Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 72 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting September 2027
- Apply before Dec 2026
Language
English
TOEFL iBT 100
Credits
18 alternative credits
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
- Vancouver, Canada
Disciplines
History, Theology and Religious Studies
Overview
Students in the Religious Studies program from University of British Columbia develop range and breadth through coursework and comprehensive examinations in Years 1 and 2 of the program; after that, students will be encouraged and enabled to narrow their focus so that they become world experts in their chosen dissertation topic.
Features
- The PhD if Religious Studies is the only program in Canada to offer students the opportunity to focus on the early religious traditions of the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Programme Structure
Curriculum:
- PhD students engage in a broad range of coursework and pursue multi-disciplinary research on the material culture, religious beliefs, languages and histories of the ancient Mediterranean and Near East.
- We have four full-time faculty specializing in Hebrew Bible studies, Jewish studies, and early Christianity and New Testament Studies.
- Our other faculty in Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies are interdisciplinary researchers whose work regularly engages with religion and myth, including the archaeology of Roman religion and Greek mythology.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
TOEFL iBT 100
Other requirements
General requirements
- 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.
- 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.
- Many programs require a statement of interest, sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.
- Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.
- Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (applies to students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the study country): 9,967 AUD / year ≈ 9,883 CAD / year
- Domestic (tuition fee for the domestic students): 5,674 AUD / year ≈ 5,626 CAD / year
Living costs
Vancouver, Canada: 1,603-2,709 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Religious Studies.
Available Scholarships
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program – Independent provider, U.S. government – Grant: Various benefits – Deadline: 07 Oct 2026
- DFL Scholarship Program – Daughters for Life Foundation – Need-based – Grant: Various benefits – Deadline: Not specified
- ServiceScape Scholarship – ServiceScape – Grant: 1000 USD – Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
- Faculty Mobility for Partnership Building Program – Canadian Government – Merit-based – Grant: 7000 CAD – Deadline: 18 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships – ACES Education Fund – Grant: 3500 USD – Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
- International Peace Scholarship Fund – The International Peace Scholarship Fund – Need-based – Grant: 12500 USD – Deadline: 15 Dec 2026
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship – Canadian Government – Grant: 50000 CAD – Deadline: Not specified
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility – OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation – Merit-based – Grant: Various benefits – Deadline: Not specified
- Monthly Scholarship Series – MPOWER Financing – Grant: 1000 USD – Deadline: Anytime
- Niara Scholarships – Niara – Merit-based – Grant: 500 CAD – Deadline: Anytime
- P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) – The International Peace Scholarship Fund – Grant: 12500 USD – Deadline: 15 Dec 2026
- Amberscholar Scholarship – Amber Scholar – Merit-based – Grant: 6000 USD – Deadline: 31 Jan 2027
- Organization of American States Academic Scholarships Program – Canadian Government – Grant: Various benefits – Deadline: Not specified
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship – IvyPanda – Merit-based – Grant: 1000 USD – Deadline: 31 Oct 2026
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship – Voice Talent Online – Grant: 1000 USD – Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
- Dream Chaser Scholarship – Salvado Law – Merit-based – Grant: 1000 USD – Deadline: 13 Jan 2027
- Traditional Fulbright Canada Student Awards – U.S. government – Grant: 25000 USD – Deadline: 10 Oct 2026
- Scholarship for students with disabilities – Anonymous Hope Fund – Need-based – Grant: 3000 USD – Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
- Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP) – Government Of Canada – Grant: Various benefits – Deadline: Not specified
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria – Leopold Figl Foundation – Need-based – Grant: Various benefits – Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
- CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholarship – Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) – Merit-based – Grant: 100000 CAD – Deadline: Not specified
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship – IELTS from 6 to 9 – Grant: 1500 USD – Deadline: Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme – The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme – Grant: 12000 USD – Deadline: 11 Jan 2027