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University of Waterloo, Waterloo
Ontario, Canada | Estd in 1957 | Government University
THE Rank : 158 | QS Rank : 112
About University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is a top public research university located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1959, the university offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programmes. UWaterloo’s academic programmes are accredited by various accrediting authorities. The University of Waterloo is renowned for its cooperative education programme, which enables students to get employment experience while earning their undergraduate degrees.
The University of Waterloo is one of the largest universities in Canada and is among the top 150 universities in the world as per the QS World University Rankings 2024. Waterloo is number 1 in Canada for experiential learning and employer-student connections. The university stands out as Canada's second-best university for Electrical Engineering and third-best for Computer Science in the 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject. The University of Waterloo is known for its specialised programmes in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and science.
The University of Waterloo's acceptance rate is approximately 53% and the entry requirements are course-specific and require students to meet the university’s academic and English proficiency standards which can be demonstrated through PTE Academic, IELTS, Duolingo, CAEL, and other tests. A minimum GPA of 8.0 is required for admission to Graduate programmes. The latest application deadline is February 1, 2024, for undergraduate admissions, whereas it varies for graduate programmes.
The University of Waterloo is home to over 42,000 students representing 120 countries. In addition to its academic excellence, Waterloo is also a vibrant and entrepreneurial university. International students seeking admission to the University of Waterloo can avail all the benefits of studying in Canada through the diverse and welcoming learning environment of UWatrloo. The University of Waterloo is an excellent choice if you want to have an academic experience that is both difficult and fulfilling.
Latest update of University of Waterloo
- The international students application deadline for majority of degree programs: February 1.
- Deadline to submit scholarship: February 16.
How can I apply to Waterloo university?
Students should visit the official website of University of Waterloo, then proceed to apply and choose the desired degree program. Applicants can read all the details required for admission and pay an application fee CAD 125. Provide all the details, now submit the application in the official portal of university. Then wait for the confirmation for admission from the university.
Also Read: Work opportunities after study in Canada
University of Waterloo Highlights
University of Waterloo Ranking and Stats
The University of Waterloo ranking according to the QS World University Rankings 2024 is 112 among the top universities in the world and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings has listed the institution in 158th position in the year 2024. According to the US News and World Report, 2023, the University of Waterloo ranked 191 globally and 8th best in Canada.
Waterloo stands out as the 2nd best university in Canada for Electrical Engineering and 3rd for Computer Science and is the 2nd best overall university in the country according to Maclean’s 2023 University Rankings.
University of Waterloo subject rankings by the US News and World Report, 2023
Programmes | World Rankings |
Electrical and Electronic Engineering | 24 |
Mechanical Engineering | 39 |
Engineering | 44 |
Computer Science | 51 |
Civil Engineering | 78 |
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology | 80 |
Mathematics | 82 |
Artificial Intelligence | 88 |
Chemical Engineering | 100 |
Chemistry | 125 |
Social Sciences and Public Health | 126 |
Physics | 190 |
Economics and Business | 194 |
What is Waterloo University ranking?
The University of Waterloo is ranked as the best public institution in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The university is ranked 112th out of the best colleges worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2024, while the university is ranked 158th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the same year.
Parametric Score and Ranking 2024
| Domain | Year | Score | Rank | Rank Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 2024 | 61.7 | 158 | NA |
Show adjacently ranked institutions
University of Waterloo Courses
The University of Waterloo courses are structured with over 100 undergraduate programmes in seven faculties. There are over 100 student exchange programmes included in the University of Waterloo courses in more than 30 countries. A few popular courses offered by the University of Waterloo include Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics and Astronomy, Environmental Sciences, and Geography.
Additionally, the University of Waterloo offers specialised courses in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, climate change, and data science. The University of Waterloo also offers co-op programmes to incorporate practical knowledge and skills among students regarding their area of study.
What course is Waterloo known for?
The well-courses offered by the University of Waterloo include Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics and Astronomy, Environmental Sciences, and Geography. The University of Waterloo also provides specialty courses in subjects including data science, robotics, weather change, and artificial intelligence.
University of Waterloo Fees
| Courses | Duration | International Student | Local Student |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ph.D(57 courses) | 4 years | ₹4.54 L - ₹13.63 L/yr | ₹1.39 L - ₹4.16 L/yr |
| M.Sc.(40 courses) | 1 year-2 years | ₹14.19 L/yr | ₹4.16 L/yr |
| B.A.(29 courses) | 4 years | ₹29.50 L - ₹33.80 L/yr | ₹5.53 L/yr |
| M.A.(23 courses) | 1 year-2 years | ₹14.19 L/yr | ₹4.16 L/yr |
| BS(23 courses) | 4 years | ₹30.73 L - ₹33.80 L/yr | ₹5.53 L/yr |
University of Waterloo Cost Of Living
The University of Waterloo’s tuition fees for international students are generally calculated for each 0.5-unit course for undergraduate programmes. The per 0.5 unit rate for various academic programmes is given in the table below. The tuition fees for graduate programmes are course-specific and can be checked on the university website under Finance section.
University of Waterloo’s tuition fee rates for international students - Undergraduate
Faculty/Programme | Price per 0.5 unit course in CAD | Price per 0.5 unit course in INR |
Arts programmes | 5,144.80 (year-1) | 3,17,455.64 |
Engineering | 6,335 (year-1) | 3,90,913.21 |
Environment programmes | 4,495 (year-1) | 2,77,341.92 |
Health programmes | 4,474.60 (year-1) | 2,76,082.94 |
Mathematics | 5,569.80 (year-1) | 3,43,656.80 |
Science | 4,678.20 (year-1) | 2,88,645.06 |
Is it expensive to study at the University of Waterloo?
The cost of living at the University of Waterloo varies depending on the choice of livelihood and course selection of the students. However, the overall expense for a student ranges between CAD 19000 and CAD 23700 (INR 11,71,900.43 to INR 14,61,588.24) per year, which is generally lower than the other major Canadian cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. International candidates can prepare a budget list for the cost of living in Canada before applying for a student visa. A breakdown of the living costs for international students studying at the university is tabulated below:
University of Waterloo Cost of Living for international students
Expenses | Estimated cost (one year) in CAD |
Off-campus housing (shared), including utilities | 11,400-22,800 |
Food (groceries) | 4,620 |
Telephone | 1272 |
Entertainment / Recreation (doing fun stuff!) | 1800 |
Personal care (think haircuts) | 960 |
Clothing | 1,584 |
Laundry (typically not part of housing costs) | 516 |
Transportation (additional charges over and above free UPass) | 336 |
Books and supplies | 2,964 |
University of Waterloo Admission and Application
The University of Waterloo's acceptance rate is approximately 53%, therefore all international students must fulfill their qualifications requirements. International students seeking University of Waterloo admission to different undergraduate programmes can visit the official website of Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) and submit their application form by filling out the required details and attaching documentation. Students interested in graduate courses can directly submit their online application forms at the official website of the university at uwaterloo.ca.
How to Apply to the University of Waterloo?
Candidates directly applying through the official website can follow the below-mentioned steps:
Undergraduate Admissions
Visit the official website- uwaterloo.ca
Click on “Apply Now”
Create an online application account
Select your programme
Choose any attendance type
Fill out the application form
Pay the application fee
Follow up with your application
Graduate Admissions
Visit the direct website ‘grad.apply.uwaterloo.ca/apply’ (use this URL to apply).
Click on the link to create an account under the first-time users.
Register as a new applicant and the login credentials will be sent via registered mail.
Use the credentials to log in to the application portal and fill out the application.
Pay the application fee, upload all the required documents, and submit.
Applicants can check the status of their application on the portal.
The University of Waterloo Application Fees
All international students seeking admission to the University of Waterloo are required to submit a non-refundable application fee of 125 CAD (INR 7,710.19) per programme through visa, Master card, American Express, visa debit, Debit Mastercard, and Union Pay.
University of Waterloo Application Deadlines
Particulars (Undergraduate) | Application Deadlines | Document submission deadlines |
Fall term (September to December 2024) | February 1, 2024 | February 16, 2024 |
Note: The University of Waterloo’s application deadlines for graduate programmes are course-specific.
Documents Required For Admission to the University of Waterloo
English language test results
Admission Information Form (AIF)
Academic transcripts in the English language
Personal statements.
Portfolio of creative work
English language test scores
Documents Required For Indian Students
Class X board results.
Class XI transcript.
Class XII predicted grades
University of Waterloo Scholarship
The University of Waterloo offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate scholarships to talented achievers every year. The eligibility of the candidates is determined by their academic excellence, citizenship status, and financial background. Candidates from underrepresented groups, physically challenged, and engaged in different research fields are also offered various financial assistance to pursue their studies at the University of Waterloo. A few of the popular scholarships offered at the university include:
International Student Entrance Scholarship
Merit Scholarship
Dean’s Scholarship
Graduate Scholarship
David Johnston-Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards
International Master’s Award of Excellence
The University of Waterloo also provides students with numerous awards and scholarships tailored to particular courses. In order to support their academic endeavours at the University of Waterloo, international applicants can also apply for financial aid from a variety of outside sources.
University of Waterloo Eligibility
The University of Waterloo’s eligibility criteria varies according to the programmes offered as the university has specified the admission requirements according to the country-specific high school system and the selected course of study. However, the basic minimum eligibility required for Indian students to get admission at Waterloo is mentioned below.
A minimum aggregate of 80% to 90% is required in class 12 for undergraduate admissions (some courses require a minimum aggregate of 70%-75%).
A minimum GPA of 8.0 on a 10-point scale in a 4-year bachelor's degree or, completion of both a bachelor's degree (less than 4 years in length) and a master's degree.
Some programmes may require standardised test scores of GMAT or GRE (not necessary).
English language proficiency requirements must be met.
Any additional requirements as stated by the selected course of study.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Applicants who are non-speakers of the English language must prove their proficiency to meet the admission requirements of the University of Waterloo. The English proficiency tests accepted at the university include TOEFL iBT, CAEL, IELTS Academic, PTE, CAE/CPE, and Duolingo English Test. The applicants may get offered conditional admission if they are slightly below the required score. The graduate applicants can check the required ELP scores under their selected course or degree programme.
The University of Waterloo English Language Proficiency Scores - Undergraduate
Exam | Score |
IELTS | 6.5 |
TOEFL-IBT | 90 |
PTE | 63 |
CAEL | 70 |
Duolingo | 120 |
Cambridge English test (C1 and C2) | 180 |
EFAS | 75% |
University of Waterloo Campus Facilities
Classrooms
Wifi
Library
The university offers library facilities for students equipped with a wide range of offline and online study materials where students can research information and expertise to advance their learning and scholarship.
Laboratories
Alumni Associations
Swimming Pool
The University of Waterloo offers PAC pool facilities for all students and members of the university where the Waterloo Warriors swim team and many of the institution’s great aquatics programmes are conducted.
Gym
PAC fitness gyms are accessible to all students and staff of the university. All the gyms are equipped with modern amenities including treadmills, elipticals, stair climbers, dumbbells, plates, racks and platforms, selectorized strength machines, and so much more.
Sports
The university has a wide range of sports facilities for volleyball, rugby, football, and other activities. Athletes can practice for various national and international sports using the university’s sports amenities.
Parking Facility
The University of Waterloo parking has two lots for students and university members. The parking facilities are very limited and available for visitors also.
Auditorium
Cafeteria
The UW cafeterias serve fresh, house-made, and delicious food for all students to maintain a healthy diet condition for all students.
I.T Infrastructure
University of Waterloo International Office Details
The University of Waterloo is home to more than 42,000 full and part-time students representing 120 countries out of which 19% undergraduate and 41% graduate students are international. The university provides several facilities and amenities for overseas students such as accommodation, scholarships, visa and immigration services, health insurance, language support services, and a lot more. The institution also offers more than 100 Student Exchange Programmes in 30 partner countries.
Is it hard to get into the University of Waterloo?
The University of Waterloo’s acceptance rate is approximately 53% as per unofficial sources making it a highly selective and competitive institution. The applicants must demonstrate an excellent academic standing to be considered for admission to the University of Waterloo. International students looking for admission to the University of Waterloo can contact the following details:
Address: 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, Canada
Telephone: +1 519 888 4567
Website: uwaterloo.ca
Also Read: Getting jobs while studying in Canada
University of Waterloo Accommodation
A wide range of accommodation options are available for students and their families at the University of Waterloo. The university offers both on-campus and off-campus housing for students within an affordable budget. Candidates with dependents can opt for various family housing options located inside the institution’s campus.
University of Waterloo On-Campus Accommodation
Students seeking a convenient and inexpensive residence can apply for the University of Waterloo on-campus accommodation to live close to the campus. The university offers a variety of housing facilities in traditional residences and ensuite apartments. A few of the university’s on-campus housing include;
Village 1
Ron Eydt Village (Rev)
Claudette Millar Hall (Cmh)
Mackenzie King Village (Mkv)
Uw Place (Uwp)
Columbia Lake Village South (Clv-S)
Columbia Lake Village - North (Clv-N) (Grads)
Columbia Lake Village - North (Clv-N) (Families)
Minota Hagey (Mhr)
University of Waterloo Accommodation
The University of Waterloo offers private and shared rooms for first-year students. The different types of rooms and their costs are tabulated below:
Residence | Cost |
Village 1 | $2,549-$4,263 |
Ron Eydt Village (Rev) | $2,549-$3,824 |
Claudette Millar Hall (Cmh) | $2,970-$4,676 |
Mackenzie King Village (Mkv) | $3,393-$5,088 |
Uw Place (Uwp) | $2,677-$4,597 |
Columbia Lake Village South (Clv-S) | $2,710-$4,065 |
Columbia Lake Village - North (Clv-N) (Grads) | $3,386 |
Columbia Lake Village - North (Clv-N) (Families) | $1,355 |
Minota Hagey (Mhr) | $3,704 |
University of Waterloo Off-Campus Accommodation
Students seeking a private lodging option can opt for various off-campus housing facilities available closer to downtown Waterloo. There are multiple affordable apartments and townhouses available within walking distance of the university’s main campus. Overseas candidates can easily search for off-campus housing in Canada beforehand their arrival at the city.
University of Waterloo Gallery
Gallery
FAQ's
The University of Waterloo is one of the leading universities in the world as per the rankings it has been receiving over the years. The university is ranked 112 in the QS and 158 in the Times Higher Education 2024 World University Rankings, which shows that the university has its name among the top 200 universities in the world. Along with these, the university is among the top 10 universities in Canada with an 8th rank by the US News and World Report, 2023.
The University of Waterloo is a prestigious university and is ranked among the top 120 universities in the world (QS 2024). The university is known for its excellence in Engineering programmes and invites a good number of Indian applicants to pursue their higher education in STEM courses (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Along with academics, the university also offers vibrant campus life and amazing career opportunities.
Based on the unofficial data from the university, the acceptance rate for the University of Waterloo for Americans is approximately 53%. This suggests a moderate chance of selection of American students into the University of Waterloo courses. International students of American origin who can demonstrate all the entry requirements of the university can pursue their higher education at the university.
A minimum of 3.7 GPA score is mandatory for admission at the University of Waterloo for all interested international students. Applicants seeking admission to the university must demonstrate a first-class academic record i.e. 8/10, to qualify for the University of Waterloo courses which is much higher than the average requirements of universities in Canada.
Yes, the University of Waterloo is referred to as the “Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) of Canada” because of its strong STEM programmes, innovations, and research facilities. The university is ranked number 1 in Canada for its innovative approach and was one of the first universities with an environment-dedicated faculty for over 40 years. Waterloo is also internationally recognised for cooperative education programmes and real-world study experiences.
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