Political Science - PhD at Waterloo

Program information

Department/School Political Science 
Faculty Faculty of Arts
Admit term(s) Fall (September - December)
Application and document submission deadline(s)

February 1 (for admission in September)

Delivery mode On-campus
Program type Doctoral, Research
Length of program

48 months (full-time)

Registration option(s) Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s) Thesis
Research field(s) - Graduate research fields are used to better define a student’s research concentration

Canadian Politics

International Relations

Political Economy

Watch the How to apply to Waterloo graduate studies video

Due to funding restrictions, the Faculty of Arts is currently limiting the number of international students we can admit. Please contact the department's Associate Chair, Graduate Studies prior to applying to discuss your interest in this program.

What does it take to get in?

Minimum admission requirements

  • Students must hold a Master's degree with a minimum 80% average or equivalent in political science, or a related discipline
  • Experienced professionals in the private or public sectors will be considered for admission, but additional course work may be required

Supervisors

Application material

  • Resume
  • 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)
  • Writing sample
  • References
    • Three references are required, normally from academic sources
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5).

How much will it cost?

What can you expect at Waterloo?


This program page is effective September 2023; it will be updated annually.  Any changes to the program page following this date will be indicated with a notation. 

We strive to provide you with the necessary information on each of our program pages.  Was there something you found helpful?  Was there anything missing?  Share your thoughts.

Program Contact

Darshani Madumali at darshani.madumali@uwaterloo.ca
519-888-4567, ext. 42214