University of Waterloo

About the University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo, founded in 1957, is synonymous with innovation and entrepreneurship. Our cooperative education programs provide real-world experience, making our graduates highly sought after.

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A brief history

The institution’s roots can be traced back to Waterloo College Associate Faculties, which emerged on April 4, 1956, initially functioning as a semi-autonomous arm of Waterloo College, an affiliate of the University of Western Ontario. In 1959, it officially separated from Waterloo College and achieved university status through the University of Waterloo Act, passed by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Commencing its journey in 1957 with 74 engineering students and a strong commitment to co-operative education, the university has since blossomed into one of Canada’s premier educational institutions, annually hosting over 42,000 students. Its academic offerings encompass a diverse spectrum of over 100 undergraduate programs and more than 180 graduate programs, spanning fields such as engineering, mathematics, computer science, business, environmental studies, and numerous others. As a publicly funded research university and a proud member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, it maintains a global presence with an alumni network exceeding 220,000 individuals across 151 countries. The university is a magnet for world-class scholars, including Nobel Laureates, and has cultivated an entrepreneurial culture that has generated over 5,000 jobs through Velocity, Canada’s most prolific startup incubator in terms of private investment.

General information

The University of Waterloo, located in Waterloo, Canada, is a leading public institution with a strong reputation for comprehensive research excellence in Canada, consistently recognized as such by Research Infosource Inc. Its global acclaim for innovation and outstanding academic performance attracts highly creative and influential graduate students and researchers worldwide. In terms of career outcomes, the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022 ranked the University of Waterloo as the second-best university in Canada. Additionally, among Canadian universities, it is a top choice for recruitment by Google. With an annual student population exceeding 42,000, the University of Waterloo holds the top position in Canada for advanced learning opportunities and fostering connections between students and employers. On this page, we provide information about University of Waterloo courses as well as the fees for Indian and international students.

Quick facts about Kyoto

  • Main campus spans 404 hectares (998 acres)
  • Six faculties and thirteen faculty-based schools
  • Offers 100+ programs in various fields
  • Faculty of Engineering is Canada’s largest, with 10,500+ students
  • Operates three satellite campuses and four affiliated colleges
  • Total student population of 42,000 (undergraduate and graduate)
  • World’s largest co-operative education program (20,000+ undergraduates)
  • Founded over 1,000 ventures addressing global challenges
  • 200+ student clubs, pitch competitions, and hackathons
  • 100+ student support and wellness programs
  • Emphasizes community and positive student experience
  • Cheriton School of Computer Science: 100+ faculty, 4,000+ students

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FAQs

The University of Waterloo offers six different housing options through Campus Housing. These include three buildings with traditional-style dorms (Village 1, Ron Eydt Village, and Claudette Millar Hall) and three buildings with suite-style apartment living (Mackenzie King Village, UW Place, and Columbia Lake Village South). The cost of living in these residences varies depending on the room type and meal plan chosen. For instance, a single room with a full meal plan in Village 1 for the 2023-2024 academic year costs $12,000.

The University of Waterloo offers entrance scholarships primarily based on academic and personal achievements, along with bursaries based on financial need. The President’s Scholarship, valued at $2,000, is awarded to students admitted to full-time first-year degree studies with an admission average of 90% to 94.9%. The Merit Scholarship, worth $1,000, is available to those admitted with an admission average of 85% to 89.9%. There are also other scholarships like the International Experience Award and Research Award, which can be claimed after the first year if the student maintains at least an 80% average.

The cost of living at the University of Waterloo varies based on factors like housing, meal plans, and personal expenses. Tuition fees also differ by program and student type. For instance, a single room with a full meal plan in Village 1 for the 2023-2024 academic year costs $12,000. The university estimates the cost of living for an undergraduate student for one academic year, including tuition, books, housing, food, and personal expenses, to be between $24,000 and $28,000 CAD for the 2021-2022 academic year.

The University of Waterloo does not have an early bird application deadline. For most programs, the application deadline is January 15, 2024. However, the deadline may vary for certain programs, so it’s advisable to check the specific program’s website for the application deadline.

The University of Waterloo provides various services and resources to assist international undergraduate students. The International Student Experience team offers support related to immigration, health insurance, and cultural adjustment. The English Language Institute offers programs and courses to enhance English language skills. The Student Success Office provides academic support, including tutoring and study skills workshops. Additionally, the university has several student clubs and organizations catering to the needs of international students.

Popular Courses

Computer Science

This program provides students with a strong foundation in computer science theory and practice, including programming, algorithms, data structures, software engineering, and artificial intelligence. Students can choose from a variety of specializations, including software engineering, data science, and human-computer interaction.

Engineering

The University of Waterloo offers a range of engineering programs, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and chemical engineering. These programs provide students with a strong foundation in engineering principles and hands-on experience through co-op work terms.

Mathematics

The mathematics program at the University of Waterloo covers a wide range of topics, including algebra, calculus, geometry, and statistics. Students can choose from a variety of specializations, including actuarial science, computational mathematics, and mathematical finance.

Business Administration

The School of Accounting and Finance at the University of Waterloo offers a range of business programs, including accounting and financial management, business administration, and computing and financial management. These programs provide students with a strong foundation in business principles and hands-on experience through co-op work terms.

Biotechnology

The biotechnology program at the University of Waterloo combines biology, chemistry, and engineering to prepare students for careers in the biotechnology industry. Students learn about topics such as genetic engineering, drug development, and bioprocessing.

Environmental Studies

The environmental studies program at the University of Waterloo covers a wide range of topics related to the environment, including climate change, sustainability, and environmental policy. Students can choose from a variety of specializations, including environmental science, geography and environmental management, and international development

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Eligibility Criteria

  • GPA: 3.5
  • IB Score: 33
  • Percentage: 75%
  • IELTS Score: 6.5
  • TOEFL Score: 104
  • SAT Score: 1400
  • ACT Score: 33
  • GMAT Score: 570

Fee Structure

Undergraduate Tuition Fees:

  • Local Students: Starting from $1,855 USD per year.
  • Foreign Students: Starting from $8,821 USD per year.

Graduate Tuition Fees:

  • Local Students: Starting from $1,821 USD per year.
  • Foreign Students: Starting from $12,475 USD per year.

Admission Deadlines

  • Application deadline: February 1, 2024
  • Documents deadline: February 16, 2024

For early consideration and potentially receive an offer of admission in March, applicants must apply by December 15, 2023, and submit all required documents by January 10, 2024.
The deadlines for exchange students are as follows:

  • Winter (January – April) admission term:Nomination and application deadline: September 1
  • Spring (May – August) admission term:Nomination and application deadline: January 15

Notable alumni

Mike Lazaridis, a Canadian businessman, investor, and philanthropist, is best known as the co-founder of BlackBerry Limited, a telecommunications and wireless equipment company. Lazaridis is an alumnus of the University of Waterloo, where he earned his degree in electrical engineering in 1984. His strong commitment to the university is evident through his substantial support, which includes multimillion-dollar donations to establish the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo.
Mike Lazaridis
Mike Lazaridis
Vicky Sharpe, a Canadian environmentalist and entrepreneur, attended the University of Waterloo and graduated with a degree in environmental studies in 1975. She is recognized as the founder and former CEO of Sustainable Development Technology Canada, an organization funded by the government that invests in clean technology projects. Sharpe's engagement with the University of Waterloo extends to her role as a member of the university's Board of Governors. She has received numerous awards in acknowledgment of her significant contributions to the environment and clean technology.
Vicky Sharpe
Vicky Sharpe
Kevin O'Leary, a Canadian businessman, investor, TV personality, and author, gained fame through shows like "Shark Tank" and "Dragons' Den." He co-founded O'Leary Funds, holds a net worth of $400 million, and completed his Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Waterloo in 1977. O'Leary is recognized for his direct and assertive investment approach and made a brief foray into Canadian political leadership in 2017.
Kevin O'Leary
Kevin O'Leary