Applying to Canadian Counselling Psychology PhD programs as an International applicant

[DLF87]

I am from the Caribbean twin island federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and I am thinking about applying to 4 PhD Counselling programs in Canada. However, I am reluctant to do so because I feel as though the odds are stacked against me. 

I have a BA in psychology from the University of the Virgin Islands which is a regionally accredited US school. During my tenure there I had to complete a research project which I did very well on and my cumulative GPA is 3.67. Additionally, I have a MSc in psychology (Foundations in Clinical & Health Psychology) from Newcastle University in the UK. I did a dissertation for this course and also did very well and my final overall grade for the program is a merit which translates to a GPA of 3.53. 

Since completing my BA in 2011, I have been employed in a number of roles in my home country, with the exception of 2013-14 when I was granted study leave to complete my masters in the UK. These roles include child protection officer, Case Manager and my current role as a Counsellor since 2016. 

I am eager to do a doctoral degree in counselling psychology because in my country the field of psychology and mental health is very primitive and I am eager to do what I can to help the field grow here and champion the cause of changing mental health attitudes. I think the only way to do this is by completing a degree that employs international best practices. I am of the opinion that this will assist me in shaping the policies here. 

I however feel as though the odds are stacked against me as an international applicant. I also wonder if my two research projects would be enough when it comes to research experiences considering that there is no ground for research here or any regional conferences for presentation. 

My wife is a very spiritual person who prays a lot and believes I should take a leap of faith and apply but I also believe in being practical and realistic. 

Enough rambling for now. Are the odds stacked against me? Is there any advice on how to pursue my goal? Thanks in advance for whatever response I can get. 

Edited September 18, 2019 by DLF87

[PsycUndergrad]

I’m a clinical psychology student in Canada, but the application processes are pretty much the same. 

There are a few considerations for applying as an international student. 

First, it sounds like your masters was more of a research-based degree. Counselling PhD programs are looking for applicants who have completed the prerequisite clinical coursework and practicum placements. You seem to have some good clinical work experience, but it likely won’t count since it isn’t part of a graduate program. You might have to complete a second MA in counselling psychology before being eligible for Canadian PhD programs. If this is an issue, you might consider the US since I don’t think a masters is required before the PhD. 

Also, counselling psych programs in Canada don’t have great funding to begin with, and you won’t be eligible for many scholarships as an international student. This is on top of tuition rates that are much higher than for domestic students. I would look into the costs and opportunities for international students at your programs on interests. 

I can’t speak personally speak to the research requirements, but it probably depends on the school. It’s good that you have managed to get some experience despite the challenges. Is it possible to work with someone from your MSc university to publish your masters thesis? 

[DLF87]

15 minutes ago, PsycUndergrad said:

I’m a clinical psychology student in Canada, but the application processes are pretty much the same. 

There are a few considerations for applying as an international student. 

First, it sounds like your masters was more of a research-based degree. Counselling PhD programs are looking for applicants who have completed the prerequisite clinical coursework and practicum placements. You seem to have some good clinical work experience, but it likely won’t count since it isn’t part of a graduate program. You might have to complete a second MA in counselling psychology before being eligible for Canadian PhD programs. If this is an issue, you might consider the US since I don’t think a masters is required before the PhD. 

Also, counselling psych programs in Canada don’t have great funding to begin with, and you won’t be eligible for many scholarships as an international student. This is on top of tuition rates that are much higher than for domestic students. I would look into the costs and opportunities for international students at your programs on interests. 

I can’t speak personally speak to the research requirements, but it probably depends on the school. It’s good that you have managed to get some experience despite the challenges. Is it possible to work with someone from your MSc university to publish your masters thesis? 

Thank you for your kind response. As it pertains to my masters degree, I did some coursework and at the end I had to complete a dissertation. However, no practicum was attached to it. A practicum was needed for my undergraduate degree and that was done. Getting this information from you is so insightful yet so overwhelming. 

The programs I have been looking at are Calgary, Alberta, OISE Toronto and McGill. I have been looking at these schools because they do not seem to require the GRE, which I have not taken bearing in mind that I was interested in applying to British universities but it is virtually impossible for me  to study in the UK at the doctoral level  considering the costs. My idea was to apply to those schools and then if I am not successful then I would take the GRE and apply to US schools. 

In terms of getting my masters work published, is it still possible to do that bearing in mind that it was completed in 2014?

Thank you again for your response.