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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Waterloo Bachelor of Computer Science Fees, Requirement, Application, Deadline 2026.

Waterloo, OntarioLocation

UniversitySchool type

Estd1957established year

42000enrollment

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Bachelor of Computer Science [BCS]

STEM Course

5 years

Full Time

Co Op & On Campus

Field of Study:

Computer Science

7.8 1 Review | Ranked #47 out of 370 by Collegedunia Study Abroad Global Ranking 2026

$48,436 /Yr

CA$69,194 /Yr

Parul Bhardwaj

Education Content Writer | Updated on - Jun 18, 2026

University of Waterloo's Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) is a 4-5 year undergraduate degree in Canada. International tuition costs $73,000 (₹51.19 Lakhs) annually. Intakes begin each September. The programme trains software engineers, data scientists, and systems architects. Co-op and regular options are available. With the co-op option, the program runs alternatively between course classes and paid work every 4 months. At the end of the program, a total of 2 years of paid work experience will be gained.

Waterloo’s David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science operates Canada’s largest co-operative education program. The co-op experience provides C$9,600 to C$22,800 per four-month term (INR 6.73 Lakhs to INR 15.99 Lakhs). This earnings potential offsets tuition substantially. With co-op, the total program duration is 5 years; without co-op, the total duration is 4 years, with summer breaks each year.

Ranked #43 globally in THE subject rankings and #27 in QS Rankings for Computer Science.
Paid work terms reduce the net five-year cost through co-op earnings.

Current Admission Status

Applications for the September 2026 intake are closed. For September 2027 intake:

Applications Open: Mid-September 2026 via the OUAC Portal.
Estimated Application Deadline: 30 January 2027.
Estimated Document Deadline: Mid-February 2027

Also Check: University of Waterloo Computer Science Admission

University of Waterloo Bachelor of Computer Science Fees 2026

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students vary by program. Annual tuition fees, along with incidental fees, are $73,000 (₹51.19 Lakhs). Incidental fees cover campus amenities and city transport fees. During co-op, students do not have to pay tuition fees, but a co-op program fee of C$836 (₹58,620) per term.

Tuition covers two four-month terms (a total of eight months of study) per academic year.
Health insurance through UHIP is compulsory for all international students from day one.

Cost Component	Amount (CAD)	Amount (INR)
Annual Tuition	$73,000	₹51.19 Lakhs
Application Fee	C$150	₹10,518
Health Insurance (UHIP)	C$684 to C$756	₹47,962–₹53,010
Co-op Fee (if enrolled)	C$836	INR 58,620

Source: University of Waterloo official fee schedules (Fall 2026). All INR conversions use a conversion rate of C$ 1 = INR 70.12 as of May 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.

Cost of Living in Waterloo for Computer Science Students

This program is taught at the main Waterloo campus. Waterloo is a mid-sized university town in Ontario. Monthly living expenses for international students range from C$1,550–C$2,200+ (₹1.08–₹1.54 Lakhs).

Expense Category	Monthly (CAD)	Monthly (INR)
Rent (shared accommodation)	C$1,000–C$1,400+	₹70,120–₹98,168+
Food and groceries	C$300-400	₹21,036–₹28,048
Utilities and phone	C$100-150	₹7,012–₹10,518
Personal and miscellaneous	C$150-250	₹10,518–₹17,530
Total Monthly Living	C$1,550–C$2,200+	₹1.08–₹1.54 Lakhs
Total Annual Living	C$18,600–C$26,400+	₹13.04–₹18.55 Lakhs+

University of Waterloo Bachelor of Computer Science Admission

The programme accepts students for a September intake each year. International students must meet academic eligibility alongside English language requirements.

Requirement	Details
High School Graduation	Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent (10+2 for Indian students). A minimum cumulative average of 90% is typical for Computer Science admission.
Academic Subjects	Mathematics at an advanced level is mandatory. Grades in these subjects carry a higher weight.
Intake Schedule	September intake only. Applications for Fall 2026 are closed.
Domestic vs International	International students compete in a separate pool. Admission chances are lower than domestic applicants. Expect approximately 5% acceptance for Indian nationals.

The University of Waterloo ranks #119 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. For context, Waterloo competes with University of Toronto and UBC as Canada’s leading research universities.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements

All international students must demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests. Waterloo accepts TOEFL, IELTS, and other recognized examinations.

TOEFL iBT: Minimum overall score of 90, with writing and speaking having a minimum of 25.
IELTS Academic: Overall band of 6.5 with no individual band below 6.5 in writing and speaking sections.
Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 120 accepted as an alternative.
Indian applicants typically require three to four months of TOEFL preparation to reach Waterloo’s thresholds.

Tip for Indian students: Mathematics contests (Euclid, CSMC) strengthen your application significantly. Waterloo encourages their participation.

Check Out: Admission Requirements for International Students in Canada

University of Waterloo Bachelor of Computer Science Application 2026

The application cycle for the Fall 2027 intake opens in September 2026 through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC). A dedicated application fee of $150 is required for Waterloo specifically.

Applications Open: Mid-September 2026 via the OUAC Portal.
Estimated Application Deadline: 30 January 2027.
Estimated Document Deadline: Mid-February 2027
Submit official transcripts from your school directly to Waterloo if available.
English language test results must be submitted by the document deadline.

Milestone	Deadline	Status
Application Submission	30 January 2027	Closed for Fall 2027
Document Submission	Mid- February 2027	All supporting files required
Admission Decisions	Expected April to June 2026	NA

Read More: Intakes in Canada

University of Waterloo Bachelor of Computer Science Scholarships

Waterloo awards merit-based scholarships to eligible international applicants. Faculty of Mathematics scholarships (which includes Computer Science) are among the highest value. Faculty of Mathematics scholarships are merit-based and do not require a separate application.

Scholarship Name	Award Amount (CAD)	Award Amount (INR)	Eligibility	Application Required
International Student Entrance Scholarship (General)	C$10,000	INR 7.01 Lakhs	All eligible international undergraduates	Automatic
Faculty of Mathematics Global Scholarships	C$12,000 to C$40,000	INR 8.41 Lakhs to INR 28.05 Lakhs	Mathematics faculty students with strong admission grades	No
Faculty of Mathematics India-Specific Award	C$20,000 to C$40,000	INR 14.02 Lakhs to INR 28.05 Lakhs	Indian nationals in select Math programmes	No (up to 15 awards)

Scholarship reality: Combined entrance scholarship and co-op earnings can make a four-year degree affordable without additional loans.

Also Check: University of Waterloo Scholarships for International Students

University of Waterloo Bachelor of Computer Science Salary

Graduates of Waterloo’s BCS programme secure positions in software development, machine learning, cloud architecture, and data engineering. Starting salaries reflect the high demand for Canadian computer science graduates. Take-home salary varies based on federal and Ontario provincial tax brackets. A graduate earning C$80,000 (₹56.10 Lakhs) takes home approximately C$58,000 (₹40.67 Lakhs) after tax and Canada Pension Plan contributions (CPP).

Waterloo graduates are actively recruited by Canadian tech companies (Google, Microsoft, Amazon, RBC).
Co-op experience directly translates to job offers; 60-70% of co-op employers make permanent offers.
Salaries for graduates in US tech hubs (California, New York) are 20-30% higher but require sponsorship.

Career Role	Average Starting Salary (CAD)	Average Starting Salary (INR)	Geographic Focus
Software Engineer	C$95,000 to C$125,000+	₹66.61 Lakhs to ₹87.65 Lakhs+	Toronto, Vancouver, Waterloo tech hubs
Data Engineer / Analyst	C$65,000 to C$85,000	INR 45.58 Lakhs to INR 59.60 Lakhs	Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver
Cloud Solutions Architect	C$75,000 to C$100,000	INR 52.59 Lakhs to INR 70.12 Lakhs	Major cities and remote
Machine Learning Engineer	C$80,000 to C$110,000	INR 56.10 Lakhs to INR 77.13 Lakhs	Toronto (AI hub), Vancouver

Source: Graduate Employment Survey, University of Waterloo (2024-2025).

Canada Visa for Bachelor of Computer Science Students

International students in Canada hold study permits valid for the duration of their program. After graduation, a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows full-time employment without employer sponsorship.

Study permit: Valid for four to five years, depending on your program length (regular or co-op).
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Available for up to 3 years for BCS graduates, allowing any Canadian employer to hire you directly.
Express Entry: After one year of Canadian work experience, apply for permanent residence through Express Entry with expected processing in six months.

Visa reality: The PGWP-to-PR pathway is fastest for computer science graduates in Canada.

Also Check: Canada Study Permit and Visa for Indian Students

University of Waterloo Bachelor of Computer Science Ranking 2026

Computer Science at the University of Waterloo holds strong subject-level rankings from leading evaluation agencies. These scores reflect the quality of faculty, research output, and graduate employability.

Ranking Body	2026 Subject Rank (Computer Science)	Key Strength Measured
QS World University Rankings by Subject	#27 Globally	Academic reputation, employer feedback, faculty-to-student ratio
Times Higher Education (THE) Subject Rankings	#43 Globally	Research citations, research environment, international diversity
University of Waterloo Overall	#119 QS World University Rankings 2026	All-discipline performance across engineering, sciences, business

Bachelor of Computer Science at University of Waterloo suits students seeking a balance between strong academics and paid work experience. The four-year regular option accelerates entry into the workforce. The five-year co-op path provides C$30,000-45,000 in cumulative earnings. Co-op becomes the key differentiator—earnings offset tuition, reducing net cost below INR 1 Crore by graduation. Start applications immediately if you meet the 85%+ academic threshold and can demonstrate English proficiency by February 13, 2026.

Bachelor of Computer Science at University of Waterloo FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between the four-year regular and five-year co-op options at Waterloo?

Ans. The regular four-year option runs for eight months per year with no work terms. The five-year co-op option alternates between four months of classroom study and four months of paid work, repeating this cycle five times. Co-op students earn C$9,600-22,800 per term, totalling approximately C$50,000-113,000 over five years. Regular students finish sooner but without co-op income or embedded industry experience.

Ques. Can I work part-time outside of co-op terms while studying at Waterloo?

Ans. Yes. International students on study permits may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during scheduled breaks. Many students supplement co-op income with part-time roles (tutoring, research assistantships, campus jobs). Combined earnings can exceed C$20,000 per year.

Ques. What is the path from a BCS degree to permanent residence in Canada?

Ans. After graduation, apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid for four years. Work in a Canadian tech role for one year, then apply through Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program or Express Entry. Most computer science graduates achieve permanent residence within three to four years of graduation. Skilled-worker visas in Canada prioritize technology professionals, making this pathway one of the fastest among study-abroad destinations.

Year	1st Year Fees
Tuition Fees	$48436 (CAD 69194)

Other Expenses

Head	Avg Cost Per Year
Housing	$7980 (CAD 11400)
Food	$3234 (CAD 4620)

Important Dates

Event	Application Date
Application Deadline For 2026 Intake	~~Jan 30, 2026~~
Document Submission Deadline For 2026 Intake	~~Feb 13, 2026~~

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Even a rainbow can't shine as bright as this university

I was also accepted to the University of Toronto along with 3 other US universities that I applied to (the University of Michigan; University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign); and the University of Wisconsin), but I chose the University of Waterloo over all of them mainly because of the co-op program. UWaterloo has a renowned co-op program that offers students something more important than compensation to help pay the tuition fees: up to 2 years of work experience upon graduation. I was accepted into both Computer Science and Computer Engineering (Honors and Co-op for each) programs at UWaterloo, with scholarships, but I chose the former because I felt it would be more aligned with my career interests. Furthermore, UWaterloo has an exceptional Math/Computer Science department that offers several options to pursue different interests in the broad field of CS, such as Specializations in AI, Software Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, etc. There is a lot of flexibility in exploring different career options with the different kinds of degree plans and options thus making it the ideal choice for me.

academic: 10/10

faculty: 9/10

infrastructure: 9/10

accomodation: 9/10

placement: 10/10

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PTE

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Computer Science 27 out of 850 in Global Ranking

( #2 out of 24 in Canada 2026)

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Scholarship name	Award amount	Eligibility
International Student Entrance Scholarship	$10,000	Merit Based

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Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids

Name	Scholarship Per Student	Level of Study	Type
K.C. Lee Computer Science Scholarship	Scholarship per student$ 700/Yr$1,000	Level Of StudyBachelor	TypeCollege-Specific	View Details
Cecil and Edna Cotton Scholarship	Scholarship per student$ 1,273/Yr$1,818	Level Of StudyBachelor	TypeCollege-Specific	View Details
A.B. McKie Memorial Scholarship	Scholarship per student$ 498/Yr$712	Level Of StudyBachelor	TypeCollege-Specific	View Details
Business Administration Scholarships	Scholarship per studentVariable Amount	Level Of StudyBachelor	TypeMerit-Based	View Details
University of Montreal Scholarships	Scholarship per studentVariable Amount	Level Of StudyBachelor	TypeCollege-Specific	View Details
Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship	Scholarship per studentVariable Amount	Level Of StudyBachelor	TypeCollege-Specific	View Details

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