to be a part of it.

phd physiotherapy canada

I was originally hired in the Fall of 2022 as an adjunct professor at UBC in the department of Kinesiology! I taught several semesters of the course KIN 368: Indigenous Sport and Physical Culture in Settler Canada. I was very impressed by the support I received from Dr. Boushel and his team, and...

phd physiotherapy canada

Carrie Peters

My supervisor, Dr. Nicola Hodges, was the main reason I wanted to study at UBC. I was interested in her research on how the motor system is engaged during action observation and prediction. Also, being a bigger university, I was excited about the many opportunities for collaboration and...

phd physiotherapy canada

Why should you choose UBC?

From academic excellence and modern facilities to our diverse degree program listings to being named one of the “most innovative universities” by Reuters in 2019, UBC has a lot to offer.

  • Why Grad School at UBC?
  • Application & Admission
  • Info Sessions
  • Research Projects
  • Indigenous Students
  • International Students
  • Tuition, Fees & Cost of Living
  • Newly Admitted
  • Student Status & Classification
  • Student Responsibilities
  • Supervision & Advising
  • Managing your Program
  • Health, Wellbeing and Safety
  • Professional Development
  • Dissertation & Thesis Preparation
  • Final Doctoral Exam
  • Final Dissertation & Thesis Submission
  • Life in Vancouver
  • Vancouver Campus
  • Graduate Student Spaces
  • Graduate Life Centre
  • Life as a Grad Student
  • Graduate Student Ambassadors
  • Meet our Students
  • Award Opportunities
  • Award Guidelines
  • Minimum Funding Policy for PhD Students
  • Killam Awards & Fellowships
  • Policies & Procedures
  • Information for Supervisors
  • Dean's Message
  • Leadership Team
  • Strategic Plan & Priorities
  • Vision & Mission
  • Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
  • Initiatives, Plans & Reports
  • Graduate Education Analysis & Research
  • Media Enquiries
  • Newsletters
  • Giving to Graduate Studies

Strategic Priorities

  • Strategic Plan 2019-2024
  • Improving Student Funding
  • Promoting Excellence in Graduate Programs
  • Enhancing Graduate Supervision
  • Advancing Indigenous Inclusion
  • Supporting Student Development and Success
  • Reimagining Graduate Education
  • Enriching the Student Experience

Initiatives

  • Public Scholars Initiative
  • 3 Minute Thesis (3MT)
  • PhD Career Outcomes

logo

Guidance from our top admission experts — for free!

bachelors

  • Admit Finder

Discover Past Admits, Gauge Your Chances!

  • Shortlist Builder

Personalized University Picks, Just a Click Away.

  • Course Finder

Navigate Global Courses Tailored for You

  • Scholarship Finder

Unlock Funding Opportunities Worldwide.

pro

Get tailored study abroad advice.

close

Sign in for exclusive content!

phd physiotherapy canada

Planning to study abroad?

close

Build your target shortlist and see your odds of getting into top schools with Ambitio's AI shortlist builder!

close

Heading Out Already?

Our Ivy League mentors and top admission experts can help with personalized tips to get you into your dream school

16 October 2023

5 minutes read

Physiotherapy PhD Programs in Canada: Pursue Your Passion

author-avatar

Dirghayu Kaushik

linkedin

Are you a dedicated physiotherapist with a strong desire to delve deeper into the field of physiotherapy? Perhaps you’re eager to contribute to the advancement of rehabilitation science through research and academic excellence.

If so, pursuing a Ph.D. in Physiotherapy in Canada could be the perfect choice for you. In this blog, we will explore the various aspects of Ph.D. programs in physiotherapy and how they can help you achieve your academic and professional goals.

Worried about the cost of Studying Abroad?

Sign up to access 25 game-changing scholarships that could cover your costs.

illustration

  • What is a Ph.D. in Physiotherapy?

A Ph.D. in Physiotherapy, also known as a Doctor of Philosophy in Physiotherapy, is a doctoral degree program designed for individuals who want to engage in advanced research, contribute to the field’s knowledge base, and enhance their career prospects in academia, research, or clinical practice. This program goes beyond traditional physiotherapy education and focuses on research-based skills and knowledge.

Stuck on How to Pick Your Ideal College?

Sign up to access your tailored shortlist and simplify finding your ideal college.

illustration

  • Why Consider a Ph.D. in Physiotherapy?

Advanced Practice and Research

Ph.D. programs in physiotherapy emphasize advanced practice, research, and critical thinking. As a doctoral student, you will have the opportunity to explore specialized areas within physiotherapy, such as musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, stroke rehabilitation, and more. Your research can contribute to the development of evidence-based practices and improve patient care.

Academic and Clinical Opportunities

Universities offering Ph.D. programs in Canada provide a unique blend of academic and clinical experiences. You will work closely with faculty members who are experts in the field, and many programs include clinical training to apply your research in real-world settings.

Career Advancement

A Ph.D. in Physiotherapy opens doors to various career paths. Graduates often pursue academic careers, becoming professors and educators. They also contribute to clinical practice by developing innovative techniques and treatments. Additionally, a doctoral degree can enhance your leadership skills, making you a valuable asset in the healthcare profession.

See how Successful Applications Look Like!

Access 350K+ profiles of students who got in. See what you can improve in your own application!

illustration

  • Universities Offering Ph.D. Programs in Canada

Canada boasts several prestigious universities and colleges that offer Ph.D. programs in physiotherapy. Some of the top institutions known for their graduate and postdoctoral studies in physiotherapy include:

  • University of Alberta The University of Alberta offers a renowned Ph.D. program in Rehabilitation Science. This program prepares students for careers in academia, research, and clinical practice. Students benefit from world-class faculty members and access to cutting-edge research facilities.
  • University of British Columbia The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a leader in healthcare education and research. UBC’s Ph.D. program in Rehabilitation Sciences is internationally recognized for its excellence. It provides students with a strong foundation in research methodology and clinical practice.
  • McGill University McGill University offers a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science that focuses on interdisciplinary research. Students collaborate with experts in various fields to address complex healthcare challenges. The program equips graduates with the skills needed to excel in academia and research.
  • McMaster University McMaster University’s Ph.D. program in Rehabilitation Science is designed to foster research excellence. Students have the opportunity to work with renowned faculty members and engage in innovative research projects. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in the field.
  • Queen’s University Queen’s University offers a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science that emphasizes research-based learning. Students conduct impactful research and gain hands-on experience in clinical settings. The program is known for producing leaders in the field of physiotherapy.

Each of these institutions has a strong faculty of health sciences and offers comprehensive Ph.D. programs in physiotherapy.

get-pro

Start Your University Applications with Ambitio Pro!

Get Ambitio Pro!

Begin your journey to top universities with Ambitio Pro. Our premium platform offers you tools and support needed to craft standout applications.

Unlock Advanced Features for a More Comprehensive Application Experience!

get-pro

Start your Journey today

  • Admission Requirements

One of the crucial steps in your journey toward pursuing a Ph.D. in Physiotherapy in Canada is understanding the admission requirements. Each university may have its specific criteria, but here we provide you with a comprehensive overview of the typical admission prerequisites and considerations for Ph.D. programs in this field.

Educational Background

The foundation of your application for a Ph.D. in Physiotherapy starts with your educational background. Here are some key educational requirements:

Master’s Degree

Most Ph.D. programs in physiotherapy require applicants to hold a master’s degree in a related field. Commonly accepted master’s programs include:

  • Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)
  • Master of Science in Physiotherapy
  • Master of Rehabilitation Science
  • Master’s in a related healthcare field with relevant coursework

It’s essential to have a strong academic record at the master’s level to demonstrate your readiness for doctoral-level study.

Research Experience

Research is a fundamental aspect of Ph.D. programs in physiotherapy. Universities often seek applicants who have research experience or have engaged in research during their master’s studies. Your research background may include:

Research Projects

Highlight any research projects you’ve been involved in, especially those related to physiotherapy, rehabilitation science, or healthcare.

Publications or Presentations

If you’ve published research papers or made presentations at conferences, include them in your application. These accomplishments demonstrate your commitment to advancing knowledge in the field.

Letters of Recommendation

Strong letters of recommendation can significantly influence your application’s success. Typically, applicants are required to submit two to three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to their academic and research capabilities. These recommendations should come from:

Professors or Supervisors

Academic advisors or professors who are familiar with your academic and research work are ideal choices for writing recommendations. They can speak to your research potential and academic achievements.

Statement of Purpose

Your statement of purpose, also known as a research proposal, is a critical component of your application. In this document, you should:

Clearly Define Your Research Interests

Articulate your research interests and the specific area of physiotherapy you intend to explore during your Ph.D. Highlight the research questions you aim to address.

Explain Your Motivation

Express why you are passionate about pursuing a Ph.D. in physiotherapy and how it aligns with your career goals. Discuss how your research can contribute to the field.

Standardized Tests

While not always mandatory, some universities may require you to submit scores from standardized tests. These tests may include:

GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

Some programs may request GRE scores as part of the application process. Check the specific requirements of the universities you are applying to.

English Language Proficiency

If your native language is not English, you may need to demonstrate your proficiency in English through standardized tests such as:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Ielts (international english language testing system), other english language proficiency tests.

Ensure that your scores meet the minimum requirements set by the university to which you are applying.

In some cases, universities may invite shortlisted candidates for an interview as part of the selection process. This interview allows the admissions committee to assess your suitability for the program and discuss your research interests and goals.

In conclusion, pursuing a Ph.D. in Physiotherapy in Canada is a rewarding journey for those passionate about advancing their knowledge in rehabilitation science.

These programs offer a unique blend of academic rigor and clinical experience, setting you on a path to make a significant impact in the field of physiotherapy.

Take the first step towards your doctoral degree and explore the opportunities that await you in Canadian universities and colleges. Your dedication to research and commitment to improving patient care will undoubtedly contribute to the future of physiotherapy in Canada and beyond.

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can international students apply for Ph.D. programs in Canada?

Yes, many universities in Canada welcome international students. Make sure to check each university’s admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

Q2: What is the duration of a Ph.D. program in physiotherapy?

Ph.D. programs typically take about four to six years to complete, including coursework, research, and the dissertation.

Q3: Do I need a clinical background to pursue a Ph.D. in Physiotherapy?

While having a clinical background can be advantageous, it’s not always a strict requirement. Admission criteria may vary, so check with the university you’re interested in for specific prerequisites.

Q4: Are there scholarships available for Ph.D. students in physiotherapy?

Many universities offer scholarships, grants, and assistantships to support Ph.D. students. Explore financial aid options through your chosen institution.

Spread the Word!

Share across your social media if you found it helpful

logo

Table of Contents

  • • What is a Ph.D. in Physiotherapy?
  • • Why Consider a Ph.D. in Physiotherapy?
  • • Universities Offering Ph.D. Programs in Canada
  • • Admission Requirements
  • • Conclusion
  • • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Build your profile to get into top colleges

Phone Number

What level are you targetting

back

Almost there!

Just enter your OTP, and your planner will be on its way!

Code sent on

Resend OTP (30s)

whatsapp

Your Handbook Is Waiting on WhatsApp!

Please have a look, and always feel free to reach out for any detailed guidance

whatsapp

Click here to download

Meanwhile check out your dashboard to access various tools to help you in your study abroad journey

get-pro

Recent Blogs

phd physiotherapy canada

Post-Graduation Work Permit: Evidence Of Work Requirement in Study Canada

phd physiotherapy canada

Georgian University Canada: Ranking, Courses, Georgian Fees & Acceptance Rate

phd physiotherapy canada

Post-Graduation Work Permit: Evidence Of Work Requirement in Canada

Find your Dream school now⭐️

Welcome! Let's Land Your Dream Admit.

Let us make sure you get into the best!

dropdown-icon

  • 2024 Winter
  • 2024 Spring
  • 2024 Summer

Enter verification code

Code was sent to

logo

  • Our Experts

Connect with us on our social media

Doctorate (PhD)

Program overview, admission & fees, supervision & funding, aghe phd community.

The PhD in Aging and Health has been designed to be completed at a distance by working professionals. The program is offered full-time (48 months), through a blended format of online learning and short onsite sessions in Kingston. The blended format of onsite intensives and online components couples networking and experiential opportunities with the flexibility of distance learning. 

Program Learning Outcomes

PhD in Aging and Health graduates will be able to:

  • Compare and contrast research methodologies and methods in Aging and Health
  • Design and carry out independent research in Aging and Health
  • Understand general and specialized discipline specific knowledge of Aging and Health in Canadian society
  • Develop the knowledge base of Aging and Health across multiple academic discipline

Program Requirements

phd physiotherapy canada

PhD in Aging and Health students are required to take 2 core courses (6 credits), 2 elective courses (6 credits), a comprehensive examination and a written thesis with an oral defense over 48 months (4 years). The program schedule is mapped out in the graphic above. The elective pattern that appears is one stuggestion of how a student may complete the 2 electives. Depending on elective availability students may consider an alternative sequence.

The core course are (all courses are 3-credit-unit courses):

  • AGHE 901 – Knowledge Translation and Uptake
  • AGHE 903 – Critical Analysis of Theories of Aging 

The 900 level elective courses are (all courses are 3.0 credit-unit courses):

  • AGHE 900 – Qualitative Research Methods
  • AGHE 902 – Statistical Methods for Aging Research
  • AGHE 904 – Foundations of Quantitative Research

PhD in Aging and Health students are also able to take 800 level Aging and Health elective courses. Names of these electives are available in the Course Description section.

Course Descriptions

Courses listed in the Aging and Health Graduate Calendar represent the range of Aging and Health (AGHE) graduate course offerings in the School of Rehabilitation Therapy. 

Program Delivery

The PhD in Aging and Health program is unique in that it is truly multi-disciplinary and offered in a blended on-site/on-line learning format. There are two on-site sessions annually (3-4 days each) and the remainder of the program is completed through online coursework and interaction with the professors and fellow students. Registered students are not required to actually live in Kingston. Onsite session attendance is mandatory for PhD in Aging and Health students.

  • Onsite session in August
  • Onsite session in late March/early April

All other learning throughout the PhD in Aging and Health Program is online, mostly asynchronous. In addition, students are in regular contact with their faculty supervisor(s), especially in the later part of the program when they are conducting their research for their dissertation.

These onsite sessions are held at the Donald Gordon Conference Centre , a conference facility on the Queen’s University Campus.

PhD in Aging and Health students will pay an annual program fee that covers the cost of accommodation and meals during the onsite session, as well as some course-related learning materials throughout the program. For more information on the program fee please go to the Admission & Fees section.

Comprehensive Examination

PhD in Aging and Health students are expected to successfully complete their comprehensive examination prior to the fourth term of study in the program.

The examination will be composed of a written examination that evaluates the student’s knowledge of the broad field of aging and health, and interdisciplinary perspectives on a particular topic relevant to the student’s research focus.

The thesis will be publicly defended. The final thesis will consist of a scholarly document that complies with the Queen’s School of Graduate Studies regulations.

To learn more about the thesis topics our students and alumni are doing, go to Our Community . 

Admission & Fees

Please note that the application portal for fall 2024 entry is now closed. Our application portal for fall 2025 entry will reopen in mid-September 2024.

Please contact the Graduate Assistant ( [email protected] ) if you have any questions.

For admission to the Aging and Health PhD program, applicants must have a master's degree in a related discipline. Admission standards will be upper second-class standing (B+) or above for previous degree(s). Please be aware that official transcripts from each university previously attended are required.

1. Official transcripts from all current and previous universities attended:

At the time of application, official transcripts for all current and previous universities attended can be uploaded to the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (SGSPA) online application site.

Note: If you receive and accept an offer of admission to the program, we will require you to make arrangements for us to receive an official hard copy transcript that shows that the degree has been granted and the date of graduation, for each degree completed, from the university’s Registrar’s Office (or equivalent).

The transcripts should be mailed directly from the issuing institution to the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (SGSPA), Queen’s University, Gordon Hall Room 425, 74 Union Street, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L 3N6.

2. Two references (submitted via the online application portal):

Two reference letters are required. At least one of these reference must be an academic reference for applicants who have graduated from university less than five years prior to application. Applicants who have graduated from their most recent degree more than five years prior may submit exclusively professional references if they wish. Referees should be either previous or current supervisors of the applicant's work (professional or academic). An applicant's relationship to a professional referee could be collaborative in nature (e.g., having worked on a project or team together); however, the relationship should not be personal in nature (e.g., a family member, friend, or any other conflict of interest).

Your referees will be contacted by the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs via email, and asked to provide their reference using an online reference form. The referees listed will NOT be contacted until your application has been successfully submitted and the application fee has been received.

3. Resume - submitted to Graduate Assistant

Applicants are required to send their resume to the Graduate Assistant ([email protected]). 

Please include any skills and abilities that you feel are relevant to your area of study, as well as any leadership experience, continuing education, community involvement, etc.

Additionally, applicants can provide employment information in order of relevance to your area of study.

4. Statement of Interest – maximum 4000 characters (submitted via the online application system):

The statement of interest should outline career goals, how a PhD in Aging and Health will help achieve those goals, and general area of research interest. If an applicant has reached out to a faculty member in the department for potential supervision, this information should be included.

5. For international applicants, proof of acceptable competency in English is required:

Satisfactory results in an accepted English language proficiency test must be confirmed as part of the application process. The list of accepted tests of English language proficiency and the minimum score(s) required for admission into graduate programs can be found on the  Queen's School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs web site .

Tuition and Fees

PhD in Aging and Health students will pay to cover the costs of accommodation and meals during the on-site intensives. Students are required to fund their travel to and from Kingston.

Information on tuition and other fees are available through Queen’s University Office of the University Registrar website . 

How to Apply?

Complete applications are reviewed and offers are made on an on-going basis by the program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

When you have completed all the sections, you can submit your application. At this point, you are asked to pay the non-refundable application fee on-line (currently $110 CDN). Remember, you must be able to pay the fee on-line with a Visa or MasterCard number, in order to complete your application on-line.

To continue your application process please proceed to » School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs website .

We have 28 Physiotherapy PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

All locations

Institution

All Institutions

All PhD Types

All Funding

Physiotherapy PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

A PhD in Physiotherapy is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for those passionate about advancing the field of medicine and rehabilitation. It offers a chance to delve deep into research and contribute to the knowledge and practice of physiotherapy.

What's it like to study a PhD in Physiotherapy?

Studying a PhD in Physiotherapy allows you to explore a specific area of interest within the field. You will have the opportunity to conduct original research, contribute to the existing body of knowledge, and make a real impact on patient care and outcomes.

During your PhD journey, you will work closely with experienced researchers and mentors who will guide and support you throughout the process. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, enabling you to conduct experiments, collect data, and analyze results.

In addition to your research, you may also be involved in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students, further enhancing your skills and knowledge in the field.

Entry requirements for a PhD in Physiotherapy

To pursue a PhD in Physiotherapy, you will typically need a relevant undergraduate and/or postgraduate degree in physiotherapy or a related field. Most universities require a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree, although some may consider applicants with a 2.2 and relevant research experience.

In addition to academic qualifications, research experience and a strong research proposal are often essential for admission. It is important to demonstrate your passion for the subject and your ability to undertake independent research.

PhD in Physiotherapy funding options

Funding for PhDs in Physiotherapy may be available from various sources, including governments, universities and charities, business or industry. See our full guides to PhD funding for more information.

PhD in Physiotherapy careers

A PhD in Physiotherapy opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Many graduates go on to become researchers and academics, working in universities or research institutions. They contribute to the development of evidence-based practice and shape the future of physiotherapy.

Others may choose to work in clinical settings, utilizing their research skills to improve patient care and outcomes. They may become leaders in their field, implementing innovative practices and contributing to the advancement of physiotherapy as a profession.

Furthermore, a PhD in Physiotherapy can also lead to opportunities in consultancy, policy-making, and management roles within healthcare organizations. The skills developed during the PhD journey, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and research methodology, are highly valued in various sectors.

Overall, pursuing a PhD in Physiotherapy is a rewarding and fulfilling journey that allows you to make a lasting impact on the field of medicine and rehabilitation. It equips you with the skills and knowledge to become a leader in the profession and contribute to the advancement of patient care and well-being. Whether you choose to pursue a career in academia, research, or clinical practice, a PhD in Physiotherapy opens doors to a world of opportunities.

Implementation of optimisation trials of complex health and social care interventions

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Biomarkers Associated with motor Neurone Disease and Dementia development after concussion in Females and Males: BANDD.

Self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Skeletal Muscle Biomechanics via Disclination-based Continuum Modelling

Phd scholarship in interprofessional education, funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Simulation-Based Education for Allied Health Professions (Project ID SHSC0056)

Developing a model of allied health professional (ahp) rehabilitation services in dementia. (project id shsc0055), design and development of oncogenic calreticulin inhibitors for treatment of myeloid neoplasms, can new and novel use of sports tape leverage further benefits to athlete welfare, optimal aerobic exercise prescription for people moderately affected by multiple sclerosis (ref: shls24122), exploring the potential for drug repurposing to enhance muscle mass and function in older adults., an integrated biopsychosocial approach to understanding physical activity patterns in people living with chronic low back pain, optimising novel pre- and rehabilitation strategies to improve the physiological resilience of older surgical patients, ph.d. studentship to co-design and test an intervention to increase engagement in pulmonary rehabilitation in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease., mres - exploring return-to-sport decision-making following injury: a survey of practice in male and female football teams competing across the professional pyramid of a single football association (sas0196), objective gait assessment with wearable sensors for clinical application in parkinson’s disease: from validation to prediction of falls (ref: rdfc24/hls/ser/vitorio).

FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study?

Select your nearest city

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

  • Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
  • The latest PhD projects delivered straight to your inbox
  • Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
  • Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, research proposal tips and much more
  • Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

phd physiotherapy canada

Do you want hassle-free information and advice?

Create your FindAPhD account and sign up to our newsletter:

  • Find out about funding opportunities and application tips
  • Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest PhD news
  • Hear about our upcoming study fairs
  • Save your favourite projects, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates

phd physiotherapy canada

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

Filtering Results

COMMENTS

  1. Physiotherapy in Canada: 2024 PhD's Guide

    Studying Physiotherapy in Canada is a great choice, as there are 5 universities that offer PhD degrees on our portal. Over 323,000 international students choose Canada for their studies, which suggests you'll enjoy a vibrant and culturally diverse learning experience and make friends from all over the world.

  2. MPT/PhD program

    The MPT/PhD program is designed to provide students flexibility in the completion of their concurrent clinical and research training, and to integrate their clinical and research learning, resulting in an accelerated completion time (approximately 5 years). Students may choose from two options to complete the MPT/PhD program based on discussion ...

  3. PhD in Health

    PhD in Health. PhD Interdisciplinary Research. Dalhousie University is home to the largest collection of educational programs related to health and social well-being in Canada. As a student in the PhD in Health program, you'll have the unique opportunity to create a focused area of research within a diverse and collaborative health framework.

  4. PhD in Rehabilitation Science

    The program consists of course work (a minimum 18 credit units at the graduate level, including four mandatory courses), candidacy examination, and thesis (including proposal and defense of thesis research). Students also take training in ethics and scientific integrity.The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR) has a professional development requirement designed to help you determine ...

  5. Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Sciences (PhD)

    The Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) is jointly run by the Department of Occupational Sciences and Occupational Therapy (OSOT) and the Department of Physical Therapy (PT). It is a program for advanced research study and original investigation in areas relevant to the Rehabilitation Sciences at the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) level. It focuses on the discipline of ...

  6. Master of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation

    The MPT/PhD program provides an opportunity for outstanding students with an interest in both clinical and research training relevant to physical therapy. The MPT/PhD program is designed to provide students flexibility in the completion of their concurrent clinical and research training, and to integrate their clinical and research learning, resulting in an accelerated completion time ...

  7. Physiotherapy

    Petitions, grades and scheduling. Grad pay. The School of Graduate Studies. Gilmour Hall, Room 212. 1280 Main Street West. Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4L8. Errors in content on this site should be reported using our online form.

  8. Combined MScPT/PhD

    Combined MScPT/PhD. Beginning with admissions for 2018 the Department of Physical Therapy will offer a combined MScPT/PhD degree. The combined MScPT/PhD program brings together two programs to achieve efficiencies that help exceptional students seamlessly complete combined clinical and research studies. Each year, two seats will be held for ...

  9. Ph.D. rehabilitation science

    The doctoral program is designed to train students to be independent researchers in the field of rehabilitation science. At the end of their training, our students are able to assume leadership roles in rehabilitation science research in a wide range of academic and clinical settings as well as in the health system.

  10. School of Physiotherapy

    Research. Physiotherapy is a diverse and interesting discipline involving the study of physical function of the human body in health and disease. Our faculty are known for their leading research in a diverse range of health advancements.

  11. Physical Therapy Program

    PEAC is an incorporated body under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act and operates as the accrediting agency for physiotherapy education programs in Canada. The status of Accreditation - Fully Compliant was awarded to the program for the period until May 15, 2029. A description of Accreditation - Fully Compliant follows.

  12. Master's & PhD Programs

    Master of Science (MSc) A two-year program that provides opportunities to study health and rehabilitation from multiple perspectives. Working alongside a research supervisor, students select one of nine fields of study and complete their degree requirements through a combination of coursework, seminars and the creation of an original thesis.

  13. Ph.D. Program

    Ph.D. program outline: All Ph.D. students are required to take the Ph.D. Seminar Course for 6 terms (PHGY 720-725, 1 credit each). This course is coordinated in conjunction with the weekly Departmental seminar series and meets one hour before each seminar to critically discuss papers on the subject for that week.

  14. 13 Institutions offering Postgraduate Physiotherapy Courses In Canada

    The UConn School of Business has grown to become one of the most comprehensive business schools in the country. NEW: Want to study in your home country for a foreign qualification? Find out more about cross-border study! 13 Universities in Canada offering postgraduate Physiotherapy degrees and courses. Plan your studies abroad now.

  15. Programs

    The first of its kind in Canada, the Advanced Health Care Practice program offers advanced training in clinical specialties. Students can focus their studies on the program's distinct fields of study, which are led by members of the School of Physical Therapy: Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy; Pain Management; Sport and Exercise Medicine

  16. Graduate Research Programs

    Graduate Research Programs The application deadlines for Fall are: January 15, for international students January 31, for Quebec and Canadian students Thesis programs applicants must find a supervisor before applying. The profiles of our supervisors can be consulted here. Master of Science in Rehabilitation (Thesis) - Fall Admission This program is approximately two years long and is designed ...

  17. 9 Institutions offering Doctoral Degrees Physiotherapy Courses In Canada

    The UConn School of Business has grown to become one of the most comprehensive business schools in the country. NEW: Want to study in your home country for a foreign qualification? Find out more about cross-border study! 9 Universities in Canada offering Doctoral Degrees Physiotherapy degrees and courses. Plan your studies abroad now.

  18. Physiotherapy Master's and PhD Programs in Canada

    Physiotherapy graduate and post-graduate programs and degrees offered in Canada. Browse and compare over 10,000 master's, graduate certificate, doctorate (PHD) and residency programs offered in universities, faculties and research centres across Canada.

  19. Programs Overview

    2177 Wesbrook Mall, , Tel 604 822 8225. Website. Master of Physical Therapy The only entry-to-practice Physical Therapy Program in BC The Master of Physical Therapy Program at UBC is one of the leading Physical Therapy Programs in Canada. The MPT program is fully-distributed and provides students with the opportunity to study in state-of-art ...

  20. Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology (PhD)

    The PhD degree in Kinesiology is a research oriented thesis-based degree. The areas of research include the broad domain of physiological, biomechanical, behavioural and psychosocial factors influencing human movement and the analysis of social and cultural transformations in the role and functions of physical activity. Interested applicants are advised to visit the Frequently Asked Questions ...

  21. Physiotherapy PhD Programs in Canada: Pursue Your Passion

    A Ph.D. in Physiotherapy, also known as a Doctor of Philosophy in Physiotherapy, is a doctoral degree program designed for individuals who want to engage in advanced research, contribute to the field's knowledge base, and enhance their career prospects in academia, research, or clinical practice. This program goes beyond traditional ...

  22. Doctorate (PhD)

    The PhD in Aging and Health has been designed to be completed at a distance by working professionals. The program is offered full-time (48 months), through a blended format of online learning and short onsite sessions in Kingston. The blended format of onsite intensives and online components couples networking and experiential opportunities ...

  23. PhDs in Physiotherapy

    To pursue a PhD in Physiotherapy, you will typically need a relevant undergraduate and/or postgraduate degree in physiotherapy or a related field. Most universities require a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree, although some may consider applicants with a 2.2 and relevant research experience. In addition to academic qualifications, research ...