Program Overview

Program Overview

The Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering (Nanotechnology) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is offered by the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo. This collaborative, doctoral, research-based program is designed to generate new knowledge and advance careers in the field of nanotechnology.

Program Details

• Department/School: Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
• Faculty: Faculty of Engineering
• 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
• Study option(s): Thesis

Research Project Opportunities

The program offers various research project opportunities, including:

• External Flaming From Mass Timber Compartments: This project utilizes an existing experimental set-up at the University of Waterloo's Fire Research Facility to develop medium-scale compartment fire experiments.
• In-situ Quantification of Emissions During Safety Venting: This project develops highly sensitive optical techniques to probe and quantify in-situ particle and gas emissions of Li-ion battery cells as they approach thermal runaway during their safety venting phase.
• Deflagration Risk in BESS Enclosures: This project evaluates explosion risk in BESS facilities using high-speed imaging, lasers, and instruments.

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

• A thesis-based master's degree from a university of recognized standing with a minimum 80% standing and demonstrated research capabilities.
• Applicants must have demonstrated research capabilities to be admitted to PhD candidacy.

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 Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering graduate students.

Application Materials

• Resume
• Statement of interest: A statement of maximum 500 words explaining your interest in and fit for the program you’re applying to.
• Program-specific questions (PSQ): Questions specific to the program you’re applying to.
• 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 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.