University of Waterloo: Admissions 2025, Fees, Rankings, Scholarships & Courses

Waterloo, OntarioLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1957established year
35156enrollment
AUCC
Public
Partner [3 Courses]
7.8/10

Important Alerts

EventsDates
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Application Deadline For May 2026 Intake
Closing in 30 days
1st Nov 2025
Shahid Mustaq Murshed's profile photo

Shahid Mustaq Murshed

Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated 3+ months ago

What's New in University of Waterloo?

22 July 2025: The University of Waterloo has announced application deadlines for its 2026 undergraduate programs: most programs have a deadline of January 30, 2026, while engineering programs (excluding Architecture) have an earlier deadline of January 15, 2026. Check programs.

The University of Waterloo is a public research university, based in Ontario Canada. It has been ranked as the #1 most innovative university in Canada for 30 years (Maclean’s University Ranking, 2025). Uni Waterloo is currently ranked #97 in THE World University Rankings, 2025. The university has more than 25,000 international students from 120 countries. Currently, 1,233 Indian students study at this university (as of AY 2024-25).

From digital arts, biotechnology, and robotics, to health, data science, and sustainability, Waterloo Uni offers 100+ courses at different study levels. Bachelor of Architecture, BA in Accounting, BSc Computer Science, MS in Data Science & AI, MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering are among the top flagship courses. The University of Waterloo Canada fees range from 26,052 to 77,350 CAD (16.07 to 47.71 lakhs INR) per year, depending on the course.

University of Waterloo is regarded as the #1 university in Canada for the best Co-op programs (Course Compare 2024). If you are in a Co-op program, you can earn between 9,600 to 22,500 CAD (5.92 to 13.88 lakhs INR) per four month Co-op work term (most students have 5 or 6 Co-op work terms). Waterloo graduates possess an overall employment rate of over 90%, earning 67,000 CAD (41.33 lakhs INR) per year. To further ease the financial burden, U of Waterloo offers numerous scholarships to international students, ranging from 10,000 to 80,000 CAD.

Explore: University of Waterloo Reviews and Ratings

university_of_waterloo_campus
University of Waterloo Campus

University of Waterloo Courses and Fees

The University of Waterloo has 13 faculty-based schools, for the following 6 faculties.

  • Arts
  • Engineering
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Math
  • Science

Explore some of the top programs of the University of Waterloo along with its annual tuition fees.

Course Annual Tuition Fees in CAD Application Deadline
Bachelor of Architecture [B.Arch] 73,000 January 31, 2026 (TBC)
Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) 57,000 January 31, 2026 (TBC)
Bachelor of Computer Science [B.C.S] 73,000 January 31, 2026 (TBC)
Master of Architecture [M.Arch] 29,396 January 15, 2026 (TBC)
Master of Arts [M.A] Economics 17,227 February 1, 2026 (TBC)
Master of Engineering [M.Eng] Electrical and Computer Engineering 34,980 February 1, 2026 (TBC)
Master of Mathematics [M.Math] Computer Science 17,227 June 1, 2025 (for admission in January 2026) | October 1, 2025 (for admission in May 2026) | January 15, 2026 (for admission in Sept 2026)
Master of Science [M.S] Data Science and Artificial Intelligence 17,227 July 1, 2025 (for admission in January 2026) | November 1, 2025 (for admission in May 2026) | January 15, 2026 (for admission in Sept 2026)
Master of Science [M.S] Quantitative Finance 19,340 January 15, 2026 (TBC)
Master of Taxation [M.Tax] 16,428 April 1, 2026 (TBC)

University of Waterloo MBA

The University of Waterloo does not offer a traditional MBA program, instead it offers a MBET program (Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology). It can be completed in full-time mode in 1 year and part-time mode in 3 years. The admission requirement for this MBET program is follows:

  • Digital copies of your transcript and degree certificate documents for all formal, post-secondary education you have received
  • Updated CV
  • Reference information - name, title/position and official email address
  • English Language Proficiency scores
  • A 500-word Letter of Intent
  • Permanent Residency (PR) card or record of landing (if required)

University of Waterloo Admissions 2025

The University of Waterloo acceptance rate for international students is around 53%, indicating a moderately competitive admissions process. The university offers only a September intake for first year students. The applications close in January for most of the undergraduate programs, while graduate programs have varying deadlines.

The University of Waterloo application deadline for international students are tabulated below.

Program Application Deadline Document Deadline
Most programs January 31, 2026 February 14, 2026
Engineering programs (excluding Architecture) January 15, 2026 January 31, 2026
Optometry November 14, 2025 November 28, 2025
Pharmacy January 8, 2026 February 5, 2026
Social Work (full-time) December 18, 2025 January 20, 2026
Social Work (part-time) July 7, 2025 August 5, 2025

Note: University of Waterloo application deadline 2025 for undergraduate programs has already passed in January. Few UG programs, like the part-time Social Work program, are currently accepting applications. Hence, the tentative application deadlines for the September 2026 intake are tabulated above.

Also Read: Intakes in Canada


University of Waterloo Requirements for International Students

The University of Waterloo admissions requirements for undergraduate programs are tabulated below.

Particulars Undergraduate Graduate
Application Portal OUAC Application Portal Graduate Studies Application
Application Fee 150 CAD 125 CAD
Academic Requirement 75-90% score in class 12 from CBSE, CISCE, or other State boards Minimum GPA of 3.0 (85%) on a 4.0 scale
English Proficiency Test Scores IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL iBT: 90 IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL iBT: 90
Supporting Documents High School Transcripts, Admission Information Form (AIF), letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume/CV, proof of English proficiency, and a copy of the passport. High School and Graduation Transcripts, Admission Information Form (AIF), recommendation letters, personal statement, resume/CV, proof of English proficiency, passport copy.
Additional Requirement Portfolio or Audition for Architecture, Fine Arts, and Music courses

Know More: Admissions in Canada


University of Waterloo Cost of Attendance

The University of Waterloo estimates the cost of attendance for international students to be around 25,450 to 36,850 CAD per year, which includes accommodation, food, health insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses. Refer to the following breakdown to know more about the cost of living in Canada.

Expense Type Cost Per Month in CAD
Off campus housing (shared), including utilities 950-1,900
Food (groceries) 385
Telephone 106
Entertainment / Recreation 150
Personal care 80
Clothing 132
Laundry 43
Transportation 28
Books and Supplies 247

Read More: University of Waterloo Accommodation


University of Waterloo Scholarships

The University of Waterloo automatically considers you for most of the scholarships, including President’s and Merit scholarships. However, some scholarships require a separate application. More details are tabulated below.

Scholarship Programs or eligibility Value Application Requirement
International Student Entrance Scholarship All programs 20 scholarships valued at 10,000 CAD each No
Faculty of Engineering International Student Entrance Scholarships Programs: Environmental Engineering and Geological Engineering 20,000 CAD (over two years) No
Faculty of Engineering International Student Entrance Scholarships Programs: Architectural, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Management, Nanotechnology, and Systems Design Engineering 10,000 CAD (for first year) No
Faculty of Mathematics Global Scholarships Most programs in the Faculty of Mathematics Up to 10 valued at 12,000 to 40,000 CAD Yes, by February 14, 2025
Faculty of Mathematics International Awards: India Students from India applying to select programs in the Faculty of Mathematics Up to 15 valued at 20,000 to 40,000 CAD Yes, by February 14, 2025
Faculty of Science International Student scholarships Most programs in the Faculty of Science 15 scholarships of 25,000 to 80,000 CAD Yes, by April 4, 2025

Also Read: Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students


University of Waterloo Placements and Graduate Outcomes

The overall employment rate of Waterloo graduates is over 90%. Around 96% of co-op graduates are employed 6 months after graduation and find jobs related to skills they acquired at Waterloo. Benefits of pursuing a Co-op program at Waterloo are:

  • Earn up to 135,000 CAD over the course of your degree.
  • Apply to jobs with over 8,000 employers in 75+ countries.
  • Gain valuable Canadian work experience and build your resume before you even graduate.

Explore some of the top roles that Waterloo graduates acquire, tabulated below.

Job Title Average Annual Salary in CAD
Software Developer 71,943
Software Engineer 76,124
Data Analyst 58,719
Project Engineer 74,136
Mechanical Engineer 64,749
Sr. Software Engineer / Developer / Programmer 93,357
Project Manager 73,763

Know More: Top Professions in Canada in 2025


University of Waterloo Rankings 2025

University of Waterloo QS ranking is #115 in 2025. It is ranked #3 for highest quality among Canada's universities (Maclean's University Rankings 2025). Additionally, Waterloo is #1 university in Canada for startup founders and #21 globally (Pitchbook University Rankings 2024). As per the University of Waterloo QS rankings for sustainability, the standings are as follows:

  • #20th in the world for environmental research
  • #27th in the world for social impact

A 3-year trend of University of Waterloo rankings are tabulated below.

Ranked By 2025 Rank 2024 Rank 2023 Rank
QS #115 #112 #154
THE #163 #158 #201-250
US News and World Reports - #192 #191

With an international student population of over 25,000 and a graduate employment rate exceeding 90%, the University of Waterloo offers strong academic and career outcomes. Ranked #97 in THE 2025 and #115 in QS 2025, it also leads in innovation and Co-op education in Canada. Students can earn up to 135,000 CAD through Co-op programs and access scholarships worth up to 80,000 CAD. For Indian students, with over 1,200 currently enrolled, Waterloo presents a high-return investment in global education.


FAQs

Ques: Is Waterloo difficult to get into?

Ans: The University of Waterloo has an international acceptance rate of around 53%, making it moderately competitive. While admission to programs like Engineering and Computer Science can be more selective, students with strong academic scores (75–90% in Class 12 or a GPA of 3.0/4.0 for PG) and good supporting documents stand a fair chance of getting in.

Ques: Is Waterloo University expensive?

Ans: Yes, the University of Waterloo can be considered expensive. Annual tuition fees range from 26,052 to 77,350 CAD (₹16.07–47.71 lakhs), depending on the program. Additionally, living costs range from 25,450 to 36,850 CAD per year. However, the university offers generous scholarships up to 80,000 CAD, and Co-op students can earn up to 135,000 CAD during their studies, making it a worthwhile investment.

Ques: Is University of Waterloo good for Indian students?

Ans: Absolutely. With over 1,200 Indian students currently enrolled, Waterloo is a preferred destination for Indian applicants. It offers globally ranked programs, especially in engineering, computer science, and data science, strong graduate employability (90%+ employment rate), and Co-op opportunities that provide paid work experience, making it highly beneficial for Indian students seeking both academic and career growth.

Ques: Why is Waterloo University so famous?

Ans: The University of Waterloo is renowned for its world-leading Co-op programs, where students can earn up to 135,000 CAD through paid work terms during their degree. It's consistently ranked the #1 most innovative university in Canada for 30 consecutive years (Maclean’s 2025) and is a global leader in STEM education, particularly in engineering, computer science, and data science. Waterloo also ranks #1 in Canada for startup founders and #21 globally (PitchBook 2024), making it a top choice for aspiring entrepreneurs and tech innovators.

University of Waterloo Program Fees & Deadlines

ProgramImportant DatesFeesApplication FeesEligibilityFinancial Aid
Application Deadline For January 2026 Intake (1st Jul 2025)
Application Deadline For May 2026 Intake (1st Nov 2025)
Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026)
USD 40,241 /Yr
CAD 55,890 /Yr
125TOEFL: 100, IELTS:7.5, PTE: 68
Application Deadline For January 2026 Intake (1st Jun 2025)
Application Deadline For May 2026 Intake (1st Oct 2025)
Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake (1st Dec 2025)
USD 22,164 /Yr
CAD 30,784 /Yr
125TOEFL: 93, IELTS:6.5, PTE: 63
BArch
4 years
Application Deadline For 2026 Intake (30th Jan 2026)
Document Submission Deadline For 2026 Intake (13th Feb 2026)
USD 52,560 /Yr
CAD 73,000 /Yr
156IELTS:6.5, TOEFL: 90, PTE: 63, Duolingo: 125
Application Deadline For 2026 Intake (30th Jan 2026)
Document Submission Deadline For 2026 Intake (13th Feb 2026)
USD 41,040 /Yr
CAD 57,000 /Yr
156IELTS:6.5, TOEFL: 90, PTE: 63, Duolingo: 125
Application Deadline For January 2026 Intake (1st Jun 2025)
Application Deadline For May 2026 Intake (1st Oct 2025)
Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake (1st Dec 2025)
USD 34,089 /Yr
CAD 47,346 /Yr
125TOEFL: 80, IELTS:6.5, PTE: 60
Pharm.D
4 years
Application Deadline For 2026 Intake (8th Jan 2026)
USD 16,623 /Yr
CAD 23,088 /Yr
12575%, IELTS 7.0 , TOEFL 90
-
Application Deadline For 2026 Intake (30th Jan 2026)
Document Submission Deadline For 2026 Intake (13th Feb 2026)
USD 37,440 /Yr
CAD 52,000 /Yr
-Duolingo-125
-
BCS
5 years
Application Deadline For 2026 Intake (30th Jan 2026)
Document Submission Deadline For 2026 Intake (13th Feb 2026)
USD 52,560 /Yr
CAD 73,000 /Yr
156IELTS:6.5, TOEFL: 90, PTE: 63, Duolingo: 125
Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026)
USD 19,552 /Yr
CAD 27,156 /Yr
12575%, IELTS 7.0 , TOEFL 90
Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake (1st Feb 2026)
USD 16,623 /Yr
CAD 23,088 /Yr
125-

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Top Recommended Courses


Master of Science [MS] Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

1 year
Co Op, On Campus
English
Part Time
Ranked #34 out of 103 by QS Global Ranking 2025
Exam Scores: TOEFL100|IELTS7.5
Important Date: 01 Nov, 2025
Entry Requirement: TOEFL: 100, IELTS:7.5, PTE: 68
USD 40,241 /YrCAD 55,890 /Yr
44 Students Applied
17 Students Admitted

Master of Mathematics [MMath] Computer Science

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL93|IELTS6.5|PTE63
Important Date: 01 Dec, 2025
Entry Requirement: TOEFL: 93, IELTS:6.5, PTE: 63
USD 22,164 /YrCAD 30,784 /Yr
232 Students Applied
49 Students Admitted

Do you think the fees are wrong ?  Report Here

M.I.M(1 year)
English
Full Time
USD 34,089 - 49,410 /YrCAD 47,346 - 68,625 /Yr
Available Courses
Exams Score
TOEFL90|IELTS7.0|PTE63

M.S(1 year - 16 months)
English
Part Time
USD 16,623 - 54,072 /YrCAD 23,088 - 75,100 /Yr
Available Courses
Exams Score
TOEFL100|IELTS7.5
Important Date
01 Nov, 2025
103 Students Applied
57 Students Admitted

B.Arch(4 years)
English
Full Time
USD 52,560 /YrCAD 73,000 /Yr
Available Course
Exams Score
TOEFL90|IELTS6.5|PTE63
Important Date
30 Jan, 2026

M.Eng(16 months)
English
Full Time
USD 34,089 /YrCAD 47,346 /Yr
Available Course
Exams Score
TOEFL80|IELTS6.5|PTE60
Important Date
01 Dec, 2025
43 Students Applied
24 Students Admitted

M.Arch(2 years)
English
Full Time
USD 28,421 /YrCAD 39,474 /Yr
Available Course
Exams Score
TOEFL100|IELTS7.5|PTE68
Important Date
15 Jan, 2026
3 Students Applied

B.C.S(5 years)
English
Full Time
USD 52,560 /YrCAD 73,000 /Yr
Available Course
Exams Score
TOEFL90|IELTS6.5|PTE63
Important Date
30 Jan, 2026

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University of Waterloo comparison

University NameUniversity of WaterlooWestern UniversityYork UniversityThe University of British ColumbiaUniversity of GuelphUniversity of OttawaMcMaster UniversityUniversity of CalgarySimon Fraser UniversityToronto Metropolitan UniversityQueen's UniversityUniversity of WindsorUniversity of AlbertaUniversity of TorontoWilfrid Laurier UniversityMassachusetts Institute of Technology
Collegedunia Score5.3 Out of 105 Out of 104.3 Out of 106.7 Out of 104.2 Out of 104.7 Out of 105.5 Out of 105.4 Out of 104.8 Out of 104.1 Out of 105 Out of 104.1 Out of 105.7 Out of 107.4 Out of 104.1 Out of 109 Out of 10
Overall Ranking
  • #119 QS World University 2026
  • #115 QS World University 2025
  • #163 Times Higher Education 2025
  • #151 QS World University 2026
  • #120 QS World University 2025
  • #185 Center for World University Rankings 2025
  • #333 QS World University 2026
  • #362 QS World University 2025
  • #401 Times Higher Education 2025
  • #40 QS World University 2026
  • #38 QS World University 2025
  • #41 Times Higher Education 2025
  • #504 QS World University 2026
  • #401 Times Higher Education 2025
  • #456 QS World University 2025
  • #219 QS World University 2026
  • #189 QS World University 2025
  • #191 Times Higher Education 2025
  • #173 QS World University 2026
  • #116 Times Higher Education 2025
  • #176 QS World University 2025
  • #211 QS World University 2026
  • #198 QS World University 2025
  • #201 Times Higher Education 2025
  • #308 QS World University 2026
  • #301 Times Higher Education 2025
  • #319 QS World University 2025
  • #711 QS World University 2026
  • #601 Times Higher Education 2025
  • #801 QS World University 2025
  • #191 QS World University 2026
  • #193 QS World University 2025
  • #301 Times Higher Education 2025
  • #546 QS World University 2026
  • #501 Times Higher Education 2025
  • #547 QS World University 2025
  • #94 QS World University 2026
  • #81 Center for World University Rankings 2025
  • #96 QS World University 2025
  • #29 QS World University 2026
  • #21 Times Higher Education 2025
  • #23 Center for World University Rankings 2025
  • #801 Times Higher Education 2025
  • #1291 Center for World University Rankings 2025
  • #1310 US News 2024
  • #1 QS World University 2026
  • #1 QS World University 2025
  • #2 Times Higher Education 2025
Subject Strength
  • #47 for Engineering by QS World University 2025
  • #34 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025
  • #251 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
  • #176 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
  • #201 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
  • #151 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025
  • #501 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
  • #551 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
  • #63 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025
  • #31 for Engineering by QS World University 2025
  • #23 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025
  • #38 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
  • #301 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
  • #551 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
  • #273 for Engineering by QS World University 2025
  • #124 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
  • #69 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025
  • #176 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
  • #41 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
  • #176 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
  • #132 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
  • #201 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025
  • #301 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
  • #451 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
  • #301 for Law by QS World University 2025
  • #401 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
  • #701 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
  • #201 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025
  • #207 for Engineering by QS World University 2025
  • #197 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
  • #101 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025
  • #301 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
  • #601 for Law by Times Higher Education 2023
  • #88 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
  • #86 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
  • #126 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025
  • #17 for Engineering by QS World University 2025
  • #10 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025
  • #14 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
-
  • #1 for Engineering by QS World University 2025
  • #1 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025
  • #11 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
Programs
  • UG Programs- 45
  • PG Programs - 33
  • Doctorate Programs -5
  • UG Programs- 42
  • PG Programs - 43
  • Doctorate Programs -13
  • UG Programs- 59
  • PG Programs - 41
  • Doctorate Programs -6
  • UG Programs- 79
  • PG Programs - 101
  • Doctorate Programs -3
  • UG Programs- 44
  • PG Programs - 33
  • Doctorate Programs -8
  • UG Programs- 67
  • PG Programs - 53
  • Doctorate Programs -11
  • UG Programs- 69
  • PG Programs - 48
  • Doctorate Programs -6
  • UG Programs- 63
  • PG Programs - 62
  • Doctorate Programs -10
  • UG Programs- 51
  • PG Programs - 32
  • Doctorate Programs -13
  • UG Programs- 44
  • PG Programs - 28
  • Doctorate Programs -5
  • UG Programs- 48
  • PG Programs - 62
  • Doctorate Programs -10
  • UG Programs- 45
  • PG Programs - 40
  • Doctorate Programs -7
  • UG Programs- 67
  • PG Programs - 63
  • Doctorate Programs -8
  • UG Programs- 80
  • PG Programs - 93
  • Doctorate Programs -7
  • UG Programs- 58
  • PG Programs - 22
  • Doctorate Programs -12
  • UG Programs- 47
  • PG Programs - 38
  • Doctorate Programs -29
Acceptance Rate53.0 %58.0 %27.0 %54.0 %66.0 %80.0 %59.0 %15.0 %59.0 %80.0 %42.0 %65.0 %58.0 %43.0 %89.0 %1.9 %
Exam Score
Cost to Study
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 47520 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 8488.8 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 14819.76 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 18103.68 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 1144.8 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 23616 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 17899.92 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 7223.76 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 28008 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 33332.4 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 6840 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 21348 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 21001.68 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 7384.32 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 20354.4 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 31180.32 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 13753.44 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 37757.52 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 38188.8 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 12309.12 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 22471.2 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 11982.24 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 9637.92 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 15798.96 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 15865.2 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 3946.32 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 5104.8 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 27689.04 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 21087.36 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 28648.08 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 13122 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 7403.76 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 13881.6 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 27540 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 12417.12 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 8342.64 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 15930 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 7212.24 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 11232 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 32843.52 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 21686.4 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 43650.72 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 13672.8 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 7436.16 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 6021.36 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 22317.12 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 22316.4 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 23241.6 Per Year
-Read Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full Comparison

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University of Waterloo Ranking

2026202520242023202220212020201920182017

QS World University logo

Overall 119 out of 1401 in Global Ranking

#5 out of 30 in Canada 2026

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University of Waterloo Ratings

Based on 57 Students Rating

7.8 out of 10
9.0/10Academic
7.8/10Accommodation
8.7/10Faculty
8.9/10Infrastructure
8.6/10Placement
7.8/10Social Life

University of Waterloo Reviews


StreamDegree TypeStudent StatusNationalityBatchCourse
Sort By :
Newest First

Engineering (12)
Sciences (12)
Computer Science and Engineering (10)
Electrical and Electronics Engineering (9)
Mathematics (6)
Arts (4)
Computer Science (3)
Accounting (2)
Actuarial Science (2)
Business (2)
Economics (2)
Finance (2)
Nursing (2)
Architecture (1)
Biology (1)
Entrepreneurship (1)
Technology (1)
Mechanical Engineering (1)
Psychology (1)
Robotics (1)
Statistics (1)
Software Engineering (1)
Health Care (1)
Campus (20)
Waterloo (13)
Research (10)
Science (10)
Tuition Fee (8)
Course Curriculum (7)
Exam Structure (7)
Co Op Program (5)
Entrance Scholarship (3)
Room Cost (3)
Faculty Member (2)
High School (2)
Meal Plan (2)
Work Experience (2)
Test Score (1)

57 Reviews Found

Campus Life

10

  • The University was covered within 1000 acres of land. There were separate departments; my building name was E7, which means engineering 7. There are two major libraries and PAC , which is our sports facility. There are other activities available in the Student life centre.
  • The major campus festival is St Patrick's Day. You can participate in different activities happening but it depends upon your department. we were allowed to participate mostly in pitch competitions or sports-related activities.

Fees

  • The fee was divided into 3 semesters; you can pay accordingly as you like. Overall, it was somewhere around CAD 67,000 for the whole course; it included tuition, miscellaneous , insurance, etc.
  • The monthly expense to stay in Waterloo is somewhere around CAD 1200-1300 per month. Rent costs are between CAD 800 and 900 per month; transportation for the 1st year is free, as it is covered in your fees.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 6/10
placement: 8/10
extracurricular: 10/10

Campus Life

10

  • 2 Campuses, one the major one in Waterloo and the second one in Kitchener (pharmacy).
  • 2 sports complexes, 1 baseball field, 1 American football field, 1 soccer field, and 1 olympic swimming pool. 2 big library buildings, 1 hospital.
  • Engineering Day usually happens on the day when the university was established. Indian clubs also organise Diwali and Ganesh festivals on the university campus.
  • There are over 50 student clubs; some target academics and some focus on extracurricular activities like running, trekking, badminton, basketball, etc. there are also some religious and cultural societies like Hindu Society of UW, English club, etc.

Fees

  • For me, the total tuition fee charged for the 4 semesters i took was 56,000 CAD (3 full-time semesters and 1 part-time semester). Flexibility here is that you can complete a master's in 3 semesters as well then your fee would be 48,000 CAD. Per semester fee for me was 16,000 CAD. I didn't take a hostel since it was tough to get into, but for hostels, it's 3200 to 4000 CAD per semester (4 months), depending on the locality of the hostel. The tuition fee includes all amenities like sports, gym, laboratory, library, etc.
  • Fee payment was semester-wise but it's flexible here; you can pre-pay the tuition and the system automatically deducts the fee.
  • Monthly expenses, including rent and groceries, will range from 1000 to 1500 CAD per month. rent in Waterloo ranges from 600 to 1000 CAD, from shared space to a private room in an apartment. Transportation was included in the tuition fee. Rest 400-500 CAD are regular expenses which include groceries and food.

academic: 10/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 10/10
extracurricular: 8/10

Campus Life

10

  • My University has only one campus.
  • All kinds of facilities are available on campus: Libraries, Sports, Gym, Medical Services, Clubs, Food Places and many more.
  • Major clubs at my campus for academics are Data Science club and the UW Reality Labs, for dance are UW Hip Hop and UW Dhamaka, for sports there's a club for every sport.
  • Major festival that Waterloo celebrates the best (so much that everyone from other universities nearby come here for it) is St Patty's / St Patrick's Day. There's also a carnival held every Fall which everyone looks forward to.

Fees

  • The fees is charged semester-wise. For computer Science, in first year my tuition fees was 33000 per semester but now it is 34000. They add additional expenses to that which comes up to 1000-2000 for insurance or co-op fee, it depends on the term. Then if your living on campus, they residences cost around 4000 per term, there are several residences to choose and all of them have different prices. Some residences require you to buy a meal plan while some don't, they cost around 3000 - 3200. But you mostly move out of University after first year and live outside. But since there is a housing crisis, the rent per month usually costs around 800-1200 CAD depends on the place, and If u cook then it should cost you more than 500 per month.
  • If you eat out a lot, then it can cost you anywhere between 800-1000 per month. For other activities, they usually come up to another 100-200 if you like having going out and having fun a lot. Sometimes the clubs at university do take some membership fees, which is pretty small about 2-10 dollars depends on the club. the transportation (bus and metro fees) is included in your main fee structure, and you can use ur Waterloo ID to go anywhere in Waterloo unlimited using public buses and metro. So I estimate my monthly expenses to be around 1650 including rent, food, and other activities. (All numbers are in CAD)

academic: 8/10
faculty: 8/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 10/10
placement: 10/10
extracurricular: 10/10

Campus Life

10

  • We have one big campus in the city. Multiple buildings around the city.
  • We also have a ring road which encloses almost all the buildings. University housing is also close by, but mostly reserved for undergrad and phd students.
  • We have a building called SLC (student life centre) where we can get into lots of clubs, sport teams other cultural activities. If we have any question, we can just go to SLC and find them. Lots of options to buy food around the campus too.

Fees

  • - Fees is paid per semester. Its not per course like other universities.
    We can do as many courses as we can for the same fee. 2-4 i the max no.of courses students do. There is an option to switch to part-time for the last term and reduce the fee by half. I did 4 courses in one semester to reduce the load in last term and converted to part-time (this would still count as a FT term)
    - 16,500 CAD per semester
    - Avg. monthly expenses:
    Rent: 800
    Groceries: 200
    Transportation: Usually free with student card from university, other wise 50/month

academic: 10/10
faculty: 8/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 10/10
extracurricular: 8/10

JR
7.5 /10

Overview

I chose this university because of rigorous academic abilities, similar culture, friends attending, good co-op program. Overall, I’m really glad I chose to attend the University of Waterloo. The academic culture pushes you to succeed, and many people are very supportive and helpful. It’s a nice city that doesn’t have too many distractions.

Campus Life

6

The university tries to get students involved in campus life and events, which is pretty nice. There are also over 100 clubs.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 7/10
infrastructure: 6/10
accomodation: 7/10
placement: 8/10
extracurricular: 9/10

AR
8.5 /10

Overview

I wanted to do an MBA but needed more experience. This University offered a similar course in Engineering. With its high industry connections, it provided quality co-op programs that enabled me to secure a job. The overall experience is good. Connections are the major advantage of University of Waterloo. It has its very own reputation across the world. The fees, however, is insane.

Campus Life

10

There are a bunch of extracurricular activities. The university has almost every sport, 2 vast gyms, and a pool. You can get into various clubs including Data Science Clubs, Language clubs, International clubs, and Dance and Music clubs.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 8/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 9/10
extracurricular: 8/10

AM
7.5 /10

Overview

I chose this university because of one of the main factor which is their coop program (one term study, next term internship, and so on). This gives me a lot of practical work experience. My overall experience at the University of Waterloo has been great. The students are mostly smart and helpful and make for good study partners. There is a lot of help available for those who require it, and the campus culture is good.

Campus Life

7

There are plenty of clubs to choose from (specifically for Indian students - Bollywood dance club, Bollywood music club, Bhangra club) Extracurriculars are not that great, but for leisure, they are good.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 8/10
infrastructure: 7/10
accomodation: 7/10
placement: 9/10
extracurricular: 6/10

Overview

Campus life at the University is vibrant and diverse offering a rich tapestry of experiences both inside & outside the classroom. The university boasts modern and well-equipped infrastructure, including lecture halls, research facilities, and libraries that cater to our academic needs. The campus buzzes with a lot of events and extracurricular activities throughout the year. These range from cultural festivals and arts performances to sports competitions and social gatherings, ensuring there's something for everyone to participate in and enjoy.

Campus Life

9

Campus life is good, we have limited resources for the library, WIFI is there, Sports facilities are also there, and yes the research facility is good. Overall everything was good.

academic: 9/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 9/10
accomodation: 9/10
placement: 9/10
extracurricular: 9/10

AK

Overview

I chose University of Waterloo for its Computer Science faculty, being the best in North America. I also received offer from my desired program (Masters with thesis), as I wanted to delve deeper into research. University of Waterloo is also reputable in the industry as it produces bright technological savvy minds, and I aspired to be one. Life at UW will be memorable if you know how to balance fun and studies together. The town of Waterloo is a student friendly place, affordable food options, and parks nearby, mostly, everything is at a walking distance from campus, if not our bus ride is also free in Waterloo.

Campus Life

10

University of Waterloo also has many extracurricular activities spanning sports, dance, music and recreational activities, so I recall from my time at UW, I have attended sporting events, salsa-bachata, bhangra, Kpop dance sessions, in addition to doing stress busting activities like pot painting and Christmas card making. So, it's not just all study but UW community gives you a platform for going beyond books as well.

academic: 10/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 6/10
placement: 9/10
extracurricular: 10/10

BC
9.3 /10

Overview

I chose this university as the coop program was a plus since it helps to gain relevant Canadian experience and helps in recovering some fees. Overall the experience is good, it's what you make of it. There is a lot to learn, experiences to have. This degree can change the way you think.

Campus Life

10

Very vibrant no second thoughts here. There will be no complaints in terms of how dynamic the life is here even apart from the academics.

academic: 10/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 9/10
placement: 7/10
extracurricular: 10/10

University of Waterloo Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Sandford Fleming Foundation Award for Academic ExcellenceScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeCollege-Specific
Brian Le Lievre ScholarshipScholarship per student$2,500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeCollege-Specific
Accenture Award-University of WaterlooScholarship per student$2,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeCollege-Specific
Alan Plumtree Graduate Scholarship in Mechanical & Mechatronics EngineeringScholarship per student$14,544Level Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based
K.C. Lee Computer Science ScholarshipScholarship per student$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeCollege-Specific
Cecil and Edna Cotton ScholarshipScholarship per student$1,818Level Of StudyBachelorTypeCollege-Specific

View All 28 Scholarships

Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ?  Report Here

FAQs


Ques. What percentage is required for an Indian student to get an easy admission to the University of Waterloo?

● Top Answer By Nikita Pathak on 11 Jan 21

Ans. Since Waterloo is one of Canada's as well as world's best universities, there is no easy way getting admitted here. Waterloo’s admission averages range from low 80s to mid-90s . These can vary depending on the number of applications received as well as the number of spaces available in each program. You should already assume that the grades of students who apply will be generally very good. Your requirements will also differ with your nationality or where you’ve studied previously. But most importantly, you should know that grades alone won’t get you inside Waterloo as they take a good look at many other things. Thus, there are some aspects to work on if you're an Indian student wishing to study here: Grades: At Least a minimum of 90% in grade 10 and grade 12 exams. (High school and Intermediate) First or Second Division standing in one of the following. All India Senior School Certificate awarded by CBSE. Indian School Certificate awarded by CISCE. Other pre-university certificate awarded after 12 years of academic studies. English proficiency: Very important to have an IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL iBT score of 90. Admission Information Form: You will need to write an exceptional AIF. This questionnaire gives you a great chance to display everything about you that makes you unique. You can share your extracurricular activities, work experience, volunteering activities and other initiatives.  Euclid Mathematics Contest: Strongly recommended to write the Euclid Mathematics Contest and/or the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest. Results of the contests will be used in scholarship decisions and possibly admission decisions for programs in the Faculty of Mathematics. Additional Factors: An online video interview may be needed, which allows the university to virtually meet you and get a sense of who you are and get a better idea of you. These are the general requirements. Please note that some programs will have different criteria depending on the competition, degree type and program specification. There will not be one way to prepare for your application as the university looks at your whole profile and then takes a decision.Read more

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Ques. What is the average GRE for people getting into MSCS of University of Waterloo?

● Top Answer By Nabiha Abidi on 11 Jan 21

Ans. While GRE is an important factor in MS Computer Science admissions at Cheriton School of Computer Science, there is not a defined cut off. This is because the University of Waterloo accepts or rejects a candidate on the basis of their overall profile. So you should simply not rely only on your strong GRE score as this doesn’t guarantee you admission. This being said, a high GPA, strong academic background with a good GRE score increases your chances of getting admitted.  On an average, it will not be wrong to claim that 75th GRE score percentile is a good GRE score . In simpler words, 161 or higher in GRE quant and 157 or higher in GRE verbal will be a good score. Lower than this will make enrollment in a top University like Waterloo much difficult. The score of GRE quant and GRE verbal contributes towards the overall GRE score, so it recommended to aim for 75 percentile or higher in quant and 60+ percentile in verbal. The competition will be higher since this is a very sought-after subject. If you're from India then the competition is even higher as there are so many talented students applying. So assuming your high GPA, it's better if you do better in Quant as compared to Verbal. This is because the subject of computer science is more oriented towards quant.Read more

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Ques. I have received an admit from University of Waterloo and Concordia University for biological sciences. Which one should I choose?

● Top Answer By Advaith Bhaskar on 20 May 23

Ans. Both the University of Waterloo and Concordia University have excellent programs in biological sciences. It ultimately boils down to which university aligns better with your goals and preferences. To make a better decision you can consider parameters like location, campus culture, available resources and opportunities, and the specific strengths of each program. University of Waterloo The University of Waterloo is located in Waterloo, Ontario It is known for its strong emphasis on technology and innovation. It has a diverse range of research opportunities and a large number of co-op programs available to students. Concordia University It is located in Montreal, Quebec. It has a reputation for its strong focus on interdisciplinary research and student-centered approach. It also offers a wide range of research opportunities and is known for its commitment to sustainability and social justice. My suggestion to you would be to choose the University Of Waterloo over Concordia because it has better scope and facilities for Biological sciences when compared to Concordia University.  It’s better to research the specific areas of biological sciences that interest you and compare the research and course offerings at each university. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with your personal values and goals. Both universities have a lot to offer, so it's important to take your time and make an informed decision.Read more

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University of Waterloo Admissions

Application Portal: https://www.ouac.on.ca/

  • Undergraduate Deadlines

    Important Date: February1 (Application deadline)

UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO ADMISSIONS

What's New in University of Waterloo?

22 July 2025: The University of Waterloo has announced application deadlines for its 2026 undergraduate programs: most programs have a deadline of January 30, 2026, while engineering programs (excluding Architecture) have an earlier deadline of January 15, 2026. Check programs.

Applications need to meet the minimum eligibility requirements of the university as well as that of the specific course. The admission requirements at the university for Indian students, as per the level of study, is mentioned below:

Bachelor Level Requirements:

For undergraduate courses, the academic score of students in class 10, class 11, and class 12 are evaluated. Some of the other admission requirements entails:

  • First or Second division in Class 12.
  • Subject-specific academic score
  • IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or above with a minimum sectional score of 6.5 in Writing and Speaking
    • TOEFL-IBT score of 90 with minimum 25 in Writing and Speaking section
    • PTE Academic Score of 63 or better; minimum 65 in Writing and Speaking
  • Academic letters of recommendation
  • Personal essays

Masters Level Requirements: 

  • Minimum 75% in pervious 4-year bachelors program 
  • IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or equivalent TOEFL-iBT score of 90
  • Writing Sample (program specific)
  • GRE/GMAT score
  • Resume letter
  • Academic and/or professional references
  • Sponsorship card (if applicable)

University of Waterloo Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Graduate
GMAT550---
GRE313.4---
Language Proficiency
IELTS6.56.5--
Check Detailed Score
Writing-6.5--
Speaking-6.5--
Reading-6--
Listening-6--
PTE6363--
TOEFL9090120-
Check Detailed Score
Writing-25--
Speaking-25--

Attendance Cost

$18,757

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$54,904 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$18,757 / Year
On Campus
Single Room
$2,951 / Year
Interconnecting Room
$2,817 / Year
Double Room
$2,647 / Year
Residence Meal Plan Allowance (Lite)
$1,991 / Year
Residence Meal Plan Allowance (Average)
$2,135 / Year
Residence Meal Plan Allowance (Hearty)
$2,279 / Year

University of Waterloo Campuses, Schools & Faculties

University of Waterloo Accreditations

Institutional accreditations
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
Program wise accreditation
Architecture Programs
Canadian Architectural Certification Board
Engineering Programs
Engineers Canada
Chemistry Programs
Canadian Society for Chemistry
Programs
Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario
Programs
Canada's Association of I.T. Professionals

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
2013---

University of Waterloo Campus Location


+1-519-888-4567
Telephone
200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1
Address

Nearby This Campus

  • Book Store
  • Bus Station
  • Shopping Mall
  • Restaurant
  • Airport
  • Train Station

Book Store

Feds Used Books0.06 km
Laurier Bookstore1.26 km
Old Goat Books1.76 km
Carry-On Comics & Books1.92 km
Show More

Shopping Mall

University Shops Plaza0.54 km
Westmount Place1.31 km
University Commons1.64 km
Bridgeport Plaza2.39 km
Show More

Airport

Kitchener Helipad3.95 km

Bus Station

University Of Waterloo Station0.16 km
University of Waterloo0.18 km
Ring Rd. / U.W. - University Club0.26 km
Columbia / University Of Waterloo0.27 km
Show More

Restaurant

King Tin Restaurant1.66 km
Burrito Boyz Waterloo1.70 km
Huether Hotel1.85 km
East Side Mario's Waterloo (King)2.28 km
Show More

Train Station

Kitchener Train Station4.56 km

● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary

Comments


Found 38 Comments

K
kriti
Dec 6, 2024 11:43
Should I opt forfall or winter intake, and what steps should I take now.
D
diana mandizvidza
Sep 19, 2024 18:53
I want to apply for masters as an international student on a fully funded visa and scholarship. How do l go about it. I am kindly looking forward to your assistance.
P
Piyush Punyani
Sep 20, 2024 12:31

Scholarship amounts vary by program or department, but it's possible to secure a full-ride scholarship. The Faculty of Science offers 15 International Student Scholarships, each worth up to CAD $80,000, which can cover a significant portion of your expenses. You can check more about University of Waterloo scholarships here

A
agbamuche nkem phoebe
Aug 23, 2024 13:54
Can I go for master degree with a graduate diploma?
A
Arman Mulla
Aug 27, 2024 20:16

A graduate diploma alone may not qualify you for a master’s degree at the University of Waterloo; typically, a bachelor’s degree is required.

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