Course at a Glance
- BachelorDegree level
- 5 yearsDuration
- Main Campus, Waterloo, CanadaLocation
- Faculty of EngineeringField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Main Campus, WaterlooCampus
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Systems Design EngineeringAwards
- $69,884Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Use systems thinking and turn your degree into more than the sum of its parts Biomedical innovations such as surgical robots and remote patient monitoring. Smart cities and intelligent, automated warehouses.
Read more
Self-driving cars, drones, and efficient transportation systems. The boreal forest, carbon and water cycles, human‑managed watersheds, and artificial biospheres. What do they all have in common? They’re all systems. And with careful thought given to design, every individual piece within them works together to create a successful, cohesive whole. In Systems Design Engineering, you’ll build your design knowledge and improve how the world functions! Take a systems approach when using your engineering, math, and science skills to find connections that advance technology and innovation. Examine the people, materials, tools, software, and other factors involved in engineering problems, then come up with a solution that innovates and inspires. You’ll also learn to assess how one change will affect another element by using a variety of modelling, analysis, and design methods. While studying the fundamentals of electrical, mechanical, and software engineering, as well as design methods and systems modelling, you’ll be able to choose from four specializations to become both well-rounded and focused on what interests you most.
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
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Ontario students || Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including || • Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required) || • Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required) || • Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% is required) || • Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required) || • English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required) || Admission averages: Individual selection from the high 80s to low 90s. || Not studying in Ontario? || Search our admission requirements. || Requirements for all students || The Admission Information Form and online interview are required for admission to all Engineering programs. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; PTE Academic 63; Duolingo English Test 120 · English test waiver: An English-language test score is required only if the applicant's four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system. Exemptions: four most recent years of full-time education completed in Canada; bilingual Francophone Canadians (or first-language French with four or more years of full-time Canadian high school); or four most recent years of full-time education taught in an entirely English-language school system in Canada or another country (supported by official transcripts showing language of instruction, or an official hardcopy letter sent directly by the school principal - emailed letters are not accepted). Full-time ESL programs do not qualify. Applicants below the required scores may enter through Waterloo's Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/english-language-requirements
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$69,884 CAD / year≈ $51,385 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsInternational Student Entrance Scholarship: CAD 10,000 for first-year studies, paid in two instalments of CAD 5,000 (late July and late November) against first- and second-term tuition. No application is required; eligible students see it in the Waterloo applicant portal from mid-April. Conditions: full-time enrolment (three or more courses) in the first and second terms, and continuing international fee-paying status. It does not replace or reduce other entrance scholarships. 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: Application deadline 15 January 2027; documents deadline 1 February 2027 (Engineering programs other than Architecture). International students have the same deadlines. Waterloo admits first-year students for the September term only. Source: https://uwat…
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 cost?
CAD 69,884 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
5 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Ontario students || Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including || • Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required) || • Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required) || • Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% is required) || • Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required) || • English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required) || Admission averages: Individual selection from the high 80s to low 90s. || Not studying in Ontario? || Search our admission requirements. || Requirements for all students || The Admission Information Form and online interview are required for admission to all Engineering programs. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; PTE Academic 63; Duolingo English Test 120 · English test waiver: An English-language test score is required only if the applicant's four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system. Exemptions: four most recent years of full-time education completed in Canada; bilingual Francophone Canadians (or first-language French with four or more years of full-time Canadian high school); or four most recent years of full-time education taught in an entirely English-language school system in Canada or another country (supported by official transcripts showing language of instruction, or an official hardcopy letter sent directly by the school principal - emailed letters are not accepted). Full-time ESL programs do not qualify. Applicants below the required scores may enter through Waterloo's Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/english-language-requirements
Is there a scholarship?
International Student Entrance Scholarship: CAD 10,000 for first-year studies, paid in two instalments of CAD 5,000 (late July and late November) against first- and second-term tuition. No application is required; eligible students see it in the Waterloo applicant portal from mid-April. Conditions: full-time enrolment (three or more courses) in the first and second terms, and continuing international fee-paying status. It does not replace or reduce other entrance scholarships. Source View scholarship page
Is it accredited?
Professional Engineer (P.Eng.): Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB), the accreditation board of Engineers Canada. The CEAB accredits UNDERGRADUATE (bachelor) engineering programmes only — in Engineers Canada's own words, “Individuals, courses, and institutions are not accredited”. There is therefore no such thing as an accredited master's or PhD in engineering in Canada: a taught MEng or MASc at any of these 26 universities carries no CEAB accreditation of its own, however good the…
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