
Computer Science (Quantum Information) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 4 yearsDuration
- Main Campus, Waterloo, CanadaLocation
- Faculty of MathematicsField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Main Campus, WaterlooCampus
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)Awards
- $22,188Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Develop advanced expertise in computer science and quantum information with this cross-disciplinary PhD program. Offered through an interdisciplinary program with the Institute of Quantum Computing (IQC), you will apply theories from computer science to understand and use properties from the quantum world.
Read more
Learn about and engage in research in quantum information through a wide range of advanced research projects and advanced courses on the foundations, applications and implementation of quantum information processing. As a PhD student, you will develop advanced expertise in your particular research area within quantum information and will be prepared for a career as a scholar and researcher.
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 master's degree in computer science with a 78% average. || • Student with an undergraduate degree in computer science may apply for admission directly to the PhD program. Successful applicants will have an outstanding academic record, breadth of knowledge in computer science, and strong letters of recommendation. || • PhD applicants may be admitted into the Master of Mathematics (MMath) program. Like all MMath students, they will have the option to transfer into the PhD program before completing the master's thesis if their performance warrants. || • 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. || • Please provide a statement (maximum 500 words) describing your interest in this graduate program and identifying your research areas of interest. || • 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 academic. || • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable || • TOEFL 5 (writing 4.5, speaking 4), IELTS 6.5 (writing 6.0, speaking 6.5) · 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: • December 1 (for admission in September of the following year) || • June 1 (for admission in January of the following year) || • October 1 (for admission in May of the following year)
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 Computer Science (Quantum Information) - 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 master's degree in computer science with a 78% average. || • Student with an undergraduate degree in computer science may apply for admission directly to the PhD program. Successful applicants will have an outstanding academic record, breadth of knowledge in computer science, and strong letters of recommendation. || • PhD applicants may be admitted into the Master of Mathematics (MMath) program. Like all MMath students, they will have the option to transfer into the PhD program before completing the master's thesis if their performance warrants. || • 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. || • Please provide a statement (maximum 500 words) describing your interest in this graduate program and identifying your research areas of interest. || • 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 academic. || • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable || • TOEFL 5 (writing 4.5, speaking 4), IELTS 6.5 (writing 6.0, speaking 6.5) · 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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