University of Waterloo
200 University Avenue West
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
Phone: (519) 888-4567 ext 32215
Fax: (519) 746-8115
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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.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Physics subject test scores for all students who have completed their post-secondary education outside of Canada.
Due to COVID-19, the Physics subject GRE test requirement is optional for fall 2021 admissions. You may choose to include the results of GRE tests if you have taken them, but the tests are not required for admission.
Three academic references
Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable. TOEFL 90 (writing 25 speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)
In the PhD Physics program students work closely with a graduate supervisor (determined prior to admission) to perform original research in an area of physics, culminating in a PhD thesis. Research areas include:
Program requirements: Two courses (six courses if entering directly from a Bachelor's degree); research thesis; academic integrity workshop and milestone. For more information on program requirements, including, courses, visit the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.
Funding to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses is provided for students admitted to this graduate program (typically $18,500 or more per year after fees and tuition).
The Nanotechnology specialization is a collaborative program offered through six member departments in Science and Engineering, and the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology. Students take a diverse array of graduate courses in nanotechnology, in addition to core physics courses.
Students work closely with a graduate supervisor (determined prior to admission) to produce original research in an area of Nanotechnology, such as Bionanotechnology, Soft Matter physics or Quantum Materials, culminating in a PhD thesis.
Program requirements: Two courses (six courses if entering directly from a Bachelor's degree); research thesis; academic integrity workshop and milestone. For more information on program requirements, including, courses, visit the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar
Funding to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses is provided for students admitted to this graduate program (typically $18,500 or more per year after fees and tuition).
The Quantum Information specialization is a collaborative graduate program offered through six member departments in Science and Engineering, and the Institute for Quantum Computing. Students enrolled in this program take core and specialized graduate courses in Quantum Information.
Students work closely with a graduate supervisor (determined prior to admission) to perform original research in an area of Quantum Information, culminating in a PhD thesis based on original research.
Program requirements: Two courses (six courses if entering directly from a Bachelor's degree); research thesis; academic integrity workshop and milestone. For more information on program requirements, including, courses, visit the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar
Funding to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses is provided for students admitted to this graduate program (typically $18,500 or more per year after fees and tuition).
The Accelerated Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) allows students registered full-time in a Master of Science ( MSc) Physics program to transfer directly into the PhD program without completing the MSc degree ( note that this option is applicable to all three of the Physics PhD programs).
The student must show the potential for independent research necessary to complete a PhD. The student's supervisor and advisory committee members must support the request and the criteria will be used to assess that potential for the accelerated PhD are:
An MSc student can request the acceleration up to three full-time terms after initial registration. A request to accelerate can only be made once. See "Transferring from MSc to PhD" for more details.
Courses and milestones taken during the MSc will be transferred to the PhD program. However, the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) will need to be completed again.
Funding to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses is provided for students admitted to this graduate program (typically $18,500 or more per year after fees and tuition).
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Indigenous Initiatives Office.