Biomedical Engineering - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Frequently asked questions

• How much does Biomedical Engineering - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) cost?

  CAD 22,188 / year.

• What English score does it need?

  IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.

• How long is it?

  4 years, as listed by the university.

• What are the entry requirements?

  • A research thesis-based master’s degree (or equivalent) in engineering, applied science, or science from a recognized institution with at least an overall 80% average and documented evidence of potential to excel in PhD studies and research. || • PhD (direct from Honours Biomedical Engineering (BME) undergraduate entry) applicants require a minimum overall average of 80% in a BME program at the undergraduate level and clear evidence of excellent potential to excel in PhD studies and research. Substantial research experience is expected. || • Applicants who are deemed by the graduate coordinator, BME graduate program director, Admissions Committee or intended advisor to have an inadequate depth of technical BME background may be directed to take additional foundational courses, to be specified at the time of admission. || • Resume || • Statement of interest || • Uploaded as a supporting document in the online application. Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion. || • Provide a detailed statement of interest (maximum 500 words) detailing the type of research and course work you plan to pursue. || • Program-specific questions (PSQ) || • These are questions specific to the program you’re applying to. They can be viewed once you’ve started an application and are completed through a form in the online application. || • Transcript(s) || • References || • Three references, two from academic sources that are able to comment upon academic preparation and research ability. || • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable || • TOEFL 4.5 (writing 4.5, speaking 4.0), IELTS 6.5 (writing 6.0, speaking 6.0) · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) · English test waiver: Exempt from submitting an ELP test score if any one applies: three or more years of post-secondary education at a Canadian institution or university; a completed graduate degree at a Canadian university; three or more years of post-secondary education or a completed graduate degree in an exempt country (list includes Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, UK, USA and others); at least three years' employment in a position where English was the language of business in a listed country; or three or more years of post-secondary education / a graduate degree at a university where English is the only language of instruction per the IAU WHED (this WHED exemption expires two years after graduation). Letters from a university stating the medium of instruction is English do NOT satisfy the requirement. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-graduate-students/admissions/admission-and-english-language-proficiency-requirements · Application fee: CAD 150.00 per program, non-refundable (Graduate Studies Applicant Portal)

• Is there a scholarship?

  Waterloo publishes guaranteed minimum funding for research-based programs: full-time research-based master's students (domestic and international) often receive minimum funding of CAD 12,000 for one year; full-time doctoral students receive minimum funding of CAD 29,145 per year (effective 1 May 2026) for up to four years. Minimum funding can come from scholarships, awards and graduate teaching/research assistantships. Source View scholarship page