How to apply

To be admitted to graduate studies in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, an applicant must have an excellent academic record from a recognized university and must possess maturity and self-motivation.

Furthermore, since close technical contact with a faculty member is an essential part of graduate education in engineering, no applicant for a thesis degree can be admitted unless a faculty supervisor who specializes in the applicant's desired area of research offers him or her a place in their research group. It is therefore important that applicants indicate clearly in their application the area of research in which they wish to be engaged. We suggest that you apply, upload all materials and then start the process of trying to make contact with faculty members in the research area(s) that you are interested in. You can contact a faculty member to be your prospective supervisor through our official form.

Further information for international students is also available.

MASc and MEng programs

Admission requirements for students admitted to the Master's program are as follows:

An honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in an acceptable discipline, from a university of recognized standing, with at least a B (75%) standing,
Two letters of reference, from professors (academic),
Proof of competency in English (if applicable). Please refer to the English Language Proficiency website for more information on required scores and exemptions
For MEng only, GRE scores are required if the student's previous education was outside of Canada or the United States
Resume

PhD Program

Admission requirements for study in the PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering are normally:

A thesis-based Master's degree from a university of recognized standing with a minimum A- (80%) standing with demonstrated research capabilities
- Note: Exceptional MASc applicants may be considered for direct-entry to the PhD program from a bachelor’s program. Applicants interested in being considered for a direct-entry PhD should include a statement to that effect in their Supplementary Information Form (SIF). Applicants who will be considered for direct-entry to the PhD program will be contacted by a representative from the Department within two months of the application deadline.
Three letters of reference, from professors and/or employers
- Note: Minimum of two references must be from professors (academic)
Proof of competency in English (if applicable). Please refer to the English Language Proficiency website for more information on required scores and exemptions

In order to be admitted to PhD candidacy, applicants must have demonstrated research capabilities. For this reason, should graduates with a Master's degree obtained without producing a research thesis desire to enter our PhD program, they must satisfy the Department that they are able to carry out independent research.

Application deadlines

Accepted candidates can enter the MEng, MASc and PhD program at the start of any one of our academic terms; Fall (beginning of September), Winter (beginning of January) or Spring (beginning of May). To be admitted at the start of any one of these terms, the prospective student must have submitted his/her complete application package by the following cut-off dates.

Below is a chart which lists the deadlines for admission to the MEng, MASc and PhD programs. Please note, these deadlines are the date by which your application must be complete, with supporting documents, not merely submitted.

Recommended Application Deadlines:

*Applications will be considered for awards

First application review cycle deadline (MASc, PhD): Feb 1, for those who want to be also considered for awards (e.g., NSERC and OGS for Domestic students; Trillium and OGS for International students).

Second application review cycle deadline (All) : June 1. Decision notifications sent by July 1.

Program of Admission	Term of Admission	Application deadline
MEng, MASc, PhD	Fall	February 1st (same year as admission date)
MEng, MASc, PhD	Winter	June 1st (year prior to admission date)
MEng, MASc, PhD	Spring	October 1st (year prior to admission date)

Note: Starting in the Winter 2022 admission cycle and onward, there will be only one round of application deadlines.

Application procedures

The Graduate Studies Application for Admission is now available on-line. The University of Waterloo Graduate Office does not accept paper based application. Only complete online applications following the application deadline will be considered for the requested program.

How to apply

MASc and MEng programs

PhD Program

Application deadlines

Application procedures

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