PhD Economics
Future You will be a skilled researcher.
Lang's PhD in Economics program will prepare you to become an independent and skilled researcher, in preparation for a career in academia, public or private sector.
As a student in the program, you will benefit from learning and conducting your own research beside some of the world's most renowned economists and leaders in financial economic theory. Our faculty currently rank in the top 4% of the world for research output in economics, according to Research Papers in Economics (RePEc). The program's course offerings cover a broad range of topics in theoretical and applied economics.
The Department of Economics and Finance has a faculty complement of 27, with teaching and research interests across the entire range of economic and financial analysis. PhD Candidates may write a dissertation in any of the areas of expertise of the graduate faculty in the department. For information on recent PhD thesis and job placements visit the Department of Economics and Finance website.
- 3+ years
- Program length
- Top 6%
- of the world's business schools - AACSB Accredited
- Every September
- Program start date
PhD Economics program at a glance:
- Program length: 3+ years
- Program start date: Every September
- Program delivery: On-campus
- Application deadline: occurs in January
The PhD in Economics program consists of six core courses and six elective courses covering microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. Core courses are followed by a comprehensive examination in economic theory. Students will then complete a qualifying research paper. The remainder of the program is devoted to the completion and defense of a full doctoral dissertation.
Applicants must have the following:
- Master's degree in Economics
- Minimum A- average (first class, or 80%)
- Strong supporting letters of reference (2)
- Proof of English proficiency
All domestic and international students that are offered admission into the program are also offered financial support for four years that should be sufficient to cover costs of tuition and living. The support package will take the form of graduate teaching and research assistantships; scholarships and fellowships; and possibly instructor opportunities.
Note: Master's degrees from some countries are considered equivalent to undergraduate degrees in Canada. International students can check their credential evaluation online.
Application deadlines for Fall 2025 admission:
- January 15 -- submission of the online application form
- February 1 -- submission of all required supporting documents
Full-time PhD students are offered guaranteed financial support in their offer of admission. The funding extends throughout the program duration for all eligible semesters (generally the first 12 full-time semesters) and can include a combination of: Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA), Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA), Graduate Service Assistantships (GSA), scholarships and awards.
Please note: Additional funding is available to students in the form of competitive scholarships and additional GTA, GRA and teaching earnings. Funding packages may be adjusted if major external or internal scholarship is awarded.
Click here for information regarding tuition for the PhD Economics program.
Click here for more information about graduate student scholarships.
Are you an international student considering applying to Lang's PhD Economics program? The digital international student viewbook provides you with an overview of our programs, admission requirements, and supports available for international students at the University of Guelph and Lang.
Meet our students
Graduates of Lang's PhD in Economics program are well-regarded within academia. Many hold faculty positions at institutions across North America, including: University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, Auburn University, Carleton University, Ryerson University, St. Mary’s University, University of Windsor.
PhD Economics candidate Parisa Mahboubi and professor Thanasis Stengos talk about the program.