Program Overview

Program Overview

The Applied Mathematics (Aeronautics) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is offered at the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Mathematics. This program allows students to conduct mathematics-based research and generate new knowledge in a multidisciplinary environment, tackling challenges facing the future of aviation, aerospace, and space.

Program Details

• Department/School: Applied Mathematics
• Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics
• Admit term(s): Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April), Spring (May - August)
• Delivery mode: On-campus
• Program type: Collaborative, Doctoral, Research
• Length of program: 48 months (full-time)
• Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
• Study option(s): Thesis

Application Deadlines

• January 15 (for admission in September)
• June 1 (for admission in January of the following year)
• October 1 (for admission in May of the following year)

Admission Requirements

• Minimum grade point average: 78% or its equivalent
• Evidence of potential for performing original research, provided by successful completion of a master's thesis in a mathematics-related discipline
• In some circumstances, a student enrolled in the MMath program may transfer to the PhD program without completing their MMath program

Degree Requirements

• Review the degree requirements in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree
• Check out Waterloo's institutional thesis repository - UWspace to see recent submissions from the department of Applied Mathematics graduate students

Application Materials

• Resume
• Program-specific questions (PSQ): These are questions specific to the program you’re applying to
• Transcript(s)
• References: Three references are required, normally from academic sources
• Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable: TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Tuition and Fees

• Visit the graduate program tuition page on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program
• Review living costs and housing
• Learn about the PhD housing guarantee program for admitted students in fall 2026 and winter 2027
• Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students

Program Description

Through a combination of coursework and original research, students will learn cutting-edge applications of mathematical theory in a broad range of fundamental and applied sciences. Along with developing expertise in their area of mathematics research, students will complete aeronautical training with Collaborative Aeronautics Program students from other fields, strengthening their interdisciplinary skills to apply their research towards impactful solutions. With the competitive edge provided by mentorship through the Faculty’s connections around the world, students will be prepared to pursue a career in academia, government, or industry.