PhD in Physics

Overview

About this program

Advanced research in physics

Take advantage of the PhD program to independently conduct a cutting-edge, original research project in your field of specialization. Develop your skills in the methodological aspects of research and propose new avenues of investigation.

There are several areas of specialization available for PhDs in physics, including astronomy and astrophysics, biophysics and molecular physiology, condensed matter physics, plasma physics, particle physics and medical physics. The methodological approach may be experimental, theoretical or numerical.

Language accommodations

Although Université de Montréal is a French-language university, many of our research departments are open to creating a bilingual environment for students in graduate-level programs. Students who are proficient in English are therefore welcome and accepted into graduate-level programs.

The Department of Physics provides a number of accommodations to make you feel comfortable and help you fulfill the requirements of the program even if French is not your main language of study:

Choice of giving oral presentations in either French or English.
Choice of writing exams in French or English.
Possibility of taking an equivalent course at an English-language university in Montréal.
Choice of taking the comprehensive exam in either French or English.
Possibility of writing your doctoral thesis or dissertation in English.

Options

Note that the option you are interested in may not be offered during the session for which you wish to apply.

Advantages of studying physics at UdeM
Conduct research projects in an interdisciplinary environment

Discover the modern facilities at the MIL Campus
Take advantage of research laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art instruments
Participate in several internationally renowned research programs
Stay up to date on the latest advances in the field through lectures by renowned researchers

Courses and specifics

90 credits
Full-time
Part time
Day course
Dissertation or thesis track
International exchange option

Take a look at some topics covered.

PHY 6051XModern Analysis of Physical Data

Analysis of physical data using machine learning, modern statistical techniques, and big data methods. Note: Undergraduate students must enroll in course PHY3051.

PHY 6210Statistical Physics – Systems in Equilibrium

Classical and quantum statistical ensembles. Ideal Fermi and Bose gases. Two-body interaction systems. Phase transitions. Applications to real gases and solids.

PHY 6445Physical Chemistry of Cold Plasmas

Electrical, hydrodynamic, and kinetic approaches for modeling non-equilibrium plasmas. Capacitive discharges and inductive coupling. Reactive plasmas: dissociation and recombination kinetics. Dusty and high-pressure plasmas.

See program structure

Admission requirements

You studied

and have, or will obtain, a diploma from the following program or country:

Note that the quantitative criteria indicated above does not replace a qualitative review of your application. These criteria are provided for information purposes only. Eligibility for a study program does not guarantee an offer of admission. Information on this page may change without notice.

Find out about eligibility for this program

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Costs and financial aid

$2,260.42 *

Total for a full-time session of 15 credits

Tuition fees: $1,558.80

Other fees: $701.62

These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.

Check your legal status

* These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2025-2026 academic year.
Information updated: July 17, 2025

$2,260.42 *

Total for a full-time session of 15 credits

Tuition fees: $1,558.80

Other fees: $701.62

These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.

Good news! You may be able to lower this amount!

Under certain conditions, Canadian students who are not residents of Quebec can follow university study programs offered in French while benefiting from the same tuition fees as residents of Quebec.

Check eligibility criteria

Check your legal status

* These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2025-2026 academic year.
Information updated: July 17, 2025

$10,283.02 *

Total for a full-time session of 15 credits

Tuition fees: $9,581.40

Other fees: $701.62

These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.

* These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2025-2026 academic year.
Information updated: July 17, 2025

$2,260.42 *

Total for a full-time session of 15 credits

Tuition fees: $1,558.80

Other fees: $701.62

These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.

Vérifiez votre admissibilité aux exemptions des droits de scolarité supplémentaires

* These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2025-2026 academic year.
Information updated: July 17, 2025

Calculate tuition fees based on other situations

Available financial assistance

Graduate and postgraduate scholarships

Funding offered to students, all programs combined

Plan your budget

Pursue your studies, but not at all costs! Various resources are available to help make it easier for you to study more and worry less.

Future prospects Pursuing a career or further studies? The choice is yours!

Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) : 40.0801

Once you have completed your PhD, you will be able to continue conducting research as part of a team at a university, in industrial laboratories or at government research institutes, and eventually pursue your own research topics.