Systems Design Engineering (Aeronautics) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Frequently asked questions

• How much does Systems Design 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?

  • A master’s degree in engineering with a minimum average of 80% or a Master of Applied Science that includes the following two courses or their equivalent: || • Calculus II (SYDE 112) || • Matrices and Linear Systems SYDE 114) || • And one of the following two courses or their equivalent: || • Probability and Statistics (SYDE 212) || • Calculus 3 (SYDE 211) || • Demonstrated ability to formulate research problems and to execute the research required to solve problems (such as a Master of Applied Science (MASc) research thesis or published scientific/technical papers). || • Transfer to the PhD program without completion of the MASc program: a student enrolled in a MASc program at the University of Waterloo may apply for transfer to the PhD program without completing a master's degree. Transfer from a MASc program to a PhD program will normally be considered if an applicant: || • Has an excellent undergraduate record. || • Has obtained a grade average of at least 80% in courses that have been taken for graduate credit. || • Has developed a clearly defined research program that seems likely to satisfy the research proposal component of the PhD comprehensive examination and has demonstrated an aptitude for research. || • Presents objective evidence of adequate English language skills which should enable the candidate to write a thesis and to communicate orally. || • Is not beyond the fourth academic term of a MASc program. || • 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 academic references 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, 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