Doctorate in Philosophy Electrical and Computer Engineering at University of Ottawa - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-10-05

Program overview

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Program overview

The Doctorate in Philosophy Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Ottawa is a prestigious program designed for those seeking to advance their knowledge and research in the field. Offered through the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Electrical and Computer Engineering, this program combines the strengths of the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. Students will engage in cutting-edge research across various domains, including computer communications, digital systems, and biomedical engineering. The program is conducted in English and is structured to be completed within a maximum of four years.

Program structure

The Doctorate in Philosophy Electrical and Computer Engineering program is structured to provide a comprehensive educational experience. Key features include:

Program Length: The program is designed to be completed within four years.
Registration Status: Students can register on a full-time basis.
Research Opportunities: Students have access to shared research facilities between the two campuses, allowing for collaboration with faculty from both universities.
Thesis Requirement: Students must complete a doctoral thesis based on original research under the supervision of a faculty member.
Comprehensive Examination: A comprehensive examination is required to assess the student's knowledge and readiness for research.

Additionally, students may have the opportunity to participate in various program options, such as internships or co-op placements, enhancing their practical experience in the field.

Featured Experiences

The Doctorate in Philosophy Electrical and Computer Engineering program offers several unique experiences that enrich the educational journey:

Joint Program: The program is part of the Ottawa-Carleton Joint Program, leveraging the strengths of both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.
Research Areas: Students can engage in diverse research areas, including:

Computer communications
Digital and wireless communications
Biomedical engineering
Signal processing

Access to Facilities: Students benefit from access to advanced research facilities and resources at both universities.
Collaboration Opportunities: Opportunities for collaboration with faculty and peers across disciplines enhance the research experience.

Career Options

Graduates of the Doctorate in Philosophy Electrical and Computer Engineering program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Research Scientist: Conduct advanced research in electrical and computer engineering, contributing to innovations in technology and systems.
University Professor: Teach and mentor students in higher education institutions, while conducting research in specialized areas.
Systems Engineer: Design and implement complex systems, ensuring they meet technical specifications and user requirements.
Project Manager: Oversee engineering projects, coordinating teams and resources to achieve project goals within deadlines.
Consultant: Provide expert advice to organizations on electrical and computer engineering projects, helping to solve complex technical challenges.

These career options reflect the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make significant contributions to the field and society.

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

Visit University of Ottawa official website

Last updated on 2026-10-05

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Electrical and Computer Engineering, PhD

Degree Offered: PhD

Available Options for Program

Student status

Full-Time:	Yes
Part-Time:	No

Language

English:	Yes
French:	No

Minimum Requirements

A- in a master's degree

Average time to completion

12 terms

Area(s) of specialization

Computer and Software Engineering /Systems and Machine Intelligence/Digital and Optical Communications/Signal, Speech and Image Processing/Computer Communication Networks and Distributed Systems/Computer Aided Design for Electronic Circuits/Microwaves and Electromagnetics/Solid State Devices and Integrated Circuit Fabrication/VLSI

Your complete admission package must include

Application Fee:	CA$125.00 (non-refundable)
Recommendation letter(s):	2 It is highly recommended that you contact your referee prior to submitting your application to confirm their email address and their availability to complete your letter of recommendation.
Transcript(s):	1 You must upload copies of all transcripts from universities you have attended by using the uoDoc application. Transcripts must cover all courses and programs at any university you have attended, including regular programs (whether completed or not), exchanges, letters of permission, online or correspondence courses, courses taken as a non-degree student or visiting students, etc. If your transcript and degree certificate are not in English or French, you must submit a copy of a certified translation. Once you've received your offer of admission, if the offer contains any conditions for submitting official documents, you will need to upload them to uoDoc. Some exceptions apply. Previous or current Ottawa students do not need to submit a transcript of their studies at the University of Ottawa. Professional programs in rehabilitation require all transcripts, including those from uOttawa.
Language requirements (if applicable) Language proficiency test scores equivalencies:	TOEFL 84/New TOEFL 4, 24 (Writing); 20 (Individual)/IELTS 6.5, 6.5 (Writing); 6 (Individual) (Internet-based)
Required document(s):	Preference Form Resume Letter of Intent Writing Sample Masters thesis or Abstract and table of content (If the thesis is not in English or French, a translation of the Abstract and the Table of Contents must be submitted) A very good knowledge of English language Please note that non required admission documents will not be consulted, conserved or returned to the student. These documents will be destroyed according to our administrative procedures.

Language Requirements

Program-Specific English Requirements

Language Requirements

Applicants must be able to understand and fluently speak the language of instruction (French or English) in the program to which they are applying. Proof of linguistic proficiency may be required.

Applicants whose first language is neither French nor English must provide proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.

Note: Candidates are responsible for any fees associated with the language tests.

General Graduate English Requirements

English proficiency test chart

Test	Minimum Required Score
TOEFL iBT Internet-based/Home Edition/Paper (for tests taken before January 21, 2026)*	84 (overall); 24 (writing); no partial score below 20
TOEFL iBT Internet-based / Home Edition/ Paper (for tests taken after January 21, 2026)*	4.5 or 86 (overall); 4.5 or 21 (writing); 4.5 or 22 (reading); 4.5 or 20 (listening); 4 or 20 (speaking)
IELTS Academic/ IELTS Academic One Skill Retake	6.5 (overall); 6.5 (writing); no partial score below 6
Cambridge English Proficiency Tests (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency)	170 (overall); no partial score below 160
PTE (Pearson Test of English)	60 (overall); no partial score below 59
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Test)	70 (overall); no partial score below 60

* Effective January 21, 2026, TOEFL is changing its grading system to a 1-6 band scale instead of a 1-120 band scale. Score reports will include results on both scales for the next two years.

The University of Ottawa accepts TOEFL MyBest^®scores for the TOEFL iBT test.

French proficiency test chart

Test	Minimum Required Score
DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française)	C1/C2
TCF (Test de connaissance du français)	B2 (overall); no partial score below B2
TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)	B2 (overall); no partial score below B2

Where the program-specific and general graduate requirements above differ, whichever score is higher (stricter) applies.

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!