Worcester Polytechnic Institute

PhD in Robotics Engineering

Worcester, United States Taught in English Open to international students

Introduction

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, Massachusetts, founded in 1865, is known for its project-based, interdisciplinary approach to science, engineering, technology and business education. Serving around 6,000 students, including more than 1,100 international scholars, WPI emphasizes experiential learning that challenges students to solve real-world problems. The institute's strong research culture and industry links provide robust opportunities for applied learning and graduate study preparation.

WPI's signature project curriculum places students in team-based projects with industry, community and global partners, allowing learners to develop technical depth, communication skills and project management experience. State-of-the-art labs, research centers and faculty mentorship support both undergraduate innovation and graduate research. The campus culture balances rigorous academics with collaborative problem-solving and entrepreneurship resources.

International students benefit from a tight-knit community, career services that connect graduates to employers, and extensive alumni networks across technology sectors. WPI supports mobility through exchange programs and global project sites, helping students build practical experience and professional connections. Graduates typically move into research, industry roles or further study with a strong record of employability.

About the Program

The PhD in Robotics Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a unique program that allows students to earn a doctorate in the field. This PhD program is for students who have a Master's degree and want to lead novel research in robotics. The program lasts several years and gives students the chance to work with world-class facilities and industry-leading faculty.

The curriculum includes hands-on research in robotics technology, where students can generate solutions and lead to breakthroughs. Students work closely with faculty and have the opportunity to collaborate with the world's leading robotics companies. They develop skills in originality, creativity, and innovation, and learn to cross disciplines to solve complex problems.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Robotics Engineers, Senior Research Scientists, Autonomous Systems Engineers, Robotics Software Developers, or Artificial Intelligence Researchers. They can work in industries such as robotics, automotive, aerospace, or healthcare, and can be employed by companies like Boston Dynamics, NASA, or Google.

Tuition in Context

This program's tuition is about the same as the typical PhD in the United States.

Median tuition for that cohort is 29,822 USD, across 2,296 programs in our catalog.

Compare United States PhD programs

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Argentina · Private

Roberto Rocca Education Program 2026

Techint Group (Roberto Rocca Education Program)

Engineering scholarships plus 12-15 PhD fellowships a year covering tuition, fees and living costs.

Master's PhD
Open · Next: Application windows vary by country and track and are announced annually, often opening early in the calendar year. Confirm the current deadline for your country at robertorocca.org.
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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:

TOEFL iBT
79–93
PTE Academic
58–64
Duolingo
105–120
CEFR level
B2
Convert your own score

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

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.

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