Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for doctoral research, and the University of Regina (U of R) is quietly becoming one of its most exciting graduate research universities. If you are planning to pursue a PhD in Canada — with access to strong funding, dedicated supervision, and a genuinely inclusive academic environment — the University of Regina should be at the top of your list.
With over $10 million in scholarships awarded to its students every year, the U of R is fully committed to supporting graduate education — and beginning from Fall 2025, minimum guaranteed funding for all new PhD students has officially been introduced. This is a major milestone that makes the U of R one of the most financially supportive doctoral institutions in Canada.
Read on to discover all 20+ doctoral programs, funding details, eligibility criteria, and a complete step-by-step guide to applying in 2026.
🎓 University Overview
The University of Regina currently leads Canadian comprehensive universities in research impact and international research collaboration, and has emerged as a centre of excellence on a number of research fronts. It offers more than 50 Master’s, 20 Doctoral, and 13 graduate certificate programs.
Founded in 1911 and established as an autonomous university in 1974, the U of R is situated in Regina, Saskatchewan — one of Canada’s most affordable and liveable cities. The campus is home to 25 academic departments, 10 faculties, 10 research centres, and three federated colleges, including the internationally recognized First Nations University of Canada.
The University of Regina ranks 3rd among the Best Young Canadian Universities by Times Higher Education 2024 and 6th in Canada for University Student Services by Maclean’s 2026 — and stands 1st for Paid Co-op Work Placements in Saskatchewan.
Host Institution: University of Regina Country: Canada 🇨🇦 Location: Regina, Saskatchewan Degree Level: Doctoral (PhD / EdD) Open to: Domestic & International Students Total Doctoral Programs: 20+ Annual Scholarships Awarded: Over CAD $10 million
🎓 Funding & Financial Benefits
One of the strongest reasons to pursue a PhD at the University of Regina is the exceptional financial support available to doctoral students. Here is a comprehensive breakdown:
1. Guaranteed Minimum Funding (GMF) — New from Fall 2025
Each PhD student accepted into a PhD program will be required to have minimum funding going forward from Fall 2025. The FGSR will provide payments in the following pattern: Semester 1 = $2,700, Semester 2 = $2,650, Semester 3 = $2,650 — with Supervisor/Unit/Faculty also contributing, bringing the total guaranteed support over the first four years of the program.
This award requires no separate application — it is automatically provided upon acceptance.
2. University of Regina Graduate Fellowship (URGF)
PhD students who qualify for the URGF receive a minimum of $20,000 per year for up to four years. To be eligible, PhD students must have a minimum first class average of at least 80% at their previous institution.
3. FGSR Graduate Scholarship Base Fund (GSBF)
The FGSR UR Scholars Entrance Scholarship covers full tuition and all related fees for both master’s and doctoral programs — one of the most generous awards at the graduate level.
4. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The nationally recognized Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships offer CAD $50,000 annually to distinguished PhD candidates. These are awarded through the federal government and are available to international students.
5. Chancellor’s Fellowship Entrance Award
Applications for the Chancellor’s Fellowship Entrance Award for 2026–27 are available through the Graduate Awards Portal (GAP), with a deadline of April 17th at 4:00 PM.
6. Teaching Assistantships & Research Assistantships PhD students are regularly offered Teaching Assistant (TA) and Research Assistant (RA) positions that provide additional income on top of scholarship funding, while offering valuable academic experience.
Summary of Key Funding:
| Award | Value | Eligibility |
| Guaranteed Minimum Funding (GMF) | ~$8,000/year (FGSR portion) | All new PhD students (auto) |
| URGF Graduate Fellowship | Min. $20,000/year (up to 4 yrs) | 80%+ academic average |
| FGSR UR Scholars Entrance Award | Full tuition + fees | Thesis-based PhD |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship | CAD $50,000/year | Competitive |
| Chancellor’s Fellowship Award | Varies | Merit-based |
🎓 Available Doctoral Programs
The University of Regina offers more than 20 doctoral programs across a wide range of disciplines. Here is a full overview organized by faculty:
Faculty of Arts
- Clinical Psychology (PhD)
- Experimental and Applied Psychology (PhD)
Faculty of Education
- Education (PhD)
- Indigenous Education Doctorate (EdD)
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
- Engineering (PhD)
- Electronic Systems Engineering (PhD)
- Energy Systems Engineering (PhD)
- Environmental Systems Engineering (PhD)
- Industrial Systems Engineering (PhD)
- Petroleum Systems Engineering (PhD)
- Process Systems Engineering (PhD)
- Software Systems Engineering (PhD)
Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
- Public Policy (PhD)
Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies
- Kinesiology and Health Studies (PhD)
La Cité universitaire francophone
- French and Francophone Intercultural Studies (PhD)
Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance
- Interdisciplinary PhD in Media and Artistic Research (PhD)
Faculty of Nursing
- Nursing (PhD) (Special Case Program — additional documentation required)
Faculty of Science
- Biology (PhD)
- Chemistry/Biochemistry (PhD)
- Computer Science (PhD)
- Earth Sciences (PhD)
- Mathematics/Statistics (PhD)
- Physics (PhD)
Special Case Doctoral Program In addition to these listed programs, the U of R offers a Special Case PhD option — allowing qualified students to design a customized doctoral program when their research interests cross traditional disciplinary boundaries.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
- Applicants must normally hold a thesis-based Master’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university.
- Alternatively, an applicant may be accepted at the Master’s level as a means of demonstrating suitability to enter a doctoral program, and after the first year may request, through the academic unit, a transfer to a PhD program.
- A minimum academic average of 70% (or equivalent) is generally required for graduate admission, with 80% required for fellowship consideration.
For Scholarship Eligibility (URGF)
- PhD students must have a minimum of a first class average equivalent to at least 80% at their previous institution, and must maintain that standard throughout their doctoral program to remain in good standing.
English Language Proficiency International applicants from non-English-speaking countries must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5 overall
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80
- PTE Academic: Minimum 59
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum 125
Note: English language scores are not required at the time of initial application — a conditional acceptance can be issued first.
Age Requirement
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of program commencement.
Supervisor Requirement For research-based PhD programs, identifying and contacting a potential supervisor before applying is strongly recommended and often essential. Admission to a PhD program is generally dependent on a faculty member’s willingness to supervise your research.
🎓 Who Should Apply
The University of Regina PhD programs are ideal for you if:
- You hold a thesis-based master’s degree and are ready to advance into doctoral-level research.
- You are an international student looking for a well-funded, research-intensive PhD in Canada at an affordable cost of living.
- Your research interests align with one of the 20+ doctoral disciplines offered at U of R.
- You are interested in interdisciplinary research, Indigenous studies, environmental science, engineering, public policy, or psychology.
- You want a university where you can have real access to your supervisor and benefit from one-on-one mentorship rather than being lost in a large institution.
- You want to live and study in one of Canada’s most affordable, safe, and welcoming cities.
🎓 Who Should NOT Apply
This opportunity may not be the best fit if:
- You do not hold a thesis-based master’s degree and cannot identify a pathway to doctoral admission.
- Your intended research area is not covered by any of the available doctoral programs or the Special Case option.
- You are looking for a professional doctorate (such as a medical or legal degree) — U of R’s doctoral programs are research-focused.
- You cannot commit to full-time enrolment, as most funded PhD positions require full-time registration.
🎓 Required Documents
When applying for a PhD program at the University of Regina, you will generally need:
- Completed Online Application Form — submitted via the U of R graduate application portal
- Application Fee — CAD $125
- Official Academic Transcripts — from all previously attended post-secondary institutions (must be submitted directly from the issuing institution)
- Translated Transcripts — if your documents are not in English, certified English translations are required
- Statement of Intent / Personal Statement — outlining your research interests, academic background, and reasons for choosing the U of R (must be entirely your own writing)
- Two or Three Letters of Reference — preferably from academic supervisors who can speak to your research potential
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) — detailing your academic qualifications, research experience, and publications (if any)
- English Language Proficiency Test Score — IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo (if applicable)
- Research Proposal — required by some programs
- Evidence of Supervisor Agreement — for research-based programs, correspondence confirming a supervisor’s interest in your application is typically expected
🎓 Application Process
Applying to a doctoral program at the University of Regina follows a clear, manageable process:
Step 1 — Identify Your Program & Potential Supervisor Browse the complete list of PhD programs on the U of R Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research website. Research faculty members whose expertise aligns with your interests and send a professional, well-prepared email introducing your research idea.
Step 2 — Check Eligibility Review the specific academic and language requirements for your chosen program. Use the U of R’s Graduate Calendar to confirm all entry requirements.
Step 3 — Create Your Application Account Visit the U of R online application portal and create a personal account. This takes approximately 30 minutes.
Step 4 — Complete & Submit Your Application Fill in all required sections of the online application form. Upload your documents directly through the Student Application Portal. Pay the CAD $125 application fee via credit card or Flywire.
Step 5 — Request Official Transcripts Your previous institution(s) must send official transcripts directly to the University of Regina by email or mail to International Enrolment Services.
Step 6 — Await Admission Decision Once a decision has been made on your application, you will receive an email notification to log in to your Student Application Portal and view your decision letter. Processing generally takes 4–6 weeks after all documents are received.
Step 7 — Apply for Scholarships Once fully admitted, access the Graduate Awards Portal (GAP) to browse and apply for all available scholarships, fellowships, and awards. No separate scholarship application is needed for the Guaranteed Minimum Funding.
Step 8 — Apply for Canadian Study Permit After receiving your acceptance letter, begin the study permit application process as early as possible through the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) portal.
🎓 Important Dates
Application deadlines vary by program. The three main academic intakes are:
| Intake | Application Deadline |
| Fall (September) | Varies by program — check program page |
| Winter (January) | Varies by program — check program page |
| Spring/Summer (May) | Varies by program — check program page |
- Chancellor’s Fellowship Award Deadline: April 17, 2026 at 4:00 PM
- Edgar A. Wahn Scholarship (PhD/Masters Environmental Research): May 30, 2026
⚠️ It is strongly recommended to check the specific deadline for your chosen program on the U of R website, as program deadlines vary significantly. Applying early also improves your chance of finding an available supervisor.
🎓 Why Pursue Your PhD at the University of Regina?
1. Guaranteed Funding from Day One Since Fall 2025, every incoming PhD student receives guaranteed minimum financial support — a commitment that very few Canadian universities make. This is a huge advantage for international students planning their finances.
2. Over $10 Million in Annual Scholarships With more than $10 million in scholarships awarded every year, the U of R is genuinely committed to helping students finance their graduate education. Past students have received over $170,000 in combined scholarships over the course of their doctoral studies.
3. Outstanding Supervision & Access to Faculty Graduate students at the University of Regina enjoy great access to professors and opportunities for one-on-one mentorship — combined with an exceptional collection of student support services. This is one of the U of R’s most valued advantages over larger institutions.
4. Research That Has Real Impact The U of R currently leads Canadian comprehensive universities in research impact and international collaboration. Doctoral students contribute to research that addresses real-world challenges in health, environment, technology, policy, and culture.
5. Affordable Cost of Living Regina, Saskatchewan is one of the most affordable and liveable cities in Canada — a place where newcomers can find a real sense of home. Compared to Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, a PhD student’s stipend goes much further in Regina.
6. Indigenous Research Excellence The University of Regina is deeply committed to Indigenous engagement and reconciliation. It is home to the First Nations University of Canada and offers Indigenous-focused doctoral programs that are unique in the Canadian university system.
7. Professional Development Beyond the Degree The Graduate Advanced Training and Entrepreneurship (GATE) Centre offers a wide range of professional development and entrepreneurship opportunities to help students build skills, grow their networks, and prepare for diverse career paths — both within and beyond academia.
Looking for more funded PhD and graduate opportunities? Browse all listings at Gradualin Scholarships or explore these related guides:
- Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in the UK 2026
- Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA 2026
- Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia 2026
Also check Jobs & Internships and Events & Conferences for more career and academic opportunities.
🎓 Official Source
For the full list of doctoral programs, specific admission requirements, scholarship applications, and application portal access, visit:
🌐 https://www.uregina.ca/graduate-studies-research/programs/doctoral-programs.html
📧 Graduate Studies Contact: Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR), University of Regina
🎓 Scholarship Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
| University | University of Regina |
| Country | Canada 🇨🇦 |
| City | Regina, Saskatchewan |
| Degree Level | PhD / Doctoral |
| Number of Programs | 20+ |
| Open to | Domestic & International Students |
| Guaranteed PhD Funding | Yes — from Fall 2026 |
| URGF Fellowship | Min. CAD $20,000/year (up to 4 yrs) |
| Vanier Scholarship | CAD $50,000/year (competitive) |
| Annual Scholarships Budget | CAD $10 million+ |
| Application Fee | CAD $125 |
| English Requirement | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 80 / PTE 59 |
| Official Website | uregina.ca/graduate-studies-research |
Stay informed about the latest PhD and scholarship opportunities by visiting Gradualin Scholarships. Don’t forget to explore Guidelines & Resources for tips on applications, statements of purpose, and study permits.
