Railway Engineering at Ontario Tech University - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-04-02

Program overview

Equip yourself with the technical and practical knowledge necessary for the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of railway systems. This interdisciplinary program combines elements of automotive, manufacturing, mechanical, and mechatronics engineering with specialized railway technologies to prepare graduates for careers in the railway and transportation industry. Railway Engineering focuses on the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of railway systems, integrating principles from various engineering fields to equip students with the knowledge required for railway infrastructure development, track design, signaling systems, and rolling stock management.

Program structure

The Railway Engineering program is designed to provide a comprehensive education over a four or five-year period, depending on the chosen path. The program is structured as follows:

Program Length: Four or five years
Delivery Method: In-class
Location: Ontario Tech University, North Oshawa
Start Dates: January, September
Program Load: Full-time

This program also offers options for experiential learning, including:

Co-op opportunities
Internships

Students will begin with a common foundation year, allowing them to explore various engineering disciplines before specializing in Railway Engineering.

Featured Experiences

The Railway Engineering program includes several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

Direct-entry co-op program, allowing students to apply for co-op positions directly through their application.
Access to modern facilities, including the Energy Systems and Nuclear Science Research Centre and the Jeffery Boyce Engineering Innovation and Design Studio.
Women in Engineering program, providing support and resources for female engineering students.
Hands-on learning opportunities through internships and co-op work terms, enabling students to gain meaningful engineering experience.

Career Options

Graduates of the Railway Engineering program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Electrical Engineer: Design and develop electrical systems and components for railway applications.
Mechanical Engineer: Focus on the design and maintenance of mechanical systems within railway infrastructure.
Project Engineer: Oversee engineering projects related to railway construction and maintenance.
Rail Traffic Controller: Manage the movement of trains and ensure safety protocols are followed.
Signals and Communications Maintainer: Maintain and troubleshoot signaling systems that ensure safe train operations.
Track Maintainer: Responsible for the upkeep and repair of railway tracks to ensure safe travel.
Train Conductor: Oversee train operations and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Transportation Supervisor: Manage transportation operations and coordinate logistics within the railway sector.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2026-04-02

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Railway Engineering program, the following academic requirements must be met:

Minimum GPA: The specific minimum GPA requirement is not mentioned on the website.
International Students:
- Vietnamese Students:
  Applicants must present the Upper Secondary School Graduation Diploma – Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Phổ Thông Trung Học. They are required to submit both their academic transcript indicating all subjects taken and grades achieved, along with an official copy of their diploma or graduation certificate. If documents are issued in a language other than English, notarized literal English translations must also be provided.
- Other Asian Students:
  Similar requirements apply as for Vietnamese students, with the need to submit academic transcripts and diplomas, along with notarized translations if necessary.
Prerequisite Courses:
While specific prerequisite courses for the Railway Engineering program are not detailed, it is generally expected that applicants have completed relevant subjects in mathematics and science at the appropriate levels.
Transcripts:
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding the application process or requirements, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

If you are from a country where English is not the first language of instruction, you must demonstrate English proficiency to be eligible for admission. You can demonstrate proficiency with one of the following:

Formal full-time study in English

Successfully completing at least three years of formal, full-time study (no less than three academic level courses per semester) at a secondary or post-secondary institution where the language of instruction and examination is English. The minimum three-year requirement does not include time enrolled in an English as a Second Language program or an unapproved English for Academic Purposes program.

English test

Ontario Tech will accept the following English tests with the minimum scores listed. Please note that the test date must be within two years of the desired start date and results must be sent to Ontario Tech Admissions directly from the provider unless they can be verified online.

Cambridge English - Advanced: Minimum score of 180 with no band lower than 170.
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Minimum score of 70 with no sub-score below 60.
Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score of 120 (Education and Nursing programs require a total score of 130).
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no sub-score less than 6.0 (Education and Nursing programs require an overall score of 7.0).
Oxford ELLT (Digital or Global): Minimum score of 7 (Education and Nursing programs require a score of 8).
- Register through our link above and use code "OTU10" for 10 per cent off.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Minimum score of 58.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The university's TOEFL code is 7178. We accept the Internet-based test (iBT) with the following minimum score requirements:
- Tests written before January 21, 2026: Total score of 83 (Education and Nursing programs require a total score of 87) with minimum Listening: 20; Reading: 20; Speaking: 19; and Writing: 20 section scores.
- Tests written after January 21, 2026: Overall 4.5 with no section score below 4.0.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!