University of Waterloo
Gallery
Overview
At a Glance
Visit Website (Opens In A New Tab)
- Urban Centre Size
- Medium (150-500K)
- Number of Students
- 42,000
- DLI Number
- O19305471522
- Main Campus Region
- West
- Phone
- 1-519-888-4567
- askus@uwaterloo.ca
- Summary
As one of Canada’s top innovation universities, the University of Waterloo is home to 100+ programs in business, health, engineering, math, science, the arts, environment and more.
Through the world’s largest co-op (paid internship) program, you can include up to two years of relevant work experience as part of your degree, giving you an advantage in your future career. Our network of over 7,100 employers includes many of the world’s leading companies.
Waterloo ranks within the top 150 universities in the world (QS World Rankings 2022). We are also recognized as being the #1 university in Canada for employer-student connections (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020) and the most innovative university in Canada (Maclean’s 2022). We’re also home to Physics and Astronomy professor Donna Strickland, winner of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics (only the third woman in history to do so).
Profile
The best and brightest are drawn to the University of Waterloo for our renowned academic programs , North America’s largest co-operative education program (paid internships), and our reputation as one of Canada’s leading universities. Many of our programs rank among the top 50 in the world.
Waterloo champions a culture of curiosity, exploration, risk-taking, entrepreneurship, global stewardship and leadership. We bring bold ideas and brilliant minds together — inspiring innovations with global impact today and in the future.
With more than 42,000 students from 120 countries at Waterloo, you’ll meet students, professors, and researchers from across Canada and around the globe. You will gain the skills, knowledge and mindset to make meaningful change in a complex world.
Outside the classroom, there are more than 200 student clubs, 250 athletic and fitness programs, and guaranteed residence for first-year students.
If you’re looking for a smaller, community-oriented residence or a supportive learning environment, one of Waterloo’s four University Colleges may be for you! Each University College has its own character and distinctive undergraduate programs where you can get involved and feel supported while you live and learn. You’ll study or live in a close-knit community while having access to all services and facilities at Waterloo, in addition to those at the University Colleges.
Forget four or five years down the road. Your future starts right here, right now.
Stay in the know and sign-up for our e-newsletter .
Requirements and Admissions
Requirements for Students Based Outside of Canada
High school diploma or equivalent
- View specific program requirements and recommendations .
- You may be required to submit detailed course descriptions and reading lists from previous classes to ensure that you have met the program requirements.
- You are advised to send predicted grades for all courses for which midterm marks are not available.
Requirements for Students Based in Canada
High school diploma
- Specific admission requirements vary based on the provincial curriculum.
- For Ontario students: Ontario Secondary School Diploma, including a minimum of six Grade 12 U or M courses or a combination, which must include specific program requirements.
- Minimum average of 80% on the best six Grade 12 courses including required courses. Higher averages are required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the number of places available.
- Repeated courses may be taken into consideration depending on the program.
All Applicants
- We may require supplemental forms with your application.
- An Admission Information Form (AIF) must be filled out for most programs.
- English is the language of instruction at the University of Waterloo. Success in our programs requires a high level of English language proficiency. See English language requirements .
- All applications for full-time, on-campus studies at Waterloo are handled by the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC ).
- Find more about important dates and deadlines .
Have questions about admissions requirements?
Find more information on our admissions requirements page .
Programs
View Institution Programs (Opens In A New Tab)
- Anthropology
- Applied mathematics
- Architectural engineering
- Architecture (BArch, BA, BS, BSc, MArch, MA, MS, MSc, PhD)
- Astronomy and astrophysics
- Biochemistry/biophysics and molecular biology
- Bioengineering and biomedical engineering
- Biological and biomedical sciences, other
- Biology, general
- Biomathematics, bioinformatics, and computational biology
- Biotechnology
- Business administration, management and operations
- Business, management, marketing and related support services, other
- Business/commerce, general
- Chemical engineering
- Chemistry
- City/urban, community and regional planning
- Civil engineering
- Classics and classical languages, literatures and linguistics
- Communication and media studies
- Computer engineering
- Computer science
- Criminology
- Drama/theatre arts and stagecraft
- Ecology, evolution, systematics and population biology
- Economics
- Electrical and electronic engineering technologies/technicians
- Engineering, other
- English language and literature, general
- English rhetoric and composition/writing studies
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Fine arts and art studies
- French literature
- Genetics
- Geography and cartography
- Geological and Earth sciences/geosciences
- Geological/geophysical engineering
- Health and physical education/fitness
- Health/medical preparatory programs
- History
- Housing and human environments
- Human Resources Management and Services
- International relations and national security studies
- Materials sciences
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and statistics, other
- Mechanical engineering
- Mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering
- Microbiological sciences and immunology
- Music
- Nanotechnology
- Natural resources conservation and research
- Natural resources management and policy
- Neurobiology and neurosciences
- Optometry (OD)
- Parks, recreation and leisure facilities management
- Parks, recreation and leisure studies
- Parks, recreation, leisure and fitness studies, other
- Pharmacology and toxicology
- Pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences and administration
- Physical Science Technologies/Technicians
- Physical sciences, general
- Physics
- Physiology, pathology and related sciences
- Political science and government
- Pre-Health Sciences
- Psychology, general
- Public health
- Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions
- Sociology
- Sociology and anthropology
- Soil sciences
- Statistics
- Systems engineering
- Taxation
- Teacher education and professional development, specific subject areas
- Urban studies/affairs
- Visual, digital and performing arts, general
Student Experience
How would it feel to step into your dream job right out of university?
Waterloo’s co-op program is an amazing way to explore careers and gain paid work experience while earning your university degree. You’ll graduate with up to two years of valuable experience – and make money! Learn more about co-op and careers .
We also have more than 200 student clubs , 250 athletic and fitness programs , and a variety of services specifically for international students .
Want to explore more? Our international student guide is a great resource for what it’s like to be a Waterloo student.
Explore our international student guide (Opens In A New Tab)
Scholarships and Bursaries
Scholarships allow us to celebrate and recognize your achievements! Entrance scholarships are available if you’re starting full-time first-year degree studies and are beginning university or college for the first time.
- Learn about scholarships you’ll be automatically considered for .
- Most scholarships do not require an application, but there are some exceptions .
- Scholarships are normally awarded in mid-May once we receive updated grades from Ontario high schools.
You can also visit our awards website to search the full list of entrance scholarships, awards and bursaries . Once you’re a Waterloo student, there are scholarships and bursaries you can apply to throughout your degree.
Housing
With Waterloo’s guaranteed residence for first-year and transfer students, you can live in the middle of the action and be close to your classes, labs and tutorials, the Student Life Centre, gyms, places to eat, and more.
From traditional dorm-style rooms to apartment-style suites , Waterloo offers 12 accessible residences, including four University Colleges (Conrad Grebel, Renison, St. Jerome’s University, and United College). Like the Waterloo campus, residence is a global community with students who bring diverse experiences and perspectives. In residence, you’ll find both spaces and people to help you thrive.
Each of Waterloo’s first-year residences offer personal and academic support, such as Living Learning Communities, residence life staff and social activities to help you adjust to living away from home.
Contact Information
-
Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment
- Address
200 University Ave W.
Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada- Phone Number
- 1-519-888-4567
- askus@uwaterloo.ca
Profile
The best and brightest are drawn to the University of Waterloo for our renowned academic programs , North America’s largest co-operative education program (paid internships), and our reputation as one of Canada’s leading universities. Many of our programs rank among the top 50 in the world.
Waterloo champions a culture of curiosity, exploration, risk-taking, entrepreneurship, global stewardship and leadership. We bring bold ideas and brilliant minds together — inspiring innovations with global impact today and in the future.
With more than 42,000 students from 120 countries at Waterloo, you’ll meet students, professors, and researchers from across Canada and around the globe. You will gain the skills, knowledge and mindset to make meaningful change in a complex world.
Outside the classroom, there are more than 200 student clubs, 250 athletic and fitness programs, and guaranteed residence for first-year students.
If you’re looking for a smaller, community-oriented residence or a supportive learning environment, one of Waterloo’s four University Colleges may be for you! Each University College has its own character and distinctive undergraduate programs where you can get involved and feel supported while you live and learn. You’ll study or live in a close-knit community while having access to all services and facilities at Waterloo, in addition to those at the University Colleges.
Forget four or five years down the road. Your future starts right here, right now.
Stay in the know and sign-up for our e-newsletter .
Requirements and Admissions
Requirements for Students Based Outside of Canada
High school diploma or equivalent
- View specific program requirements and recommendations .
- You may be required to submit detailed course descriptions and reading lists from previous classes to ensure that you have met the program requirements.
- You are advised to send predicted grades for all courses for which midterm marks are not available.
Requirements for Students Based in Canada
High school diploma
- Specific admission requirements vary based on the provincial curriculum.
- For Ontario students: Ontario Secondary School Diploma, including a minimum of six Grade 12 U or M courses or a combination, which must include specific program requirements.
- Minimum average of 80% on the best six Grade 12 courses including required courses. Higher averages are required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the number of places available.
- Repeated courses may be taken into consideration depending on the program.
All Applicants
- We may require supplemental forms with your application.
- An Admission Information Form (AIF) must be filled out for most programs.
- English is the language of instruction at the University of Waterloo. Success in our programs requires a high level of English language proficiency. See English language requirements .
- All applications for full-time, on-campus studies at Waterloo are handled by the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC ).
- Find more about important dates and deadlines .
Have questions about admissions requirements?
Find more information on our admissions requirements page .
Programs
View Institution Programs (Opens In A New Tab)
- Anthropology
- Applied mathematics
- Architectural engineering
- Architecture (BArch, BA, BS, BSc, MArch, MA, MS, MSc, PhD)
- Astronomy and astrophysics
- Biochemistry/biophysics and molecular biology
- Bioengineering and biomedical engineering
- Biological and biomedical sciences, other
- Biology, general
- Biomathematics, bioinformatics, and computational biology
- Biotechnology
- Business administration, management and operations
- Business, management, marketing and related support services, other
- Business/commerce, general
- Chemical engineering
- Chemistry
- City/urban, community and regional planning
- Civil engineering
- Classics and classical languages, literatures and linguistics
- Communication and media studies
- Computer engineering
- Computer science
- Criminology
- Drama/theatre arts and stagecraft
- Ecology, evolution, systematics and population biology
- Economics
- Electrical and electronic engineering technologies/technicians
- Engineering, other
- English language and literature, general
- English rhetoric and composition/writing studies
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Fine arts and art studies
- French literature
- Genetics
- Geography and cartography
- Geological and Earth sciences/geosciences
- Geological/geophysical engineering
- Health and physical education/fitness
- Health/medical preparatory programs
- History
- Housing and human environments
- Human Resources Management and Services
- International relations and national security studies
- Materials sciences
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and statistics, other
- Mechanical engineering
- Mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering
- Microbiological sciences and immunology
- Music
- Nanotechnology
- Natural resources conservation and research
- Natural resources management and policy
- Neurobiology and neurosciences
- Optometry (OD)
- Parks, recreation and leisure facilities management
- Parks, recreation and leisure studies
- Parks, recreation, leisure and fitness studies, other
- Pharmacology and toxicology
- Pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences and administration
- Physical Science Technologies/Technicians
- Physical sciences, general
- Physics
- Physiology, pathology and related sciences
- Political science and government
- Pre-Health Sciences
- Psychology, general
- Public health
- Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions
- Sociology
- Sociology and anthropology
- Soil sciences
- Statistics
- Systems engineering
- Taxation
- Teacher education and professional development, specific subject areas
- Urban studies/affairs
- Visual, digital and performing arts, general
Student Experience
How would it feel to step into your dream job right out of university?
Waterloo’s co-op program is an amazing way to explore careers and gain paid work experience while earning your university degree. You’ll graduate with up to two years of valuable experience – and make money! Learn more about co-op and careers .
We also have more than 200 student clubs , 250 athletic and fitness programs , and a variety of services specifically for international students .
Want to explore more? Our international student guide is a great resource for what it’s like to be a Waterloo student.
Explore our international student guide (Opens In A New Tab)
Scholarships and Bursaries
Scholarships allow us to celebrate and recognize your achievements! Entrance scholarships are available if you’re starting full-time first-year degree studies and are beginning university or college for the first time.
- Learn about scholarships you’ll be automatically considered for .
- Most scholarships do not require an application, but there are some exceptions .
- Scholarships are normally awarded in mid-May once we receive updated grades from Ontario high schools.
You can also visit our awards website to search the full list of entrance scholarships, awards and bursaries . Once you’re a Waterloo student, there are scholarships and bursaries you can apply to throughout your degree.
Housing
With Waterloo’s guaranteed residence for first-year and transfer students, you can live in the middle of the action and be close to your classes, labs and tutorials, the Student Life Centre, gyms, places to eat, and more.
From traditional dorm-style rooms to apartment-style suites , Waterloo offers 12 accessible residences, including four University Colleges (Conrad Grebel, Renison, St. Jerome’s University, and United College). Like the Waterloo campus, residence is a global community with students who bring diverse experiences and perspectives. In residence, you’ll find both spaces and people to help you thrive.
Each of Waterloo’s first-year residences offer personal and academic support, such as Living Learning Communities, residence life staff and social activities to help you adjust to living away from home.
Contact Information
-
Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment
- Address
200 University Ave W.
Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada- Phone Number
- 1-519-888-4567
- askus@uwaterloo.ca
Location
Student Testimonials
Read about the experiences of past international students.
-
I really got to explore every facet of research during my co-op term at Waterloo. It spanned from government clinical trials to even starting up some of my own smaller research projects.
, -
Even though I was shy about getting involved, I joined and volunteered in many campus activities. The more I got involved at Waterloo, the more I felt comfortable being myself and being a part of this great community.
, -
One of the first people I met was an upper-year mentor who took the time to help me through tough times in first year, giving me a broader perspective on my education and the decisions I made. I’m truly grateful for such a helpful and supportive community.
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Have questions about admissions?
To learn more about the admissions criteria for each of our programs please contact the admissions office.
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