M.Eng. Program FAQs

General MEng Program Questions:

What is the duration of the MEng program? Starting Fall 2024, the MEng program requires you to complete 4.0 credits (8 courses). The duration will depend on how many courses you take per semester. The program is a minimum of 2 semesters, and a maximum of 6 semesters. On average, MEng students complete their studies in 3 - 5 semesters.

How many field-specific courses should I take to complete course-based MEng program? At least 2.0 credits (4 courses) of coursework must be field-specific (see the M.Eng. section of the School of Engineering website for lists of field-specific courses).

Course/Registration Questions:

How many courses should I take to maintain full-time status? There is no minimum number of credits required. If you are registered as a full-time student, you will maintain full-time status even if you only take one course.

How many courses is a full-time student allowed to take? Department policy states that SOE graduate students should not be registered for more than 4 courses (2.0 credits) each semester, and it is recommended that you do not take more thatn 3 courses.

How can I transfer to part-time status? Would converting to part-time affect my Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)? Full-Time/Part-Time transfer forms are available through the Gryphforms system.

Please speak to an International Student Advisor regarding whether a transfer to part-time status would affect your Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).

How do I audit a course? To audit a course you will need to complete a Course Waiver Form. You will need to speak to the instructor of the course to obtain their approval. Once approved, the instructor will sign in the “Instructor’s Acknowledgement” section. You can then send the completed form to Enrolment Services at es@uoguelph.ca.

Can I re-take a course to improve my grade? No, students are not able to re-take a course that they have passed in order to improve their grade. Courses can only be taken once. An exception is failure of a course - if the department approves for you to re-take the course in a future semester in order to resolve your failed grade.

Will a failed grade affect my transcript? Any failed grades will show on your final transcript. However, the course will need to be resolved in order to complete your program (by taking an equivalent course approved by department or retaking the failed course). Once the failed course is resolved, it will not be counted as part of your GPA. *Course failure resolutions should be discussed with the Graduate Program Assistant (soegrad.course@uoguelph.ca) who will obtain the necessary approvals to confirm the course you can take to resolve the failed grade.

If I fail a course, but still have enough credits to graduate, do I still need to resolve the failed course? Yes. All failed courses require resolution through another equivalent course or re-taking the course. If you fail a course in your final semester of study, you will have to continue for another semester in order to resolve your failed grade. *Course failure resolutions should be discussed with the graduate program assistant (soegrad.course@uoguelph.ca) who will obtain the necessary approvals to confirm the course you can take to resolve the failed grade.

What is the process to convert from MEng to MASc?

*MASc transfer requires an advisor* Transfer must be discussed with advisor before request to transfer initiated.

View the Graduate Calendar section on internal transfers, where MEng to MASc is considered an Internal Program Transfer.
Send an email to soegrad.course@uoguelph.ca to initiate process of transfer.

Required documents:

From Student

Degree Program Transfer form (MEng to MASc is a “study transfer”)
- A $35 transfer fee will be applied to your student account after the transfer has been processed.
Written report of progress
- Typically a 1-2 page letter which includes a review of research conducted, and any papers presented, published, or submitted, research seminar title, etc.. Often includes a list of completed courses and an overview of the plan for MASc research/thesis

From Advisor

Written Recommendation Letter in support of MASc transfer
Confirmation of funding (funding will be communicated directly with advisor)

Leave of Absence:

Is the summer semester required? Yes, the summer semester is included in the yearly semester count (3 semesters per year). However, if you need to take a semester off from studies, you can request a leave of absence for up to 3 consecutive semesters. International students are encouraged to first check with our International Student Advisors before doing this, as there may be impacts on study visa, PGWP, etc. Please fill out a Leave of Absence Gryphform.

How do I take a semester off? You can request to take a leave of absence at any point during your studies for a maximum of 3 consecutive semesters. The form should be submitted by the end of the semester prior to the semester you plan to take a leave. Please note, If you are an international student, it is highly recommended that you reach out to an International Student Advisors first to make sure that taking a leave of absence will not affect your study permit.