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Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

LEAP Application Information and FAQ

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The DEng is designed for experienced technical professionals pursuing applied, high-impact research within an organizational or entrepreneurial context. As a selective program with individualized support, admission is based on project fit, faculty alignment, and program readiness.

For Candidates:

If you are considering the DEng, we encourage you to connect with our program team as a first step. These one-on-one conversations help:

  • clarify your project idea and its potential fit within the program
  • explore alignment with faculty advisors and mentors
  • review funding options and pathways
  • determine whether the DEng is the right fit for your goals
  • guide you through the application process

For Organizations:

If your organization is facing a complex technical challenge or exploring how applied doctoral research could support your R&D priorities, we'd welcome the conversation. Early discussions help to:

  • identify whether your challenge is well suited to a Praxis project
  • explore alignment with relevant UVic faculty and research expertise
  • understand the sponsorship model and what organizational commitment involves
  • discuss IP considerations and funding mechanisms

Whether you're representing an organization or considering the program as an individual, please reach out to the program team at leap_deng@uvic.ca or complete the Request for Information Form. 

Application Requirements

General Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Minimum of seven years of professional experience in a field related to engineering or computer science.

2. Academic Transcripts

  • A master’s degree from an institution recognized by the University of Victoria is normally required.

  • Applicants without a master’s degree may be considered but may be assigned additional coursework.

  • A recognized bachelor’s degree is required for all applicants.

3. English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet UVic’s graduate-level English language requirements (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent).

Additional Requirements for Employer-Sponsored Applicants

Applicants supported by their employer must provide a formal letter that includes:

  • a summary of the proposed praxis (applied research/dissertation) project objective, agreed upon by the applicant and employer

  • confirmation of the employer’s support for the applicant’s DEng studies, including time and resources to engage in praxis work

  • a commitment to funding the applicant’s participation in the DEng program

Additional Requirements for Self-Funded Applicants

Self-funded or partially funded applicants must provide:

  • a letter of intent outlining motivation and proposed praxis (applied research/dissertation) idea

  • a letter of reference from a current or former employer

  • a statement describing the funding plan, including employer support (if applicable), personal investment, external scholarships, or other financial arrangements over the three-year program

Program intake

The DEng program is planned for intake in Fall 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin discussions with the program team early to allow adequate time for project refinement and research team development.

Organizations and industry partners interested in exploring applied research collaborations are welcome to reach out at any time.

Why the Doctor of Engineering (DEng) Stands Out

The LEAP DEng occupies a distinct place in the landscape of doctoral education. Where a traditional PhD advances knowledge through fundamental research, the DEng applies that same rigour to complex, applied problems, explored from within the organizations and ventures where the impact will be felt.

Research Professionals don't step away from their careers to pursue the degree. They bring the program into their professional context, working on problems that matter to their organization while building the research capability, leadership skills, and applied knowledge of a doctoral graduate. Through matching fund programs such as Mitacs, the Praxis project can also serve as the foundation for a larger, team-based research initiative by bringing together graduate researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty to tackle industry-driven R&D challenges at a scale that would be difficult to achieve through conventional means.

The result is a portfolio of applied research that advances careers, strengthens organizations, and contributes meaningfully to the fields and sectors participants work in.

For Entrepreneurs

For Research Professionals building or leading a venture, the DEng embeds applied research directly into the business. Whether the challenge involves product development, operational systems, or scaling emerging technology, the program provides the methodological framework and expert mentorship to investigate it systematically—generating IP, validating ideas, and producing outcomes that strengthen long-term innovation potential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why should my organization consider sponsoring a DEng candidate?
It's an investment in applied R&D capacity from within. Your engineer leads a multi-year research project on a challenge that matters to you, backed by a UVic research team, faculty advisors, and specialized facilities. The knowledge stays in-house, the IP is yours, and you gain a stronger technical leader at the end of it.
 

What does organizational sponsorship involve?
Sponsoring organizations provide financial support, confirm the candidate's ability to dedicate time to research activities, and collaborate on defining the Praxis project. The program team works with organizations throughout to keep the research aligned with priorities and on track.

What funding models are available to support organizational sponsorship?
The DEng supports three primary sponsorship models, depending on the organizational context:

  • Intrapreneurial model — an established organization sponsors the research project, with the RP embedded within the organization throughout. Employer contributions may be eligible for SR&D tax credits and can potentially be matched through programs such as Mitacs, enabling a larger team-based research initiative with graduate researchers and postdoctoral fellows supporting the project at UVic.
  • Entrepreneurial model — a startup or venture funds the research, with contributions potentially matched through Mitacs to support the RP and a small research team at UVic.
  • Community-funded model — a third-party community partner or organization sponsors the project, with contributions potentially eligible for matching funds through Mitacs.

In all cases, the program team works closely with organizations to identify the most suitable pathway and explore available funding mechanisms.

What kind of research challenges is the program suited to?

Complex, multi-year technical problems that would benefit from sustained investigation and access to university expertise. Projects have addressed sustainable infrastructure, advanced materials, clean energy, digital systems, AI integration, and more. If a challenge has resisted shorter-term approaches, it may be well suited to a Praxis project.

How does the DEng differ from a standard research contract or Mitacs partnership?
Traditional partnerships bring university expertise in for a defined scope and term, and when the project ends, the knowledge often leaves with it. The DEng is different because your own employee leads the research from within your organization throughout, which means knowledge is built where it will be used. There is no handoff, no translation gap, and no dependency on an external team. The expertise becomes part of your organization.

Who owns the IP?

IP is retained either by the sponsoring organization or by the individual candidate, as appropriate. This is discussed and agreed upon during the pre-application process.

Do I need professional experience?
Yes, you need a minimum of seven years in a field related to engineering or computer science.

Can I apply with only an undergraduate degree?
Strong applicants with significant professional experience may be considered, though additional coursework may be required.

I have a technical undergraduate degree and an MBA. Am I eligible?
Yes. Combined technical and leadership backgrounds are often a strong fit.

Do you accept international applicants?
Yes. After admission, international students can connect with UVic's International Centre for Students for additional support.

Do I need a study or work permit?
Most international students will need a study permit, as the overall program length exceeds six months even if the in-Canada portion does not. We encourage you to discuss your specific situation with the program team early on.

Is the DEng eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
No. The DEng does not currently meet IRCC criteria for PGWP eligibility.

Do I need to take the GRE or TOEFL/IELTS?
No GRE is required. English language proficiency testing is only required if needed to meet UVic's graduate-level requirements.

How long is the program and can I work while completing it?
Three years, designed for working professionals. You remain in your role throughout.

How much time will I need to commit?
Approximately 10–15 hours per week, depending on where you are in the program.

Do I need to live in Victoria?
No. Residencies take place three times per year and may be held in Victoria or other select locations.

What are residencies like and how long are they?
Four to five days each, combining workshops, expert sessions, faculty meetings, peer exchange, and industry site visits where possible. Nine residencies in total over three years. 

How do I choose a faculty advisor?
The program team will help identify faculty aligned with your research direction during the pre-application process. You can also explore UVic's researcher directory independently.

What is a Praxis?
Your core applied research project, or the practice-focused equivalent of a doctoral dissertation. Carried out within your organizational or venture context over three years, it may take the form of a written thesis or a portfolio of contributions such as prototypes, patents, simulations, or innovative designs.

What funding models are available to support my participation?
Funding arrangements vary depending on your context and proposed project. Three primary models support participation in the DEng:

  • Employer-supported — your employer sponsors your participation as part of an investment in a workplace-relevant research project. Employer contributions may be eligible for SR&D tax credits and potential matching funds through programs such as Mitacs.
  • Entrepreneur-supported — if you are involved in a startup or venture, contributions from the business may be eligible for matching funds through Mitacs to support your research and a small team at UVic.
  • Self-funded or mixed — candidates without full employer sponsorship may combine personal investment, program scholarships or fellowships, and external grants through programs such as Mitacs, NSERC, SSHRC, and CIHR. Entrepreneurial supports are also available through the UVic Innovation and Partnerships Office and UVic Innovation Centre.

How does the DEng help my career?
Graduates are positioned for senior technical and innovation leadership either within their organization, in consulting, applied R&D, or entrepreneurial ventures. You finish with a terminal doctorate, a portfolio of applied research, and a network of peers, faculty, and industry leaders built over three years.

How can I prepare before applying?
Clarify your research idea and the challenge you want to investigate. If pursuing an employer-sponsored project, speak with your employer early. Then reach out to the program team: early conversations make for stronger applications.

Ready to apply?

 We invite all prospective applicants to connect with our program team. These one-on-one discussions provide personalized guidance on admission requirements, faculty expertise alignment, and funding plans, helping ensure that the DEng program is the right fit for your goals and context. Please complete the Request for Information Form or contact the program team at leap_deng@uvic.ca to start the conversation.