What happens to PhD graduates?
A Statistics Canada survey provides a starting point. It covers 2020 graduates of public postsecondary institutions who were living in Canada in 2023 and had not pursued further postsecondary studies since graduating.
In this survey, the group described as “international” includes people who held a study or work permit at the beginning of their program, unlike the group described as “Canadian.” These categories therefore do not correspond simply to nationality.
| Indicator in 2023 | International PhD graduates | Canadian PhD graduates |
|---|---|---|
| Employment rate, across all occupations | 90.6% | 94.2% |
| Among those employed, share in natural and applied sciences occupations | 45.8% | 21.0% |
These two rows do not answer the same question. The first indicates the proportion of graduates who are working, regardless of their occupation. The second describes the occupation held among those who are already working. It measures neither laboratory work alone nor the employer’s sector.
The comparison does not show why the results differ: for example, the groups may have different disciplinary compositions. Nor does it describe graduates who had left Canada or resumed postsecondary studies. These figures are reference points for asking questions, not personal probabilities of finding a job.
Distinguishing occupation, sector and workplace
When looking for a job, “research” is a starting point, not a sufficient description. It is useful to separate three elements:
- Occupation or role: what you do, for example, teach, analyse data or contribute to public policy.
- Sector or type of employer: the organization you work for, such as an educational institution, a government body or a business.
- Workplace and setting: a laboratory, office, field site or a combination of several environments.
A job title does not necessarily reveal all the duties involved. To compare two job postings, ask what proportion of the work is devoted to experimentation, analysis, writing, teaching or coordination. Also check whether a PhD is required, preferred or simply relevant to the position.
A Statistics Canada study based on the 2021 Census illustrates the range of occupations held by discipline of doctoral study. It mentions university teaching, scientific occupations and roles related to public policy, among others. It covers people with a Canadian doctoral degree who worked during the week of May 2 to 8, 2021. It therefore does not include people who were unemployed at that time and does not measure how long it takes to obtain a position.
University, postdoctoral work or another setting: what should you compare?
If university teaching and research appeal to you, distinguish the responsibilities of a faculty position from those of a research position, and examine the conditions of each specific job posting. If you are considering a postdoctoral position, ask how long it will last, who will supervise the project, what activities you will be able to pursue and how the experience fits with your next goal. A postdoctoral position does not guarantee a permanent faculty position.
For a laboratory position or a role in another setting, use the same framework: what problems need to be solved, using which methods, in what team and with what level of autonomy? A position whose title resembles your thesis topic may leave little room for the method you want to continue using; conversely, a role with a less familiar title may draw on your expertise.
So do not limit your search to the name of your discipline. Also try terms describing your methods and the questions you know how to address, then read the duties and requirements for each posting.
Reading local job prospects
Job Bank’s published outlooks help situate an occupation within a region and a period. They do not directly describe the chances of an individual with a PhD.
For example, the 2025–2027 outlook in Ontario is rated “Very limited” for biologists and related scientists, a group that includes microbiologists. This rating applies to a broad occupational category: it does not automatically apply to every PhD, every discipline or other provinces. Ontario regions may also have separate ratings.
To use this type of data:
- Identify the occupation whose duties resemble the ones you are targeting, even if its title differs from your specialty.
- Note the forecast’s location and period, then review the available regional results.
- Compare them with specific job postings: requirements, methods, contract length and workplace.
- Keep a second scenario in mind, based on another role or setting that draws on your skills.
A local outlook is a signal to consider alongside job postings, not a verdict on your future.
Universities and programs
If you are still considering a PhD, your choice of project may shape the methods you develop. These two examples from Quebec allow you to compare research questions and supervision requirements; they are neither a ranking nor an exhaustive list.
| Program | Focus to consider | Research supervision |
|---|---|---|
| Université de Sherbrooke — PhD in Biology | Biology stream or interdisciplinary environment stream | Acceptance by an authorized research supervisor is an admission requirement. |
| Université Laval — PhD in Agricultural Economics | Economic issues related, in particular, to rural, agricultural and agri-food development | A supervisor must be found during the first term; one is not required at the time of admission. |
The difference is practical: at Sherbrooke, acceptance by a supervisor is one of the admission requirements, whereas at Laval a supervisor must be found after admission, in accordance with the program’s requirements. In both cases, also consider the methods and questions you would like to continue working with after your thesis. The availability of a project does not guarantee admission or a subsequent job.
Turning your thesis into useful examples for a job application
Rather than presenting only your thesis title, prepare a few concise examples that make your contribution understandable to someone outside your specialty. For each one, specify the problem, your role, the method used and what you learned or produced.
You can then create a worksheet for each job posting:
| Details to identify in the posting | What to prepare for your application or questions |
|---|---|
| Duties and methods required | A relevant example of research, analysis or communication |
| Independent work and collaboration | Your specific contribution to a team project |
| Position duration and conditions | Questions about the contract, responsibilities and opportunities for advancement |
| Position requirements | What you already have and which skills to develop further |
This approach works just as well when looking for a university position as when exploring other settings. It helps you decide whether you want to continue studying the same questions, change methods or apply your expertise to a different problem.
International graduates: distinguishing employment from work authorization
For an international graduate, finding a job posting and being authorized to work are two separate matters. According to information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada consulted on November 7, 2026, the post-graduation work permit has conditions relating, among other things, to the program and the institution. Earning a PhD does not automatically make you eligible for this permit.
Before planning your transition, check with IRCC which criteria apply to your situation, your status and the authorization you need to work at the time you intend to do so. Rules can change; this general information is not a substitute for an individual assessment.