PhD Cybersecurity at Ontario Tech University

Programme overview

The PhD in Cybersecurity, which is the first of its kind in Canada, is a multidisciplinary research-intensive program that covers a broad range of themes related to cybersecurity; including technology, policy and governance, AI and human behaviour. This program prepares specialized sociotechnical academics equipped to conduct leading-edge research and teaching in academia or industry, and to support governments in developing effective cybersecurity policy.

What you will study

You'll achieve these objectives through a combination of coursework, seminars, and a research thesis.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate studies , PhD in Cybersecurity applicants must meet the following program-specific requirements: Students would normally be expected to have completed a four-year undergraduate degree and a thesis-based Masters degree in a relevant field from a Canadian university, or its equivalent from a recognized institution, with an overall academic standing of at least 3.5 on a 4.0/4.3 scale or its equivalent in their last two years of study. MITS Pathway: Graduates of Ontario Tech University Master of IT Security (MITS) program can apply to the Ph.D. program If they have completed the MITS program with an overall academic standing of at least 3.5/4.3. A minimum of two letters of reference from persons having direct knowledge of the applicant's academic competence.

Domestic applicants: CAD 7,579 a year (2026-2027). Domestic full-time flat-fee tuition, annual amount based on three terms (per-term amount is one third). Flat-fee annual amount (three terms), full-time, 2026-2027; excludes ancillary fees. Source

International applicants: CAD 19,166 a year (2026-2027). International full-time flat-fee tuition, annual amount based on three terms. Flat-fee annual amount (three terms), full-time, 2026-2027; excludes ancillary fees. Source

Doctoral intakes: January 2027, May 2027 and September 2027, depending on the programme.

Graduate applications are submitted online through OUAC. Doctoral deadlines (domestic / international), September 2027 entry: Cybersecurity April 1, 2027 / April 1, 2027; Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering April 1, 2027 / February 1, 2027; Health Sciences, Applied Bioscience, Computer Science, Materials Science, Modelling and Computational Science, Criminology and Social Justice February 1, 2027 / February 1, 2027; EdD and Forensic Psychology December 1, 2026 / December 1, 2026. January 2027 entry: Engineering, Applied Bioscience, Computer Science and Modelling and Computational Science September 1, 2026; Cybersecurity October 1, 2026. May 2027 entry: January 15, 2027 domestic / November 13, 2026 international.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.ontariotechu.ca/

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