The minimum academic requirement for admission to the PhD program is normally a recognized master's degree in engineering. A strong recommendation from the MSc advisor is necessary. Direct admission to the PhD program is rarely granted. Applicants requesting direct admission must hold a bachelor's degree with exceptionally high academic standing and have related research experience. Such applicants should discuss this option with the graduate co-ordinator at an early opportunity.

The prescribed program of study must consist of no fewer than 2.0 credits in addition to those taken as part of the MSc degree. At least 1.5 of the credits must be at the graduate level, including the Engineering Seminar course and at least two graduate engineering courses. Under special circumstances the school may reduce the requirement for 1.5 credits in graduate courses; however the two graduate-engineering-course requirement will not be changed. In all cases the remaining courses must be acceptable for graduate credit; that is, they must be either graduate courses or senior undergraduate courses. Depending on the student's background, the advisory committee may specify more than four courses, including undergraduate make-up courses. If make-up courses are deemed necessary, they will be considered additional courses.

Students who have completed their MSc degree in the School of Engineering are not required to enrol in the graduate Engineering Seminar course, and their credit requirements are reduced. The qualifying examination as outlined in the Graduate Calendar is held by the end of the fourth semester but no later than the fifth semester after the student has completed the required courses.