University of Waterloo, Canada

Master in Development Practice MDP

Canada 2 years Taught in English Open to international students

Why students choose University of Waterloo, Canada

  • World-leading co-op program with 8,000+ employers in over 70 countries
  • Ranked #1 in Canada for reputation among comprehensive universities
  • Top 5 in Canada for computer science, engineering, and mathematics programs
  • Strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Located in Waterloo, a major technology hub in Canada

About Master in Development Practice MDP

For Master in Development Practice MDP, tuition fees are 19,822 USD per year, while the application deadline for the May 2027 intake is Dec 1, 2026.

The Master in Development Practice is a 2-year Master's program at the University of Waterloo in Canada. It's for students who have a Bachelor's degree and want to help people in developing countries. The program helps students develop skills to make a positive impact.

The program teaches students about development practice, including subjects like sustainable development and project management. Students learn by doing, through hands-on projects and fieldwork. They develop skills like planning, implementing, and evaluating development projects.

Graduates can work as Development Program Officers, International Project Managers, or Sustainability Specialists. They can work for organizations like the United Nations, non-profits, or government agencies. With this degree, students can also work as Policy Analysts or Community Development Coordinators, helping people around the world.

About University of Waterloo, Canada

The University of Waterloo, founded in 1957 in Ontario, is a leading public research university known for excellence in engineering, mathematics, computer science and innovation. With roughly 41,000 students and more than 9,600 international learners, Waterloo combines rigorous academics with a culture of entrepreneurship and experiential education. Its strong ties to industry and research institutes help students access cutting-edge projects and mentorship from researchers and business leaders.

Waterloo’s distinctive cooperative education model integrates paid work terms with academic study, enabling students to gain practical experience, refine career goals and build professional networks. The university offers extensive undergraduate and graduate program options across more than 300 areas of study, and research centres such as the Institute for Quantum Computing and the Perimeter Institute enhance opportunities for advanced study and collaboration.

On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available, with residence communities, meal plans and support services to help international students settle in. The university’s strong career services, entrepreneurship resources and alumni network support transitions into industry or further study. If you value a rigorous STEM-focused education, hands-on co-op experience and a research-rich environment, Waterloo offers a dynamic setting to launch a global career.

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 6.5-7.5. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

Duolingo

English Test · fastest & cheapest

105–120

Take the Duolingo Test We earn a referral credit
TOEFL iBT
79–93
PTE Academic
58–64
CEFR level
B2
Convert your own score

Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

Master in Development Practice MDP: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees for Master in Development Practice MDP?
Tuition: USD 19,822.18 per year. Application fee: USD 90.
What are the entry requirements for Master in Development Practice MDP?
Entry requirements include: Education: Bachelor's Degree; Academic performance: Grade A (70%+, GPA 3+); English: IELTS 6.5-7.5; Minimum age: 18.
How long is the Master in Development Practice MDP program?
The program duration is 2 year.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 2026-12-01.
Is Master in Development Practice MDP available online?
This is an on-campus program at University of Waterloo, Canada.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

Edit Program

Related Blog Posts

Show More Blog Posts →

Takes about 15 minutes

Complete your profile to unlock

Direct application links unlock once your profile is at least 80% complete. You're currently at 0%. It only takes a minute.