Overview

This Political Science programme offered by University of Waterloo prepares researchers to conduct original investigations into political systems, decision-making processes, and public issues at national and international levels. Students work alongside leading scholars while developing specialized knowledge within major areas of the discipline. The programme encourages intellectual flexibility, allowing candidates to pursue primary and secondary fields of study or create a customized concentration aligned with their research interests.

Key Facts

Through independent dissertation research, advanced coursework, experiential opportunities, and professional development activities, students develop strong analytical, methodological, and communication skills. Research may examine governmental structures, comparative political systems, economic dimensions of public affairs, policy development, political ideas, representation, and international issues. The programme supports preparation for both academic and non-academic careers through teaching experience, research training, and applied learning opportunities.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Canadian Politics
Comparative Politics
Gender and Politics
Political Economy
Political Theory
Public Policy
International Relations
Governance
Political Institutions
Public Administration

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

63

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7

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

Political Science View 20 other PhDs in Political Science 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

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

63

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7

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

Resume

Supplementary information form (SIF)

Transcript(s)

Writing sample

References

Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
Students must hold a Master's degree with a minimum 80% average or equivalent in political science, or a related discipline

Experienced professionals in the private or public sectors will be considered for admission, but additional course work may be required

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 Political Science.

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