101 – University of Waterloo

Last updated: September 22, 2022

University program information changes regularly. Refer to the application and the university’s website for the most up-to-date details.

Special Characteristics

Earn your degree from one of Canada’s top universities. We are consistently ranked among the country’s top 3 universities in the highest quality, best overall, leaders of tomorrow and most innovative categories (Maclean’s national reputational rankings).
Choose from more than 100 majors and programs – many that are ranked among the top in the world.
With our network of 7,000 employers, you will have access to North America’s largest selection of co-op jobs. Explore careers and earn money to help pay for school.
With more than 700 start‑up companies connected to the university, we are one of the country’s leading universities for turning ideas into action.
We are ranked #1 in Canada for career preparation in a survey of 24,000 university students (Maclean’s).
Stay active while having fun through one of Canada’s largest campus recreation programs – and through more than 250 clubs.
Located approximately 115 kilometres west of Toronto in a clean, safe, mid‑sized city.

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Co-op and Regular Systems of Study

At Waterloo, we offer programs through the co‑op system of study, which alternates 4‑month school terms with 4-month paid work terms, and the regular system of study, which follows the traditional September to April school year.

Both the co‑op and regular systems of study are available to all students, regardless of citizenship.

To apply to a co-op program, you must check the co-op box on your application.

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Application Deadlines

The application deadline for the fall term is February 1, 2023.

Supporting documents, such as transcripts, are due by February 17, 2023.

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Additional Admission Information

We require an Admission Information Form for admission to some programs and recommend it for all others. We will send information about how to complete the Admission Information Form once you have applied.

Some programs also have other requirements, such as an interview or portfolio review. Review our admission requirements to ensure you know all the required steps.

After you apply, we will email you and let you know about the next steps in the admission process.

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

If you are attending college or university for the first time, have an admission average of 85% or higher (including marks for required courses for the program you were admitted to) and are admitted to full‑time, first‑year studies at Waterloo, you will receive one of the following scholarships:

President’s Scholarship of Distinction: Admission average of 95% or higher.
- $2,000 entrance scholarship
- the opportunity for a $1,500 International Experience Award and/or a $1,500 Research Award to be used in your upper years
President’s Scholarship: Admission average of 90-94.9%.
- $2,000 entrance scholarship
Merit Scholarship: Admission average of 85-89.9%.
- $1,000 entrance scholarship

We also offer program-specific entrance scholarships, ranging in value from $500 (for 1 year only) up to $100,000 (over 4 years). We will automatically consider you for most scholarships, though some do require an application.

We offer an entrance bursary program to first-year students from Ontario with financial need. The bursaries range in value from $500 to $4,000, and the deadline to apply is April 15, 2023.

Find additional details about the entrance bursary, Ontario Student Assistance Program and other aid programs on the Student Awards and Financial Aid website.

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English-language Requirements

If your first language is not English and your 4 most recent years of full‑time education prior to the start of your studies at Waterloo were not in an English-language school system, you must provide English-language test scores and meet our English-language requirements.

If you meet our academic admission requirements, but do not have the required English-language test score, you may receive a conditional offer of admission to the Bridge to Academic Success in English program. This program allows you to earn some credit toward your degree while strengthening your English skills.

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Guaranteed Residence

With guaranteed residence for first-year students, you can live close to your classes, labs and tutorials, the Student Life Centre, gyms, places to eat and more.

Each of our first-year residences offers personal and academic support, such as Living-Learning Communities, residence life staff and social activities to help you adjust to living away from home.

If you are applying as a high school or transfer student, we guarantee you a space in residence if you:

Accept your offer of admission,
Submit a Residence Guarantee Application Form and a $500 non-refundable deposit by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on June 1, 2023, and
Meet any academic conditions outlined in your offer of admission.

Once you have reserved your space in residence, you will receive more information in June about the next steps.

Conrad Grebel University College, located on our campus, is not part of the residence guarantee, but also provides residence for first-year students. A separate application is required.

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Enjoy a Smaller Community

If you are looking for a smaller, close-knit residence or academic home base within the University of Waterloo, then one of our University Colleges may be for you!

Located on our campus, each University College is a smaller community with its own character and distinctive programs where you can get involved and contribute. You can live or study at one – and have access to all Waterloo services – while earning your Waterloo degree.

Our University Colleges are:

Conrad Grebel University College
Renison University College
St. Jerome’s University
United College

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Student Services

We provide a wide variety of services to help you succeed.

The Student Success Office provides peer success coaches, leadership workshops, services for international students and more.
Co-op and career advisors can help you find summer or co-op jobs as a student – and prepare for further education or your career.
We are considered one of Canada’s most accessible universities. Our AccessAbility Services provide support for students with permanent or temporary disabilities.
Counselling Services and Health Services offer help with study skills, career interests, life difficulties and stress management, as well as access to physicians, nurses and mental health professionals.
The Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre offers services for Indigenous students, including guidance, connections to financial resources and advocacy for unique needs.
Take advantage of one of Canada’s most diverse campus recreation programs, with more than 250 fitness programs to choose from. Stimulate your physical and mental health through classes, intramurals, clubs and drop-in fitness facilities.
The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association offers student-run services, financial support, health and wellness resources, and other clubs for you to make the most of your university experience.

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Transfer Credits

For programs other than those in the Faculty of Engineering, we will consider transfer credits for:

Advanced Placement (AP)
International Baccalaureate (IB) courses

We do not award transfer credits for programs in the Faculty of Engineering, except for the Architecture program, which will consider transfer credits for an elective course up to a maximum of 0.5 units (generally equivalent to a 1-term course at Waterloo).