The Carleton University Research Assistantship (PhD) 2026 at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, provides graduate students — including Doctoral (PhD) candidates — with paid opportunities to support faculty research while they pursue their degrees. A research assistantship lets students gain hands‑on research experience and receive a paid research salary that helps cover living costs during their graduate programme.
About the Carleton University Research Assistantship
Carleton University automatically considers eligible applicants for research funding as part of the Offer of Admission and Funding following a graduate application. A Research Assistantship (RA) salary is paid when students work for a faculty member or research grant as part of an employee‑employer relationship. RAs often contribute to ongoing research activities — such as reviewing literature, conducting experiments, recording data, or other project‑related tasks — under the primary control of the grant holder or supervising researcher. Only students who are physically present in Canada with valid work authorization can hold a research assistantship.
Why Choose The Carleton University Research Assistantship?
This assistantship lets you earn while you learn by participating directly in research projects that align with your field of study. It provides paid employment that strengthens your research skills, professional experience, and academic résumé. Working closely with faculty on active research enhances your prospects for further academic roles, industry research positions, or doctoral‑level study.
Carleton University Research Assistantship Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Host Institution: Carleton University
- Assistantship Name: Research Assistantship (RA)
- Study Level: Doctoral (PhD) & other graduate programmes
- Coverage: Paid research salary (amount varies depending on the research grant/faculty funding)
- Application Deadlines: June 01, 2026
- Eligible Applicants: Full‑time graduate students admitted to a Carleton University Doctoral programme with valid work authorization in Canada
Assistantship Benefits
- Provide a paid salary for research work tied to a faculty project.
- Enable students to gain professional research experience.
- Improve academic credentials for future research or career paths.
- Build strong connections with faculty and research teams.
- Allow contribution to meaningful research outcomes at Carleton.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Secure admission to a full‑time Doctoral programme at Carleton University.
- Maintain a strong academic record, typically with a GPA of 10.0 or higher on Carleton’s scale.
- Be physically located in Canada with valid work authorization to engage in paid research work.
- Be willing to perform research tasks as required by the supervising researcher or grant holder.
Required Documents
You should prepare:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Evidence of work authorization in Canada (e.g., study permit with work eligibility).
- Completed Carleton graduate admission application (RA consideration occurs via admission).
- Any additional forms or documents requested by the supervising faculty or department.
Application Process & Timeline
- Select a Doctoral programme at Carleton University.
- Prepare and submit your graduate admission application through the official Carleton portal.
- Receive your Offer of Admission and Funding, which may include RA or research funding if you qualify.
- Contact your faculty supervisor to finalize research duties, expectations, and funding.
- Upon selection, accept the RA appointment and complete any employment paperwork required by Carleton’s Graduate Job Requisition system.
- Begin your research work alongside your graduate studies and receive regular salary payments according to the grant or payroll schedule.



