Wilfrid Laurier University Ontario-based public Canadian university, has approximately 19,000 students. It is most famous for having excellent Business programs, Music, Psychology, and Social Sciences. Admission is moderately competitive with an approximate acceptance rate of about 89%. Laurier graduates have a graduation rate of roughly 72%, and the graduates normally receive starting salaries of CAD $50,000–55,000 (INR 30–34 lakhs) per annum.
The University of Waterloo (UW) in Waterloo, Ontario, is a public research university with around 42,000 students. It is particularly famous for its excellence in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, and world-class cooperative education. The admissions are extremely competitive with an average acceptance rate of around 53%. The graduation rate at Waterloo is around 79%, and co-op graduates tend to receive high starting salaries averaging CAD $65,000–70,000 (INR 40–43 lakhs) per annum.
| Wilfrid Laurier University | University of Waterloo | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.1 Out of 10 | 5.3 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 801 Times Higher Education 2025 # 1291 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 1310 US News 2024 | # 119 QS World University 2026 # 115 QS World University 2025 # 163 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -58 PG Programs -22 Doctorate Programs -12 | UG Programs -45 PG Programs -33 Doctorate Programs -5 |
| Acceptance Rate | 89.0 % | 53.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 PTE-59 TOEFL-83 | IELTS-6.5 PTE-63 TOEFL-90 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 18990 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 10328 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 8363 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 66000 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 11790 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 20583 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | 93.3% of international students were employed within 12 months of graduation. Average salary of Masters: $69000 Average salary of bachelors of science: $66000 | Graduate Employability Rankings- # 24(QS 2023); 98.9% international student employment rate; Top recruiters are Manulife, TD Canada, Sun Life Financial Inc. etc. Average Salaries by Degree:
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| application requirements | Applicants must submit official transcripts of all previous education Submit English Language Proficiency test scores Complete the program specific requirements | Indian UG aspirants must have around 85% score with 75% in English and Maths. Fulfill Country-specific requirements |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.4/10 Read 11 reviews | 7.8/10 Read 57 reviews |
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| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 83/120 | IELTS - 7.0/9PTE - 63/90TOEFL - 90/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -26883 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Oct 30, 2025 (First Consideration Application Deadline for Winter 2026 Intake) Nov 1, 2025 (First Consideration Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake) Aug 15, 2025 (Application Deadline for Winter 2026 Intake) Oct 30, 2025 (Application Deadline for Spring 2025 Intake) Jan 1, 2026 (Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake) | Jan 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) |
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| General Facts | Wilfrid Laurier University | University of Waterloo |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1911 | 1957 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 29:1 | 27:1 |
| Male:Female | 41% Male, 58% Female | 54% Male, 46% Female |
| Location Facts | Laurier has two campuses: one in Waterloo and one in Brantford. Laurier’s campuses are located at the heart of southwestern Ontario, Canada’s most populous province. Ontario is home to Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, and Toronto, the largest city in Canada. | 1,000 acres campus located in the Quantum Valley (Canada’s emerging technological hub); surrounded at the borders by Waterloo Park, Wilfrid Laurier University & Laurel Creek Conservation Area; easily accessible via public transport; dozens of food outlets & restaurants within 20 minutes of distance. |
| Library | Laurier Library holds 1 million print volumes, 312,000 electronic books, 68,000 electronic journals, and 280 databases, thousands of media titles (about 5,000 including streaming and DVDs). In addition, the library is a member of the tri-university "group of libraries" (University of Waterloo, University of Guelph, Wilfrid Laurier University), through which access to a combined information collection in excess of seven million print items is available. | 4 libraries: 3 on-campus, 1 in Cambridge; Library system is a part of TriUniversity Group; Houses more than 1.4 million books including e-books, serial titles, databases. |
| Campus Life | The student life on campus is academically driven, yet socially thriving. Laurier is Canada’s No. 1 university for student satisfaction in the comprehensive category of the Macleans Rankings for Canadian Universities for the fourth year in a row. Laurier has more than 250 student-led clubs and groups, in addition to faculty associations, student unions and student publications. From international internships and exchange programs to international field courses, seeing the world from a different perspective is always encouraged. | Student Life Centre (SLC) responsible for organizing cultural, social and recreational activities; Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) and Student Housing Office; 24/7 information desk known as Turnkey Desk; 200+ student clubs; 100+ volunteer services; Earth Sciences Museum; Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Center (largest center for Quantum Research) |
| Hostel | #Double Room - $3938 #Single Room - $4425 | #Double Room - $3677 #Interconnecting Room - $3912 #Single Room - $4099 |
| Famous Alumni | Dean Allison (Canadian politician), Stephen Woodworth (Canadian politician), Cheryl Pounder (ice hockey player), Shad (Canadian rapper) | Over 203,000 graduates; Robert Mundell (Nobel Laureate), Donna Strickland (Nobel Laureate), Mike Lazaridis (Founder of BlackBerry Ltd.), Prem Watsa (Founder of Fairfax Financial); Rupi Kaur (Canadian Poet); Karl Ting (Actor); Apoorva Mehta (Founder of Instacart); David Cheriton (Canadian Computer Scientist). |
| City Life | Waterloo is a dynamic urban centre well known for its rich cultural diversity and high-tech savvy. Often rated as one of the top 10 cities to live in Canada, Waterloo attracts top business talent and students from around the world, advancing its reputation as one of the country’s smartest communities. | Waterloo- Tech-hub of Canada; over 1,000 tech-related businesses set up in the city; over 400 restaurants and shops to explore; More than 40 cultural events; Famous attractions include Waterloo Park, West Montrose Covered Bridge, Laurel Creek Conservation Area, Waterloo Central Railway, Conestoga Mall, Innocente Brewing Company; Unemployment rate: 5% |
| Weather |
Wilfrid Laurier University vs University of Waterloo
Topic Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
The University of Waterloo is far higher ranked internationally compared to Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU). Waterloo is about 119 in QS 2026 and 163 in THE 2026 with world-leading strengths in Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Business, and Co-op Education. WLU is not ranked top 500 in the world in major systems but is reputable nationally in Business, Music, Psychology, Social Work, and Arts.
General Information
Waterloo, established in 1957 in Waterloo, Ontario, is a comprehensive public research university with ~42,000 students, internationally renowned for its co-op programs and innovation network. Laurier, established in 1911, also in Waterloo (with other campuses in Brantford and Milton), is a mid-sized public institution with ~19,000 students, focusing on business, social sciences, and community involvement.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Waterloo is very competitive 53%, with focus on grades, extracurriculars, and co-op preparedness. Laurier has a more open acceptance rate 89%, with selectivity in Business and Economics.
Research Impact & Facilities
Canada's Waterloo University is an R1-equivalent research-intensive university with extensive labs, innovation centers, and industry ties, with a focus on STEM, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. Applied research and community-based studies are given more weight at Laurier, which specializes in business, policy, and social science research.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both are public Canadian universities. Domestic students pay around CAD 6,000–8,000 per year, and international students pay CAD 30,000–40,000, depending on program. Waterloo provides distinguished entrance scholarships as well as co-op earning potential, while Laurier offers high merit- and need-based aid, particularly for business students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Supported by its co-op program and industry partnerships with companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Shopify, Waterloo graduates are among the most highly sought-after in Canada, leading in engineering, tech, business, and entrepreneurship. With strong regional employer connections and the advantage of a close-knit alumni community, Laurier graduates excel in business, finance, public service, education, and the arts.
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