students in lab

Future graduate students

Where your curiosity can make an impact

By furthering your studies at Waterloo, you can advance society through scientific discovery and innovation. Our alumni have developed novel materials, unravelled the mysteries of the universe, researched ways to revolutionize the treatment of diseases and studied how wildfires impact water quality. You have the option of choosing between a course-based master's program that is taught by world-renowned experts or many research-intensive master's and PhD programs that put you at the cutting edge. You will be set up for career success, as several of our programs incorporate practical experience through fieldwork, practicums, and internships/co-op.

  • Learn from world-renowned and award-winning researchers

    Read about our faculty members that are focused on life-enhancing research with a global impact.

56 million
IN RESEARCH FUNDING FOR 2023/2024
1 Nobel Laureate
AND 2 CANADA EXCELLENCE RESEARCH CHAIR LAUREATES
200 +
FACULTY MEMBERS ARE PART OF 21 WORLD-CLASS INSTITUTES.
28,247 m²
OF TEACHING AND RESEARCH LABS
"After I spoke with my supervisor (Dr. Rebecca Rooney) about her research in wetland ecology and the work that the Waterloo Wetland Laboratory does concerning invasive plants, I knew Waterloo was where I wanted to be." - Jersey Fontz, PhD, Biology (Water)

Why choose Waterloo for graduate studies?

"What drew me to Waterloo was its global reputation in Earth and Environmental Sciences and the opportunity to learn from renowned researchers. It provided the perfect environment to pursue my research on how wildfires impact water quality." - Dr. Tyler Hampton, PhD ’23, Earth and Environmental Sciences

UNIQUE PROGRAM SPECIALIZATIONS

We offer specializations in Water, Quantum Information, Quantum Technology, Nanotechnology and Aeronautics that will prepare you for the global job market.

OWN WHAT YOU INVENT

Unlike other universities, researchers at Waterloo own what they invent. You could commercialize your research for societal and economic impact. 

CROSS-DISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AND TEACHING

Ranked Canada's most innovative university for over 30 years.

"When I saw the Quantum Technology program listed, I knew it was the perfect fit. I’d get hands-on experience with the actual software platforms used to run modern lab equipment while simultaneously gaining a strong theoretical background." - Grant Brassem, Master of Science, Physics (Quantum Technology)

Have questions?

For general inquiries, email scigradr@uwaterloo.ca. We also recommend signing up for our mailing list to stay in the loop of application deadlines.

Stories of our students making an impact

  • Master's student researches how amblyopia impacts a child's walking

    The eye and brain condition affects 2-4% of children in Canada.

  • Master’s student develops novel material for 3D printing

    Creating a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based materials.

  • PhD student researches harmful algal blooms in drinking water

    Have you ever noticed green scum on the surface of a lake?