A member asked what the first step is for a family member interested in pursuing a PhD in Canada.
What the thread recommended, in order:- Find a supervisor first. Members emphasized locating a professor at a Canadian university who is willing to supervise you in your specific research field — this typically comes before or alongside applying, since many PhD programs are supervisor-driven (you need a professor to agree to take you on).
- Take the IELTS (or an equivalent English proficiency test) and apply for the study permit once you have a program and supervisor lined up.
Practical takeaway: start by researching and reaching out to potential supervisors in your field at Canadian universities — securing supervisor interest is often the real first gate for PhD admission, ahead of taking language tests and filing the study permit application.