
Systems Design Engineering - Master of Engineering (MEng)
Course at a Glance
- MasterDegree level
- 1.3 yearsDuration
- Main Campus, Waterloo, CanadaLocation
- Faculty of EngineeringField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Main Campus, WaterlooCampus
- Master of Engineering (MEng)Awards
- $52,200Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Are you a recent graduate or seasoned professional looking to enhance your career potential and build on your passions in engineering? The Master of Engineering program is coursework-based and will provide you with advanced professional training through coursework and an optional research-based project.
Read more
You’ll take an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to exploring solutions to engineering problems at the cutting edge of technology and design, preparing you to pursue or advance your career in academia, industry, entrepreneurship, and beyond. The program is self-funded and doesn’t require a supervisor. You can also opt for a specialization to enhance your area of career interest while getting the flexibility you need to fit your unique situation by studying full-time or part-time.
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modeFull-time, Part-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
• A 4-year honours bachelor’s degree in engineering. For applicants whose previous degree was completed in Canada, a 75% overall standing in the last two years, or equivalent (at the sole discretion of the University of Waterloo, in all cases), in a four-year honour’s bachelor's degree in engineering is the minimum requirement for admission to a master's program. || • Due to the variable nature of international credentials, for applicants whose previous degree was completed outside of Canada, a 75% overall standing in a four-year honours bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent is the minimum requirement for admission. || • Applicants who do not hold a honours bachelor’s degree in engineering must justify their suitability by demonstrating formal or informal training in engineering through the supplementary information form (SIF), their resume/CV, or other supporting material. || • Resume || • 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 || • Two references are required, a minimum of one academic reference. Applicants who complete their degree five or more years before the application date may submit two professional references. || • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable || • TOEFL 4.5 (writing 4.5, speaking 4, reading 4, listening 4), 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)
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$52,200 CAD / year≈ $38,382 / year
- Application feeNo application fee for this programme
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsCourse-based (coursework) program. Waterloo publishes that course-based programs "are typically self-funded, which means that you are expected to cover the costs of tuition and incidental fees associated with your program throughout the duration of your studies", that "some course-based programs offer entrance awards of varying value for full-time students based on academic merit and achievement" and that others "offer paid co-op or internship opportunities" - check with the program. Waterloo's guaranteed minimum funding, the International Master's Award of Excellence (IMAE - awarded to international master's students "normally entering a research-based graduate program") and the International Doctoral Student Award (IDSA - doctoral) are scoped to research-based programs. University-wide award open to course-based students: the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), CAD 5,000 per term to a maximum of CAD 15,000 - Waterloo states "OGS awards are open to applicants in all disciplines of academic study (research-based AND course-based programs)", but for the international competition "prospective graduate students are not eligible to apply and must be current graduate students". This program's page states: "The program is self-funded and doesn’t require a supervisor."View scholarship page
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: • February 1 (for admission in September) || • June 1 (for admission in January of the following year) || • October 1 (for admission in May of the following year) || APPLY NOW
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Systems Design Engineering - Master of Engineering (MEng) cost?
CAD 52,200 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
1.3 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
• A 4-year honours bachelor’s degree in engineering. For applicants whose previous degree was completed in Canada, a 75% overall standing in the last two years, or equivalent (at the sole discretion of the University of Waterloo, in all cases), in a four-year honour’s bachelor's degree in engineering is the minimum requirement for admission to a master's program. || • Due to the variable nature of international credentials, for applicants whose previous degree was completed outside of Canada, a 75% overall standing in a four-year honours bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent is the minimum requirement for admission. || • Applicants who do not hold a honours bachelor’s degree in engineering must justify their suitability by demonstrating formal or informal training in engineering through the supplementary information form (SIF), their resume/CV, or other supporting material. || • Resume || • 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 || • Two references are required, a minimum of one academic reference. Applicants who complete their degree five or more years before the application date may submit two professional references. || • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable || • TOEFL 4.5 (writing 4.5, speaking 4, reading 4, listening 4), 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?
Course-based (coursework) program. Waterloo publishes that course-based programs "are typically self-funded, which means that you are expected to cover the costs of tuition and incidental fees associated with your program throughout the duration of your studies", that "some course-based programs offer entrance awards of varying value for full-time students based on academic merit and achievement" and that others "offer paid co-op or internship opportunities" - check with the program. Waterloo's guaranteed minimum funding, the International Master's Award of Excellence (IMAE - awarded to international master's students "normally entering a research-based graduate program") and the International Doctoral Student Award (IDSA - doctoral) are scoped to research-based programs. University-wide award open to course-based students: the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), CAD 5,000 per term to a maximum of CAD 15,000 - Waterloo states "OGS awards are open to applicants in all disciplines of academic study (research-based AND course-based programs)", but for the international competition "prospective graduate students are not eligible to apply and must be current graduate students". This program's page states: "The program is self-funded and doesn’t require a supervisor." View scholarship page
Ready to apply?
Get expert guidance and take the first step towards your global education.
Free counselling · No application fee to enquire · Reply within 24h