Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

• 4 courses
• Original research
• Thesis
• 4 years (12 terms)
• Full-time and part-time study available
• Choose from 14 areas of specialization, or apply to the collaborative programs in Nanotechnology or Quantum Information

• Master of Applied Science (MASc) or Master of Engineering (MEng):
  • Normally, an overall standing equivalent to 83% in either a relevant thesis-based Master’s degree or a University of Waterloo's Master of Engineering (MEng) degree that includes a completed ECE 699: Master of Engineering Project course.
  • For degrees completed outside of Canada, refer to the international admission equivalencies web page.
  • Exceptional Bachelor's Degree Holders:

    • Exceptional applicants with a Bachelor's degree may be considered for direct-entry to the PhD program. Refer to our FAQ page (Can I apply for the PhD program without a Master's degree?) for more information on the process for direct-entry PhD admission.

• Transcripts
• Supplementary Information Form
• Resume (a CV is also acceptable)
• 3 references (at least 2 from academic sources)
• English language proficiency (ELP) examination score
  • Determine if you are exempt from submitting an ELP examination score

NOTE: Graduate Records Examination (GRE) scores are not an application requirement for our graduate program, but can be submitted as part of your application package.

Begin your application at least two weeks prior to the deadlines below to give your referees enough time to submit references on your behalf, and to ensure you have enough time to upload the documents required.

Application submission is currently open for the following start dates:

ALL required documents must be uploaded by the deadline date. We recommend you upload your documents within two weeks of receiving your Waterloo ID Number so we can begin reviewing your application package.

Note: Admission decisions are not made on a first-come first-served basis.

Every PhD applicant must be accepted as a candidate under the supervision of an Electrical and Computer Engineering faculty member in order to be recommended for admission. Applicants are not required to have a supervisor at the time of application.

Before submitting your application, we encourage you to spend time reviewing the profiles of our faculty members within your proposed area(s) of specialization to determine which faculty members are a good fit for your proposed research, and to familiarize yourself with their work.

When completing your application form, we recommend that you list the faculty members you are interested in having as a potential supervisor in the "Potential Supervisors" field on the application form. Electrical and Computer Engineering does not require you to communicate with a faculty member in order to list their name as a potential supervisor.

Once you have submitted a complete application package, contact potential academic supervisors conducting research in your area(s) of specialization. You are not limited to contacting only those you have listed on your application. It is your responsibility bring your performance and record to the attention of those faculty members under whom you would like to work.

Please visit our frequently asked questions (FAQ) web page which answers many common questions regarding admission into an Electrical and Computer Engineering graduate program. 

For any questions not answered on the FAQ page, e-mail the admissions coordinator. If you have submitted an application, please remember to include your 8-digit Waterloo ID Number in all correspondence.

Begin your application.