Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 48 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting September 2027
- Apply before Feb 2027
- Starting January 2028
- Apply before Jun 2027
Language
- TOEFL iBT: 100
- PTE Academic: 68
- IELTS: 7.5
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
Waterloo, Canada
Disciplines
Geography, Hydrology & Water Management
Overview
This Geography - Water programme offered by University of Waterloo combines advanced geographic research with interdisciplinary water studies to address contemporary water-related challenges at local, national, and global scales. Students conduct original research within areas such as environmental and resource management, environmental science, geomatics, or human geography while examining issues related to the protection, management, and sustainable use of water resources. The programme integrates perspectives from social science, physical science, and environmental information technology to better understand the relationships between people, environments, and water systems.
Key Facts
In addition to completing an independent doctoral research project and thesis, students participate in interdisciplinary water-focused training that combines theoretical and practical learning. The programme includes courses featuring lectures, fieldwork, collaborative group activities, and individual research seminars, providing opportunities to engage with water issues from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Graduates are equipped to contribute innovative knowledge and practical solutions in fields related to water, environmental management, sustainability, and geographic research.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Geography
- Water Studies
- Environmental and Resource Management
- Environmental Science
- Geomatics
- Human Geography
- Water Resource Management
- Environmental Sustainability
- Human-Environment Interactions
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
- TOEFL iBT: 100
- PTE Academic: 68
- IELTS: 7.5
Other requirements
General requirements
- A Master's degree in geography or equivalent, with at least an 80% average in all graduate work.
- Exceptional students may be allowed to enter the PhD program directly from the Master's program. Such students must have completed all Master of Arts (MA)/Master of Environmental Studies (MES)/Master of Science (MSc) requirements except the thesis, have demonstrated a superior academic record and satisfied other conditions (details of which can be obtained from the Director of the Program).
- Please note that a supervisor is required for admission and supervisors are not assigned in the Department of Geography. Full agreement from a faculty member to supervise prior to initiating the application process is not necessary, however it is strongly recommended to contact professors to discuss the possibility of supervision and funding in order to better inform your decision whether or not to apply. Please see the full list of Geography department faculty.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
International
Non-residents — 14,918 AUD / year (≈ 14,792 CAD / year)
Domestic
Citizens or residents — 4,635 AUD / year (≈ 4,596 CAD / year)
Living costs
Waterloo
Canada — 817-1,459 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
