Hagey Hall Hub located on Waterloo's main campus
Get a strong foundation in economic theory and econometrics and conduct original research alongside world-renowned scholars with the PhD in Applied Economics program.
You’ll receive training in the areas of public policy, including such fields as labour economics, macro-economics, monetary economics, econometrics, natural resources, environmental and health economics.
Through this rigorous academic program and applied research experience, you’ll develop your communication and analytical skills, preparing you for a career in academia or the private sector as an economist, data analyst, policy advisor, economic consultant and many others.
Research fields
- Public Economic Policy
Program overview
Department/School: Economics
Faculty: Faculty of Arts
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Doctoral, Research
Length of program: 48 months
Registration option(s): Full-time
Study option(s): Thesis
Application deadlines
- February 1 (for admission in September)
Key contacts
Amanda Taves
amanda.taves@uwaterloo.ca
Supervisors
- Review the finding a supervisor resources.
- No supervisor is required to apply to this program.
Admission requirements
- Master's degree in Economics.
- Minimum 80%, first class average in a Master of Arts (MA) Economics degree.
- A one-page statement of Academic Interest.
- A GRE score is not required but is recommended for all international students applying to the program.
Degree requirements
- Review the degree requirements in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree.
- Check out Waterloo's institutional thesis repository - UWspace to see recent submissions from the department of Economics graduate students.
Application materials
- Statement of interest
- A statement of maximum 500 words explaining your interest in and fit for the program you’re applying to, uploaded as a supporting document in the online application. Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion.
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Writing Sample
- References
- Three academic references are required.
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
- TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)
- The Department of Economics does not consider international applicants whose English language proficiency scores fall below the minimum requirements.
Tuition and fees
- Visit the graduate program tuition page on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program.
- Review living costs and housing.
- Learn about the PhD housing guarantee program for admitted students in fall 2026 and winter 2027.
- Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students.