Overview

This Electrical and Computer Engineering programme offered by University of Waterloo prepares researchers to generate original knowledge and develop innovative solutions to complex technological challenges across electrical and computer engineering. Through a combination of advanced coursework, independent research, and thesis work, students investigate emerging technologies that influence modern society, including communications, computing, artificial intelligence, energy systems, electronics, robotics, and quantum technologies. Research is conducted under the guidance of internationally recognized faculty and supported by access to world-class laboratories, research centres, and industry collaborations.

Key Facts

Doctoral candidates pursue specialized research within a broad range of engineering fields while developing advanced technical, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities. The programme encourages engagement with industrial partners and participation in leading-edge research projects addressing topics such as medical imaging, electric vehicle infrastructure, renewable energy integration, power grid resilience, and advanced electronic systems. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions in academia, industry, government agencies, and research-intensive organizations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Applied Electromagnetics and Photonics
Artificial Intelligence
Biomedical Engineering
Communications and Information Systems
Computer Hardware
Computer Software and Systems
Control Systems
Robotics
Autonomous Systems

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-05-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00
Starting 2028-01-05 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Waterloo, Canada

Disciplines

Electrical Engineering Computer Sciences View 26 other PhDs in Electrical Engineering in Canada

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

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

Admission to the program is based upon the student's academic record and evidence of ability to pursue independent research.
Normally an overall standing equivalent to 80% in either a relevant thesis-based Master's degree or a University of Waterloo Master of Engineering (MEng) degree that includes a completed ECE 699 Master of Engineering Project course.
At the time of admission, each student must have a faculty supervisor who has endorsed the recommendation for admission.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Waterloo and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

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

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Loading

Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Electrical and Computer 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

Our partners