Design systems measured in billionths of a metre
Join us to be a technology rebel, break convention, and create disruptive novel ideas for a bold new scientific frontier!
Nanotechnology Engineering is the foundation of future technology. It saves lives, mitigates climate change, is the pillar of national security, enables AI and quantum computing, powers the global economy, and enhances our quality of life. This discipline has been used to develop COVID mRNA vaccines and pharmaceuticals, biomedical technologies, and create high-performance integrated circuits. It also enhances sustainable development and combats the climate crisis by enabling electrification.
Our program is the first accredited nanotechnology program in Canada and features a dedicated clean room with multimillion-dollar cutting-edge equipment for Nanotechnology Engineering students. You’ll use principles from biology, chemistry, electronics, and quantum physics to create materials and machines far too small to see with the naked eye.
You’ll gain extensive experience in your lab courses and through a range of paid co-op opportunities. When you graduate you'll be well positioned to benefit from the billions of dollars of planned investment in the global nanotechnology sector that enables advanced computing, innovative health care systems, and tackling climate change through renewable energy production and storage.
Program highlights
Tiny but mighty! Use concepts from biology, chemistry, electronics, and quantum physics to design systems measured in billionths of a metre in the $160-million Mike and Ophelia Lazardis Quantum-Nano Centre, a facility packed with the very latest nano-fabrication tools in ultra-sterile cleanrooms.
Meet industry leaders. Make time in your schedule for the annual Waterloo Undergraduate Nanotechnology Conference, where you’ll meet industry leaders, startup founders, and top researchers.
What is Nanotechnology Engineering?
Nanotechnology Engineering at Waterloo
View more videos, including a tour of our labs.
What will you learn?
During your first year, you'll take a mix of foundational engineering and math courses. In upper years, you'll be able to select topics that interest you the most from our four core areas: nano-engineering materials, nano-electronics, nano-instrumentation, and nano-biosystems.
Learn more about the courses you'll take for your Nanotechnology Engineering degree and the facilities you'll have access to.
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Ask a Faculty of Engineering student about their program, classes, getting involved on campus, and more!
Videos, lab tours, and more
Nanotechnology Engineering lab tour
View a tour of the Nanotechnology Engineering teaching facilities and lab spaces. Visit state-of-the-art labs and take a look inside the only dedicated cleanroom for undergraduate students.
How nanotechnology engineering was used to create the COVID mRNA vaccine
What is Nanotechnology Engineering webinar
Professor Ting Tsui, director of the Nanotechnology Engineering program Waterloo, explains what nanotechnology engineering is.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience – and make money!
Sample co-op job titles
- Battery materials intern
- Research & development engineering
- Drug delivery & formulations co-op
- Nanofabrication assistant
- Optomechanical engineering
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in first year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
Year |
September to December (Fall) |
January to April (Winter) |
May to August (Spring) |
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First |
Study |
Study |
Co-op |
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Second |
Study |
Co-op |
Study |
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Third |
Co-op |
Study |
Co-op |
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Fourth |
Study |
Co-op |
Study |
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Fifth |
Co-op |
Study |
- |
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Your first work term will be at the end of first year (May to August 2025).
Learn more about co-op →
What can I do with a degree in Nanotechnology Engineering?
As a graduate, you might pursue further specialized studies, a career in industry or government, or your own start-up company. With your unique collection of skills and attributes, you'll be employable in many sectors, including environment and sustainability, mining and energy, semiconductor and electronics, and agriculture and food, to name just a few.
Recent graduates
- Optoelectronic display engineer – VueReal Inc.
- Materials test engineer – Tesla Inc.
- Business technology analyst – Deloitte Consulting
- NPI engineering specialist – Teledyne DALSA
- Research and development engineer – AquaSensing
- Pharmacovigilance analyst – ProPharma Group
- Scanning probe microscopy experimentalist – Canadian Bank Note Company
Possible professional designation
Learn about the future of careers in engineering.
Student life, including Women in Engineering
Student design teams
Have fun and develop hands-on experience through one or more of our 25+ student-led design teams! Design teams include rocketry, concrete canoe, robotics, solar car, submarine racing, autonomous vehicle, Space X Hyperloop, Formula Motorsports, Engineers Without Borders, and more.
You’ll meet people with similar interests and goals, benefit from networking with experts in the engineering profession, and develop some great skills for your résumé.
Women in Engineering
Women in Engineering (WiE) supports female students and engineers while encouraging the next generation of women to pursue careers in engineering. Regardless of gender, orientation, or background, you’re welcome to join this inclusive community.
Any student is also welcome to join Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (WiSTEM), a student-run club that promotes equality in STEM through skills workshops, discussions, and guest speakers.
Engineering Society (EngSoc)
EngSoc is run by students for students and provides many social and academic events and services to make your experience as a Waterloo Engineering student the best it can be.
Benefit from mentoring for first-year students or get involved and meet other students through an annual conference, semiformal, career fair, charity events, community outreach, and more!
Campus-wide activities
Our campus is packed with opportunities to get involved – no matter how unique your interests.
Between our 250+ student-run clubs, sports and recreation opportunities, student government, and events, student life at Waterloo has something for everyone.
Download a program brochure in English, French, or Chinese
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Admission averages: Individual selection from the mid- to high 80s
How to apply
Apply directly to this program on your application.