Electrical and Computer Engineering (Aeronautics) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
CanadaCourse at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 4 yearsDuration
- Main Campus, Waterloo, CanadaLocation
- Faculty of EngineeringField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Main Campus, WaterlooCampus
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)Awards
- $22,188Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Conduct research and generate new knowledge to shape the future while tackling challenges facing the future of aviation, aerospace and space with the PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering Collaborative Aeronautics program. Electrical and Computer Engineering is at the core of almost everything – through coursework, original research and a thesis, you’ll explore creative and innovative solutions for the everyday needs of society spanning from communications to energy and technology, guided by our internationally recognized faculty and researchers.
Read more
Along with developing expertise in your area of electrical and computer engineering research, you’ll complete aeronautical training with Collaborative Aeronautics Program students from other fields, strengthening your interdisciplinary skills to apply your research towards impactful solutions. You’ll have the opportunity to work in our research labs and centres, establish connections with our partners in industry, and access a suite of competitive funding opportunities, preparing you for a career in academia, engineering firms, corporations or government agencies.
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
Canada- 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
• Admission to the program is based upon the student's academic record and evidence of ability to pursue independent research. || • Normally an overall standing equivalent to 80% in either a relevant thesis-based master's degree or a University of Waterloo Master of Engineering (MEng) degree that includes a completed ECE 699 Master of Engineering Project course. || • At the time of admission, each student must have a faculty supervisor who has endorsed the recommendation for admission. || • || 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 || • Three references are required; at least two from academic sources. || • 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$22,188 CAD / year≈ $16,315 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsWaterloo 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. SourceView 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 Electrical and Computer Engineering (Aeronautics) - 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?
• Admission to the program is based upon the student's academic record and evidence of ability to pursue independent research. || • Normally an overall standing equivalent to 80% in either a relevant thesis-based master's degree or a University of Waterloo Master of Engineering (MEng) degree that includes a completed ECE 699 Master of Engineering Project course. || • At the time of admission, each student must have a faculty supervisor who has endorsed the recommendation for admission. || • || 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 || • Three references are required; at least two from academic sources. || • 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?
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
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