Physics (Quantum Information) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Science Buildings

Science Teaching Complex (STC) and Quantum-Nano Centre (QNC) Buildings Located on Waterloo's Campus.

Be at the cutting edge of discovery in one of the largest physics and astronomy graduate programs in Canada while learning about and engaging in world-leading research at the cutting edge of quantum information with PhD in Physics Collaborative Quantum Information program.  


Along with developing expertise in your area of research in physics, you’ll receive a strong and broad foundation in quantum information science through a wide range of advanced research projects and advanced courses on the foundations, applications and implementation of quantum information processing.

In the program, you’ll work closely with a supervisor to perform original research in an area of quantum information, culminating in a PhD thesis. You’ll be provided with funding to cover tuition and some living expenses.  

Program overview

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

Application deadlines

  • January 9 (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

Sophie Gagnon
gwp@uwaterloo.ca

benjamin

I’ve always been fascinated by quantum physics, both the implications and the applications. It’s still mysterious to me — there are so many unknown things to learn and to discover. And, sometimes, it hurts your brain a little.

Benjamin MacLellan, Physics (Quantum Information), PhD

Supervisors

Admission requirements

  • Normally a Master's degree in Physics, with at least a 75% standing
  • Students with an undergraduate degree in Physics may apply for admission directly to the PhD program. Successful applicants will have an outstanding academic record, breadth of knowledge in physics, and strong letters of recommendation

Degree requirements

Application materials

  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Physics Subject test scores for all students who have completed their post-secondary education outside of Canada
    • Note: This application document is currently not required due to COVID-19
  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    • The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol 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
  • 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