Applications
The Guelph Waterloo Physics Institute is a joint graduate program offered by the Departments of Physics at the University of Guelph and Waterloo. You may apply for admission through either University. Your choice of University will not impact your final decision regarding a supervisor or campus. To begin your application, choose the University where you think you may be doing your research. Afterwards you will be directed back to this page where you will complete the additional application requirements listed below.
Applications will be accepted at any time, but full consideration for entrance awards and choice of supervisor will be given to applications received by March 1st. Application for admission to graduate studies should be made as early as possible. Successful applicants are encouraged to start their graduate studies in May or September, but a January starting date is possible.
Academic transcripts and other supporting documents should be forwarded as soon as they become available. Admission to the program cannot be granted until all requirements have been met and all documents submitted.
Apply via the University of Guelph | Apply via the University of Waterloo
Applications are considered by the Admissions Committee. Only students who are graduates of approved Universities and Colleges are eligible for admission.
An honours degree in physics or equivalent, with first or upper second class standing, is normally required for entry into an MSc program; an MSc degree from an approved university or college is normally required for entrance into a PhD program. It should be noted that students will be admitted to either of these research programs only if a advisor can be found for their research. Since there are a limited number of openings each year, applicants are advised to state alternative areas of research on the preference form or supplementary information form supplied.
Students who, in the opinion of the Admissions Committee, have insufficient background to enter the MSc program directly, may be advised to enter a qualifying year. Their applications will be considered upon the completion of that year.
NOTE that application procedures and deadlines for collaborative and other programs may differ from those for the regular physics MSc and PhD programs listed on this page. Please refer to program websites for details:
Biophysics Interdepartmental Group (BIG)
The Institute for Quantum Computing Collaborative Program in Quantum Information
Perimeter Scholars International
Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) Collaborative Program in Nanotechnology
Application Package
The following is a list of required items for an application package. NOTE that students applying through University of Waterloo upload these materials using Applicant Quest. Students applying through the University of Guelph should send hard copies of the items to listed below to:
Guelph Waterloo Physics Institute
Department of Physics
Room 212, MacNaughton Building
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1
- a copy of your signed pdf OUAC application form
- a copy of the GWPI preference form (for students applying through the University of Waterloo please fill out the Supplementary Information Form on Applicant Quest). Note that the following information is requested:
(1) Please study our website and indicate your preference of research area(s).
(2) Do you prefere experimental or theoretical research, or are you undecided?
(3) If openings are not available in your chosen area(s) would you be willing to accept an offer in another area?
(4) An (optional) statement of interest which is of interest and helpful to the Admissions committee. Please keep this brief. Note: For students applying through the University of Guelph this is not part of the preference form, but should be included in the statement of academic intent filled in electronically at the time of application.
- unofficial academic transcript from each post-secondary institution attended. Transcripts must show all courses, marks and the awarding of degrees. Official academic transcripts (received in a closed and sealed university envelope) are only required if you are offered admission. A certified English translation must also be included if the official transcripts are written in a language other than English. All transcripts will be verified by the university for authenticity. University of Waterloo and University of Guelph transcripts are not required; see below.
- references from three senior individuals familiar with your scientific ability (e.g. faculty members at the university where you did your undergraduate work). For students applying through the University of Guelph, these reference forms should be completed by the referees and sent directly by them to you (do not open) or sent electronically to gwp@sciborg.uwaterloo.ca
- if your last university degree was not taken at a Canadian university, you must take the Graduate Record Examination (G.R.E.) Subject Test in Physics. Decision on admittance to GWPI will depend on the score attained in the G.R.E., so prospective students in this category should arrange to take this examination as soon as possible. The Admissions Committee will consider a score of a minimum of 800. Students applying through the University of Waterloo can send a PDF of their GRE score electronically or by mail as per below under 'Note to students applying through UW'. It is helpful if you include your student number.
- applicants whose first language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (T.O.E.F.L.) or some suitable alternative and obtain a 550 minimum overall score with a minimum of 50 in each section, plus 4.0 minimum for the TWE; or Computer-based minimum overall score of 213, plus 4.0 minimum for the Essay; or Internet-based minimum overall score of 90, plus 24 minimum in Speaking and Writing sections. If you fall into this category, you should arrange to take this examination as soon as possible.
Applicants currently enrolled at UofG or UW note:
Transcripts: You do not need to order transcripts. For UW students applying through Applicant Quest at UW, your UW transcripts will automatically be uploaded by the system. If you are currently enrolled as a UofG student applying to UW or UofG, please contact gwp@sciborg.uwaterloo.ca and transcripts will be ordered for you.
References: If you are currently enrolled at either institution, we require only two references if you are applying from a BSc to the MSc program; and only one reference if you are applying from an MSc to the PhD program
