Overview

This Social and Ecological Sustainability - Water programme offered by University of Waterloo prepares researchers to address complex sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary investigation. Students conduct original research that explores interactions between environmental systems, communities, resources, and societal development while contributing new knowledge to sustainability scholarship. The programme emphasizes collaborative inquiry, practical problem-solving, and the development of solutions that support long-term environmental and societal well-being.

Key Facts

A collaborative water component provides specialized training through two interdisciplinary courses that integrate conceptual and applied perspectives on water-related challenges. Participants engage in lectures, field-based learning, group projects, and individual research seminars while developing expertise in their chosen area of study. Supported by an active research community and internationally recognized faculty, students gain experience in addressing local and global resource, environmental, and sustainability issues. Graduates are prepared for leadership and research roles across government, academia, civil society organizations, and industry.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Social and Ecological Sustainability
Water Systems
Environmental Sustainability
Resource Management
Community-Based Research
Participatory Action Research
Environmental Governance
Sustainability Transitions

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

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

68

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Waterloo, Canada

Disciplines

Hydrology & Water Management Environmental Management Environmental Sciences View 23 other PhDs in Environmental Sciences 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

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

68

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

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

Resume

Supplementary information form (SIF)

Transcript(s)

References

Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable.
Students must hold a Master's degree with distinction (typically an overall average of at least 83%) or the equivalent.

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 Social and Ecological Sustainability - Water.

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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