Candidates interested in applying to the Nova Scotia PhD Program in Educational Studies should meet the following admission requirements:

• Possess a Masters degree from a recognized university in education or in a related field of study;
• Normally, have completed a graduate thesis in a field related to their doctoral studies. Those applicants who have not completed a thesis are required to submit evidence of their ability to undertake research in education through the completion of a qualifying research paper of sufficient depth and scope to reflect their research competence;
• A minimum of A- or 80% average in his or her highest degree;
• A clearly conceptualized idea of an area of research or a research topic the applicant wishes to investigate in the doctoral program.
• Scholarly preparation to conduct research, normally including graduate level courses in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods and design.
• English language proficiency (IELTS 7.5-9.0 with no score less than 7.0 on any band)

• A qualifying research paper if the applicant has not completed a graduate thesis;
• Three letters of reference, normally including two academic and one professional;
• A recent curriculum vitae indicating current initiatives in education and any academic, scholarly work to date;
• A letter of intent indicating a proposed area of study from among the six interrelated themes of educational studies;
• An interview with a selection committee that is a subcommittee of the IDAC (if deemed necessary).
• Proof of English language proficiency (see English Language Proficiency Requirements)