How to Apply

Our graduate program is competitive. We accept high achieving students with strong academic performance from accredited institutions. Prospective students have preferably completed degrees in Mechanical or Mechatronics engineering, but those with backgrounds in related disciplines in Engineering, Math, or Science will also be considered. We may encourage some students to complete a transitional year.

In addition, positions for potential candidates in our MASc and PhD programs are limited by availability of lab space. Although it is not necessary to have a supervisor at the time of application, it is important to clearly indicate the area of research you wish to be engaged in. Available Professors will elect to support you based on your application information. If you do not receive a scholarship your advisor will be able to support your tuition in full. See funding options.

Begin your application today!

International Students

Admission is much more competitive for International applicants. There is no limit to the percentage of international students in our programs, but due to the high number of applicants and higher cost of education only outstanding candidates will be admitted. International students are required to translate all their documents, including the official transcript. Unless your post-secondary institution is exempt, you will be required to submit proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/other). In addition, you must obtain a study permit for study in Canada.

Alternative Types of Students

Students entering graduate studies from a related degree not in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering may be recommended to take a transitional year. Students returning to school after several years may be asked to complete a probationary term. More information can be found in the Graduate Calendar to help describe these types of students.

There are also options to enroll as part time or non-degree students. Please review the following category in the Graduate Calendar for more information.

Admission Requirements

MEng and GDip

The admission requirements are as follows:

• An Honour’s Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in an acceptable discipline from a university of recognized standing. Minimum cumulative average of 75% (B). Domestic students may be admitted with a third and fourth year average of 75%. Some students may be considered if their fourth year grades exceed 78%.
• Transcripts from every institution attended
• TOEFL/IELTS/Other proficiency exam score if applicable. Review minimum English language requirements here: https://gradcalendar.uwaterloo.ca/page/GSO-ELP
• Two references, at least one academic. References are completed online. We require personal contact information for both referees.
• Updated C.V.
• Supplemental application to be completed after creating your application account.

Applicants to MEng are expected to be self-funded. There are no applicable awards or scholarships.

MASc

• An Honour’s Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in an acceptable discipline from a university of recognized standing. Minimum cumulative average of 75% (B). Domestic students may be admitted with a third and fourth year average of 75%. Some students may be considered if their fourth year grades exceed 78%.
• Transcripts from every institution attended
• TOEFL/IELTS/Other proficiency exam score if applicable. Review minimum English language requirements here.
• Two references, at least one academic. References are completed online. We require personal contact information for both referees.
• Updated C.V.
• Supplemental application to be completed after creating your application account.
• Optional scholarship application.

Accelerated MASc

• Must be enrolled in a related undergraduate program at University of Waterloo, applications are to be submitted by the end of your 3B term.
• Application form from MME GSO office
• Minimum cumulative average of 85%
• Find a supervisor with appropriate opportunities
• Document your plans for research and graduate courses

PhD

• A thesis based Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in an acceptable discipline from a university of recognized standing. Minimum cumulative average of 80% (A-).
• Transcripts from every institution attended
• TOEFL/IELTS/Other proficiency exam score if applicable. Review minimum English language requirements here.
• Three references, at least two academic. References are completed online. We require personal contact information for both referees.
• Updated C.V.
• Supplemental application to be completed after creating your application account.
• Optional scholarship application.

Applicants must have demonstrated research capabilities. Applicants who have a Master’s degree without producing a research thesis, or applicants with a Bachelor’s degree must demonstrate proof of research in their application.

Application Deadlines

Applicants may apply to begin studies in any of the academic terms: Fall (September), Winter (January), or Spring (May). To be admitted by the start of these terms, the applicant must submit a complete application package by the following cut-off dates:

Recommended application deadlines

Program of admission	Term of admission	Application deadline
		First Round*	Second Round (Canadian & PR only)
MASc, PhD	Fall	February 1st (same year as admission date)	June 1st (same year as admission date)
MASc, PhD	Winter	June 1st (year prior to admission date)
MASc, PhD	Spring	October 1st (year prior to admission date)
MEng	Fall	February 1st (same year as admission date)
MEng	Winter	October 1st (year prior to admission date)
MEng	Spring	February 1st (same year as admission date)

Note: Starting in the Winter 2022 admission cycle and onward, there will be only one round of application deadlines.

The first round application deadline is available for all students. It provides an opportunity for domestic applicants in the Master’s program to qualify for entrance awards, reserved for those with an 80% cumulative GPA or higher.

The second round application deadline is only available to Canadian citizens and PR. This deadline accommodates late applicants, however it no longer qualifies applicants for awards.

Late submissions

These applications may be reviewed, however the chances of admission are greatly reduced. It may also take a longer time to review these applications depending on the size of the application pool.