About Carleton University

Carleton University is Canada’s capital university, located in Ottawa, Ontario. Carleton’s proximity to government institutions, libraries, media and a thriving knowledge economy make Carleton a great place to learn and live. Particle Physics is a main branch of research in the physics department, and encompasses experiment breakthroughs and ground-breaking theory.

Program Requirements and Resources

If you are looking to start your career at Carleton University, you will need to consider how to apply, when to apply, and the qualifications expected of incoming students and employees. Deadlines and expectations are different depending on your department and degree level.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduates need to apply to Carleton University directly or through an OUAC application. Applicants may apply directly to a program or be undeclared. There are also different admission requirements depending on where you attended high school.

Need to know:

  • Applications for the fall semester open in the fall of the previous year and close on June 1. The general deadline for Fall 2022 is June 1, 2022, but for Ontario high school students applying through OUAC the deadline is January 13 2022.
  • The minimum admission average is 70%.
  • For Science undergraduate programs, tuition and ancillary fees for domestic students is $7303.67 (Ontario residents) or $7673.15 (Canadian residents), and $30, 400.67 for international students. You can find tuition fee information here, as well as the Carleton Fee Estimator.
  • You can find specific application timelines, how to apply, and admission requirements based on your high school experience here.
  • Undergraduate students are represented by the Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA).

Nitty-gritty:

  • The departments of Physics is a part of the Faculty of Science, and is considered a Science program.
  • If you live in an area where English is not the primary language, you may need to submit acceptable evidence of English Facility.
  • Degree specific information can be found here.
  • For Physics Programs, you will need to have completed six 4U/M courses or equivalent, including:
    • Grade 12 English
    • Calculus and Vectors
    • Advanced Functions / Grade 12 Math
    • One of Grade 11 or 12 Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science or Physics
  • The approximate admission cutoff for the Physics, Applied Physics, and Mathematics & Physics programs is 78-82%.
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Graduate Students

Graduate students need to apply through Graduate Admissions and specify a program in their application. We encourage you to reach out to our faculty before applying. Programs have different requirements and application deadlines.

Need to know:

  • Applications can be submitted at any time, and are due on December 15 for Fall 2022.
  • Tuition is paid for through your funding as a graduate student in the department of physics if you are a domestic student or an international PhD student. International MSc. students may be funded at the same level as domestic MSc students, but the process is highly competitive due to the higher tuiton cost for international MSc. students. International MSc. candidates who secure external funding to showcase they can afford the $17,827.82 tuition and fees in addition to cost of living are encouraged to apply.
  • You can find tuition fee information here, as well as the Carleton Fee Estimator.
  • You can find information about how to apply here.
  • You can find the list of programs and specific entrance requirements here.
  • You are encouraged to apply for external funding such as NSERC and OGS if you have at least a A- average.
  • Graduate students are represented by the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA).

Nitty-gritty:

All physics graduate programs require previously completed degrees to have a minimum academic standing of B+, 75-79%, or 3.3 GPA.

Physics:

  • Annual Base funding: Minimum of  $30,000 (MSc.), $33,000 (PhD)
  • Deadlines: January 15
  • Programs: MSc (1-2 years), PhD (4 years)
  • Requirements: BSc. Hons for MSc., MSc. and no grade below a B- for Ph.D

Postdoctoral Fellows

Potential postdoctoral fellows applying to the Carleton University apply directly to a research group, supervisor, or competition. Current opening with the department of physics can be found here.

Need to know:

  • Apply directly to a faculty member, not through a central office unless specified in the posting.
  • You are encouraged to apply for external funding regardless of the internal funding arranged in your contract.
  • Postdoctoral Fellows are considered employees, and are part of the Postdoctoral Union (PSAC 77000).

Nitty-gritty:

  • Position length is typically 2-3 years, but more than one fellowship may be held consecutively with the same supervisor.
  • There is not a standardized salary for postdoctoral fellows at Carleton, as your base annual salary is set by the supervisor, department, and external funding. The minimum base salary stated in the PSAC 77000 general benefits is $34,200, and on average is $50,156 at Carleton overall.
  • Postdoctoral fellows hired through the physics department can expect a base salary of approximately $55,000, with a specific amount or range stated on individual job posting.

Engineers, Technicians, and Staff

The range of employment options at the Carleton University covers engineers, technicians, research support staff, and administrative staff. All positions can be found and on the Carleton listing portal.

Need to know:

Nitty-gritty:

  • The category of a position dictates the compensation and other contract information such as benefits.
  • The starting salary range for staff positions under CUPE 2424 (administrative, technical, library) are $36,043 – $87,744. The current salary grid can be found here.
  • The collective agreement for staff positions under CUPE 4600 (teaching assistants, research assistants, contract instructors) can be found here.