Overview

This Religious Studies programme offered by University of Waterloo prepares researchers to conduct original investigations that contribute to scholarship across the humanities and social sciences. Drawing on the combined academic resources of two universities, students examine the diversity, development, and interactions of faith communities and spiritual movements, with particular attention to Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. The programme promotes rigorous inquiry into the historical, social, cultural, and intellectual dimensions of religion within contemporary and historical contexts.

Key Facts

Candidates benefit from a multidisciplinary environment that incorporates perspectives from anthropology, history, philosophy, psychology, and sociology. Through independent dissertation research and advanced scholarly training, students develop strong analytical, reasoning, writing, and critical evaluation skills while contributing new knowledge to the field. Graduates are equipped for careers requiring sophisticated cultural understanding, research expertise, and effective communication across diverse professional and community settings.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Religious Diversity in North America
Religious Traditions
Religious Movements
Canadian Religious Communities
United States Religious Communities
Caribbean Religious Communities
Religion and Society
Comparative Religion
Cultural Interpretation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

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PTE Academic

68

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Waterloo, Canada

Disciplines

Theology and Religious Studies View 10 other PhDs in Theology and Religious Studies in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

68

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Resume/Curriculum vitae

Supplementary information form (SIF)

Transcript(s)

Writing sample

References

Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable

Only graduates of accredited universities and colleges are eligible for admission.

Students apply to the joint program, designating one of the two universities as the preferred home institution.

Only graduates of accredited universities and colleges are eligible for admission.

Students apply to the joint program, designating one of the two universities as the preferred home institution.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Waterloo and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

14792 CAD / year

≈ 14792 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

4596 CAD / year

≈ 4596 CAD / year

Living costs

Waterloo

Canada

810 - 1447 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Religious Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Waterloo

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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