MSc Physics (course-based)
Students enrolled in the course-based (non-thesis pathway) MSc Physics programs do not receive any financial support. Students taking the project course may receive research assistantship funding at the discretion of the project supervisor.
MSc and PhD Physics (thesis-based)
All full-time graduate students enrolled in the MSc Physics and PhD Physics thesis-based programs receive financial support from a combination of internal and external sources. The University funding package is offered at admission. Funding comes from several sources including scholarship funding from the University and a Teaching Assistantship (TA), and any major external scholarships won. The University scholarship component is awarded automatically at admission and you do not need to apply for it separately. A Research Assistantship (RA) will be provided by the thesis supervisor as required to complete the funding package to a competitive level, especially in the case of students without a major external scholarship on entry.
A full-time domestic (Canadian or Permanent Resident) MSc Physics student admitted in Fall/Winter 2025/2026 will receive at least $35,685/year, and a Ph.D. Physics student will receive at least $40,185/year. The funding level depends on our assessment of your academic record at admission. Applicants with stronger academic records could receive a larger funding package. Please note that tuition fees will be deducted from this funding.
For an MSc, the scholarship and TA funding is guaranteed for two years, which is the time limit for this degree. For a PhD, the scholarship is for four years, while the TA component is guaranteed for five years. The time limit for the degree is six years. Extensions past the time limit are possible, but funding is at the discretion of the supervisor.
Scholarships
Many of our best students hold external scholarships such as OGS or NSERC. If you have at least an A- average, you should apply for one or both of these awards. The application deadlines are typically early in the Fall with outcomes known in approximately April. So you might well be applying for scholarships in the Fall prior to sending in your graduate school application. While initially the timing might seem unusual, in fact it is common practice and winning an external scholarship is a major plus for your resume. Just being able to state that you have applied demonstrates that you are proactive and strengthens your application for graduate studies. More information on external scholarships is given by our Graduate School here.
Tuition and living costs
For information about living and tuition cost, please visit the Carleton Graduate Studies' webpage: https://graduate.carleton.ca/financial-assistance/cost-and-fees/