Geography (Water) - Master of Environmental Studies (MES)
CanadaCourse at a Glance
- MasterDegree level
- 24 months (full-time; thesis option), 12 months (…Duration
- Main Campus, Waterloo, CanadaLocation
- Faculty of EnvironmentField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Main Campus, WaterlooCampus
- Master of Environmental Studies (MES)Awards
- $23,088Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Environment 3 (EV3) Building located on Waterloo's Campus, across from Laurel Creek. Gain a deeper understanding of the world around you while discovering innovative ways to tackle global water challenges with the Master of Environmental Studies in Geography Collaborative Water program.
Read more
Geography bridges social science, environmental information technology, and physical science to enhance the protection and sustainable use of both the natural and built environments. Along with developing expertise in your area of research, two interdisciplinary water courses will capture both theoretical and practical components, including in-class lectures, fieldwork, interdisciplinary group work, and individual research seminars. Our graduates work in many different sectors including the professional, scientific and technical services, public administration, educational services, and social advocacy organizations.
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 7.5
- Study modeFull-time, Part-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
• An honours undergraduate degree or equivalent with at least a 75% average. Normally, the undergraduate degree will be in geography, but applications are welcomed from superior students regardless of background. However, students must demonstrate that they have the necessary background to pursue graduate work in their field of specialization. || • Please note that a supervisor is required for admission and supervisors are not assigned in the Department of Geography. Full agreement from a faculty member to supervise prior to initiating the application process is not necessary, however it is strongly recommended to contact professors to discuss the possibility of supervision and funding in order to better inform your decision whether or not to apply. Please see the full list of the Department of Geography faculty. || • Resume || • Statement of interest || • A statement of maximum 500 words explaining your interest in and fit for the program you’re applying to, uploaded as a supporting document in the online application. Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion. || • 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, unless a professional reference is specified. || • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable || • 5 (writing 5, speaking 5), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0) · English: IELTS 7.5 (no band below 7.0) · 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$23,088 CAD / year≈ $16,976 / 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)
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 Geography (Water) - Master of Environmental Studies (MES) cost?
CAD 23,088 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 7.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
24 months (full-time; thesis option), 12 months (…, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
• An honours undergraduate degree or equivalent with at least a 75% average. Normally, the undergraduate degree will be in geography, but applications are welcomed from superior students regardless of background. However, students must demonstrate that they have the necessary background to pursue graduate work in their field of specialization. || • Please note that a supervisor is required for admission and supervisors are not assigned in the Department of Geography. Full agreement from a faculty member to supervise prior to initiating the application process is not necessary, however it is strongly recommended to contact professors to discuss the possibility of supervision and funding in order to better inform your decision whether or not to apply. Please see the full list of the Department of Geography faculty. || • Resume || • Statement of interest || • A statement of maximum 500 words explaining your interest in and fit for the program you’re applying to, uploaded as a supporting document in the online application. Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion. || • 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, unless a professional reference is specified. || • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable || • 5 (writing 5, speaking 5), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0) · English: IELTS 7.5 (no band below 7.0) · 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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