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Thesis Regulations

Thesis Submissions

Effective October 2006, the University thesis requirement is one electronic copy (.pdf format only). However, Faculties/departments may have an additional requirement for bound paper copies to meet degree requirements. Students must submit bound paper copies to their department as appropriate see section 3.3 of the Thesis Regulations for a list of Faculty/department requirements.

Thesis Submission Deadlines are available in the Graduate Studies Calendar.

Submission Instructions

Your thesis must conform to the thesis standards established by the University and Library and Archives Canada.

  • Review the Thesis Regulations for formatting requirements.

  • Review the instructions for uploading your thesis to UWSpace.

  • If you wish to apply for restrictions on the circulation of your thesis due to patents pending or other circumstances, complete and submit a Request to Restrict Circulation of Thesis form for approval to your academic department. This must be done well in advance of your final submission. When uploading your thesis to UWSpace ensure that "yes" is selected from the drop-down list on the "Submit:Describe Your Item" page.

  • If publication is pending web access/display can be delayed for a period of four months from the date of submission. When uploading your thesis to UWSpace ensure that "yes" is selected from the drop-down list on the "Submit:Describe Your Item" page.

  • Complete and submit to the GSO a Theses Non-Exclusive License.

  • Ensure that your thesis has received final acceptance/approval by your Examining Committee before submitting to the GSO for final approval. Theses will not be reviewed by the GSO if acceptance/approval of the thesis has not been received (Thesis Acceptance Form).

  • Submit ONE copy of your thesis (.pdf format only) and any supplementary files via UWSpace for review by the GSO. Your thesis will be reviewed within a reasonable time frame (approximately one to three working days).

  • You will be contacted by e-mail after a review has taken place to advise you of any corrections that must be made prior to final approval.

  • If corrections are required, you will be required to resubmit electronically via UWSpace.

  • Once your electronic submission is approved, you will be notified by e-mail. Retain a copy of this email to submit to New Media Services with any required paper copies for binding.

  • Review section 3.3 of the Thesis Regulations for Faculty/department requirements for submission of bound paper copies (see above).

  • Complete and submit to your academic department an Intention to Graduate/Program Completion form (pdf) to verify the completion of your degree requirements.

  • Additional information to assist with the preparation of your thesis for submission and other helpful links are available at: www.grad.uwaterloo.ca/Thesis_Regs/ethesis/index3.asp

For information on display requirements, etc., review the Graduate Studies Calendar - Academic Regulations, see Master's Degree With Thesis and Doctoral - Thesis Submission.