Biomedical Engineering - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Engineering 7

Engineering 7 (E7) Building on Waterloo's East Campus.

Make a meaningful impact on healthcare and pave the way towards a future in biomedical innovation.

With technology playing an increasingly large role in today’s health industry, the world faces a demand for engineers who can understand, model, and design complex biomedical systems. Develop your interdisciplinary expertise with cutting-edge training at the intersection of biology, medicine, and engineering, while undertaking groundbreaking research and collaborating with world-class faculty in the PhD in Biomedical Engineering program.

Whether your interests lie in developing advanced medical devices, innovating in tissue engineering, working with biomaterials or exploring biomechanics, our renowned faculty and facilities provide the ideal environment to nurture your ambitions. You'll be prepared to pursue a dynamic career in academia, industry, not-for-profit, government and more. 

Research areas and degree options

  • Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering, and Drug Delivery
  • Biomechanics and Rehabilitation
  • Biomedical Signals and Devices
  • Biomedical Imaging Technology
  • Biomedical Informatics

Program overview

Department/School: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April), Spring (May - August)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Doctoral, Research
Length of program: 48 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time
Study option(s): Thesis

Application deadlines

  • February 1(for admission in September)
  • June 1(for admission in January of the following year)
  • October 1(for admission in May of the following year)

Key contacts

Request more information about an Engineering program

Special notice

The Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance approved this program on November 15, 2024. Prospective students are advised that offers of acceptance can now be made, however Ministry of Colleges and Universities approval is required before students may be admitted into the program.

Supervisors

Admission requirements

  • A research thesis-based master’s degree (or equivalent) in engineering, applied science, or science from a recognized institution with at least an overall 80% average and documented evidence of potential to excel in PhD studies and research
  • PhD (direct from Honours Biomedical Engineering (BME) undergraduate entry) applicants require a minimum overall average of 80% in a BME program at the undergraduate level and clear evidence of excellent potential to excel in PhD studies and research. Substantial research experience is expected
  • Applicants who are deemed by the graduate coordinator, BME graduate program director, Admissions Committee or intended advisor to have an inadequate depth of technical BME background may be directed to take additional foundational courses, to be specified at the time of admission

Degree requirements

  • Review the degree requirements on the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree

Application materials

  • Resume
  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    • The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enroll and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
    • If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion
  • Transcript(s)
  • References
    • Three references, two from academic sources that are able to comment upon academic preparation and research ability
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Tuition and fees