University of Waterloo
University of Waterloo overview
The University of Waterloo, founded in 1957 in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, was established to meet the growing demand for engineering and technical education in Canada and pioneered cooperative education (co-op programs) that integrate academic learning with real-world work experience.
Today, one of Canada's top universities — particularly recognized in computer science, engineering, business, and mathematics — the university's Cheriton School of Computer Science and Faculty of Engineering rank among the best in North America, attracting top students and faculty from around the world.
The University of Waterloo has played a key role in significant technological advances, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and quantum computing. It is home to the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), both among the world's leading research centers in their respective fields.
The university has also produced many influential alumni, including Mike Lazaridis, co-founder of BlackBerry; David Cheriton, a billionaire investor and one of Google's first backers; and Chamath Palihapitiya, a prominent venture capitalist.
About University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo, founded in 1957 in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, was established to meet the growing demand for engineering and technical education in Canada and pioneered cooperative education (co-op programs) that integrate academic learning with real-world work experience.
Today, one of Canada's top universities — particularly recognized in computer science, engineering, business, and mathematics — the university's Cheriton School of Computer Science and Faculty of Engineering rank among the best in North America, attracting top students and faculty from around the world.
The University of Waterloo has played a key role in significant technological advances, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and quantum computing. It is home to the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), both among the world's leading research centers in their respective fields.
The university has also produced many influential alumni, including Mike Lazaridis, co-founder of BlackBerry; David Cheriton, a billionaire investor and one of Google's first backers; and Chamath Palihapitiya, a prominent venture capitalist.
University of Waterloo faculties and programs
Planning
Combinatorics and Optimization
Business Administration and Computer Science
Sociology
Geomatics
Geography and Aviation
Applied Mathematics
Environment and Business
Climate and Environmental Change
Social Development Studies
University of Waterloo scholarships and financial aid
The University of Waterloo offers scholarship opportunities to international students. However, it should be kept in mind that scholarship programs have limited funding and capacity, scholarships are awarded based on need and merit, and admission standards are high. Students wishing to apply for scholarship programs offered by the University of Waterloo can access the relevant programs at the link below.
University of Waterloo Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into University of Waterloo
International applicants wishing to apply to undergraduate programs offered by the University of Waterloo must meet the following admission requirements.
- Completion of 12 Years of Basic Education
- 4-Year High School Diploma
- High GPA
or - International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
or - IGCSE/International A-Level Diploma
or - French Baccalaureate Diploma
or - Advanced Placement (AP) + SAT/ACT Score
- Applicants enrolled in the Advanced Placement program must have taken and completed the exams for courses related to the program they are applying to at university.
- English Language Proficiency Certificate
- An English proficiency certificate obtained through proficiency exams such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, CAE, or CPE
- Official transcripts showing the courses taken and grades received during high school
International applicants wishing to apply to graduate programs offered by the University of Waterloo must meet the following admission requirements.
- 4-Year Bachelor's Degree Diploma
- High GPA
- Official transcripts showing the courses taken and grades received during undergraduate studies
- English Language Proficiency Certificate
- An English proficiency certificate obtained through proficiency exams such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, CAE, or CPE
- GRE/GMAT scores may be required depending on the specific admission requirements of the program being applied to.
Application Deadlines
* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the University of Waterloo application process.
Take a closer look at University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo (UW) has a main campus spanning 1,000 acres in Waterloo, Ontario, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and modern academic buildings.
The main campus is home to six faculties, including the renowned Faculty of Engineering, the Cheriton School of Computer Science, and the Faculty of Mathematics.
Notable buildings include the Davis Centre, a hub for computer science and engineering students, and the Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre, which supports cutting-edge research in quantum computing and nanotechnology.
Hagey Hall and the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business serve students pursuing business and leadership studies. The main campus also features Dana Porter Library and the Student Life Centre (SLC), the heart of student activities, offering dining options, study spaces, and event venues.
The Health Sciences Campus in Kitchener is home to the School of Pharmacy, one of Canada's leading pharmacy education and research centers.
The Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business, located in Stratford, Ontario, focuses on digital media, design, and business innovation, preparing students for careers in technology and the creative industries.
The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) supports more than 200 student clubs covering a wide variety of interests, including academic pursuits, cultural connections, creative arts, environmental initiatives, and recreational activities.
These clubs provide platforms for students to connect with like-minded peers, discover new passions, and enrich their university experience.
For example, clubs like the Cheese Club, the A Cappella Club, and the Cooking Club cater to specific interests, while organizations such as the African Students Association and the Chinese Students Association offer cultural engagement and support.
WUSA also organizes events such as the Clubs and Societies Fair, where students can discover and join clubs that match their interests. Athletics plays an important role in building school spirit and promoting a healthy lifestyle among students at UW.
The university's sports teams, known as the Waterloo Warriors, compete in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) conference in a variety of sports including basketball, soccer, hockey, and swimming.
The women's ice hockey team marked a milestone in program history by winning the first McCaw Cup in 2024.
UW offers state-of-the-art sports facilities such as the Physical Activities Complex and Columbia Icefield Arena, which serve as venues for varsity competitions and recreational sports.
The university also encourages student participation in intramural sports and fitness programs, supporting an active campus lifestyle.
The University of Waterloo has a broad alumni network of individuals who have achieved outstanding success in various fields. Among the university's notable alumni are:
- Mike Lazaridis
- Kevin O'Leary
- George Elliott Clarke
- Rasmus Lerdof
- Heather Moyse
- Steve Smith
- Erik Demaine
- Gary Goodyear
among others.
University of Waterloo awards and achievements
- 2 Nobel Prize winners among alumni and faculty
University of Waterloo Frequently Asked Questions
University of Waterloo Location
Waterloo, ON, Canada
University of Waterloo Contact
University of Waterloo
Take a Closer Look
How to Get Into University of Waterloo
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By assessing your English level and academic grades, your eligibility for the universities and colleges Dream Uni partners with is determined.
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Why University of Waterloo?
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