Key Information
- Duration: Full-time, 60 months (5 years or longer)
- Start Dates & Application Deadlines:
- Starting January 2027: Apply before Nov 2026 (National)
Overview
Dalhousie's internationally reputed department is ranked among the top physics departments in Canada in terms of research dollars per capita, with over $5M in funding annually that provides students with cutting-edge research opportunities. You’ll have access to a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment, high-power computer clusters, atmospheric observational facilities, and medical imaging facilities.
The physics and atmospheric science department has a long tradition in both pure and applied research with close ties and cross-appointments with the Departments of Chemistry and Oceanography and the Faculties of Engineering and Medicine, providing you with a collaborative and stimulating environment to conduct your research.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Physics programme covers all major areas of physics including computational, experimental and theoretical research in atmospheric physics, geophysics, quantum optics, condensed matter physics, novel Materials, applied physics, subatomic physics and astrophysics, and biophysics.
Career Services
The Bissett Student Success Centre is here to assist you in finding jobs and developing your career path. With career advising, peer advising, career counselling, and its online resources, the centre many ways to help you develop your skills and discover your ideal job and career opportunities.
Programme Options
Thesis: Pursue independent and original research guided by a supervisor to develop and defend your thesis.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Physics and Atmospheric Science PhD Seminars
- Prelim Doctoral Exam
- PhD Thesis
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- GPA: 3.0
English Requirements
- TOEFL iBT: 92
- PTE Academic: 65
Other Requirements
- Thesis-based master's degree or its equivalent.
- Minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B average) in the last 60 credit hours of study.
- Degree granted by a university of recognized standing.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International: 7,087 AUD/year (approx. 7,053 CAD/year)
- Domestic: 7,087 AUD/year (approx. 7,053 CAD/year)
Living Costs – Halifax
1,241–1,965 AUD/month. Living costs include total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Dalhousie offers competitive tuition rates and funding programmes to support graduate students in almost all of its degree programmes.