Schools Graduate School Funding and Program Length: What Can I Expect?

AI Thread Summary
Graduate students pursuing a Master's degree (MSc) or Doctorate (PhD) may receive financial support, with guaranteed amounts of $18,000 for MSc students and $20,000 for PhD candidates. This funding typically comes from working in research groups or through assistantships, rather than being a direct payment for studying. The average completion time for an MSc is reported as 3.5 years, while a PhD averages 5.5 years. Some participants believe these durations are longer than typical, suggesting that many MSc programs can be completed in about 2 to 3 years, and PhD programs in 3 to 5 years, especially after completing an MSc. The discussion highlights variations in program lengths and the nature of financial support for graduate students.
antiflag403
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Hey everyone,
I was looking around the graduate studies website of my current university and came across some things that brought up questions. Wondered if you guys could help me out. First off it said that people studying for a MSc would be gaurenteed $18 000 and $20 000 for PhD. Does this mean that they pay YOU for studying? As well it said average time it took to get a MSc was 3.5 years and 5.5 for a PhD. I aways thought MSc was only 2 and Phd 3-4.
Thanks for any help!
 
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No you wouldn't be paid for just studying. You'd be working in a research group and possibly also get an assistantship thrown at you.
 
antiflag403 said:
Does this mean that they pay YOU for studying?

Yes.

As well it said average time it took to get a MSc was 3.5 years and 5.5 for a PhD. I aways thought MSc was only 2 and Phd 3-4.
Thanks for any help!

I think 3.5 is long - 2 is more realistic. I think some MSc programmes in Canada have a time limit of 3 years, although if a student is close to finishing, this limit is often not rigidly enforced.

I think 5.5 refers to the total length of time spent in grad school, which fits your estimates. My experience for physics is that 3-5 is a better estimate for a PhD in physics after an MSc has already been completed.

Regards,
George
 
I T.A. for two sections of a lab for my stipend. When you think of the long hours studying, though, it doesn't come out too well in your favor. It is nice feeling like the schools investment, though.
 
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