Program Overview

Program Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemical Engineering is a thesis program designed to enable students to acquire a deeper understanding of chemical engineering fundamentals and the specialties needed to advance their careers. The program allows students to choose their own direction or take a set of predetermined courses to get a specialization. Specializations include Biochemical and Biomedical Engineering; Green Reaction Engineering; Interfacial Phenomena, Colloids and Porous Media; Nanotechnology, and many more intriguing possibilities.

Department and Faculty

The Department of Chemical Engineering consistently ranks among the top two universities in Canada and number one in Ontario. The department’s collaborative research culture, engaging teaching practices, and state-of-the-art facilities create a vibrant learning environment where students are empowered to solve problems the world faces.

Research Areas

The department has a history of excellence in a diverse range of research areas. The department is currently home to nine Research Chairs. With more than 250 graduate students and 35+ faculty members, research covers all the major areas of chemical engineering - from core areas, such as polymers, reaction engineering, and process systems engineering, to emerging areas, such as fuel cell research, tissue engineering, and nanotechnology.

Program Details

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

Application Deadlines

• February 1 (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

• At the time of admission, each student must have an approved PhD supervisor who has agreed in writing to supervise their academic program or co-supervisors, at least one of whom is an approved PhD supervisor.
• Applicants must demonstrate excellence of background preparation and academic achievement in prior degrees and, usually, possess a relevant, thesis-based master's degree.
• The Engineering Graduate Studies Sub-Committee requires objective evidence of English language skills.

Degree Requirements

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

Application Materials

• Resume
• Statement of interest: A statement of maximum 500 words explaining interest in and fit for the program.
• Transcript(s)
• References: Three references are required; at least two academic.
• Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable: TOEFL 80 (writing 22, speaking 20, reading 20, listening 18), IELTS 6.5 (writing 6.0, speaking 6.0)

Tuition and Fees

• Visit the graduate program tuition page on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for the 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.