Overview

This Civil Engineering programme offered by University of Waterloo prepares researchers to investigate complex engineering challenges and generate new knowledge that advances both theory and practice. Students undertake independent research within a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment that brings together expertise from engineering, environmental sciences, architecture, planning, and biology. The programme emphasizes innovation, critical thinking, and the application of research to real-world problems affecting infrastructure, communities, and the environment.

Key Facts

Research opportunities span a broad range of civil engineering specializations, enabling students to explore issues related to water resources, environmental systems, transportation networks, geotechnical engineering, structural performance, construction practices, infrastructure resilience, and sustainability. Candidates may engage in projects involving indoor environmental quality, smart infrastructure inspection, robotics, computer vision, fire safety, reliability analysis, risk assessment, and climate adaptation. Through original dissertation research and advanced scholarly activities, students develop the expertise required for leadership roles in academia, government, consulting, and industry.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Environmental and Water Resource Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering
Structures, Mechanics and Construction Engineering
Transportation Engineering
Infrastructure Resilience
Smart Infrastructure
Indoor Environmental Quality
Computer Vision Applications
Mobile Robotics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-09 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00
Starting 2028-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2028-05-10 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-10-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

60

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Waterloo, Canada

Disciplines

Civil Engineering & Construction View 26 other PhDs in Civil Engineering & Construction in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

60

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A Master's degree, an 80% average in coursework and evidence of ability to pursue independent research.

Resume

Supplementary information form (SIF)

Transcript(s)

References
Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

14792 CAD / year

≈ 14792 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

4596 CAD / year

≈ 4596 CAD / year

Living costs

Waterloo

Canada

810 - 1447 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Civil Engineering.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Waterloo

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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