Highlights:
- GRE/GMAT Requirements: GRE/GMAT requirements are waived off at University of Waterloo. Neither domestic nor international students need to submit a GRE score for admission to university.
- Score Ranges: To be among the top 25% of students, a GPA of 3.92 and above is required. Similarly, an SAT score of 2169 (close to 1450 on the new SAT scale) is needed for a 75 percentile.
- Upcoming Deadlines: For admission to undergraduate programs at the University of Waterloo, the last deadline was 1st Feb, 2024 (for September 2024 session). For graduate programs, the deadlines are June 1 (for admission in January of the following year) and October 1 (for admission in May of the following year).
- Acceptance Rate: University of Waterloo admission rate of 53% demonstrates a moderately selective admission process
University of Waterloo admissions take place in all three intake seasons: Fall, Winter, and Spring, a year before the programs begin. University of Waterloo international students requirements for graduate admissions include a minimum average of 75% in four-year honors bachelor’s degree. For international students, it is mandatory to meet the English proficiency requirements as well. The requirements for University of Waterloo admissions to undergraduate programs include an overall academic average of 85% with 75% above in mathematics and other relevant courses.
Computer Science program is very famous at the University of Waterloo, so the scores required are higher than 94-95%. Software and Biomedical being the hardest to get into, and Architecture and Geological being much more relaxed. The acceptance to any program will count on your exceptional grades combined with a great AIF (Admission Information Form) that will distinguish you from other applicants. You must be sure to take part in extracurriculars, personal projects, co-op, competitions or other hobbies that you can mention on your AIF. University of Waterloo supports optional Video Interview. If your entrance average is 96%, then you have a 50/50 chance of acceptance at Waterloo Engineering. The upcoming deadline to apply for University of Waterloo admissions is February 1, 2025 for undergraduate and June 1 and October 1, 2024 for most postgraduate courses.
Waterloo is known very well in Silicon Valley and has a great reputation in all the tech giants (Google, Facebook etc.). Co-op program also gives you valuable soft skills and paid work experience. You can only take a loan in Canada if you know a canadian willing to co-sign. So it is better to take a student loan from your home country and ask your parents to co sign. A student with a grade average of 90-94% has a 45% chance of receiving an offer to their Computer Engineering program. A well written AIF (Admissions Information Form) and successful Video Interview are key to increasing your chances.
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Table of Contents |
University of Waterloo Top Programs
The top programs are Computer Science and Engineering programs at the University of Waterloo. The requirements for the top courses include:
| Program | Degree requirements and Aggregate | LOR | ELP Score | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Physics | Honors bachelor’s degree in science with 75% | 3 LOR (2 academic) | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL-IBT: 90 | GRE Physics subject test score (no minimum requirement) |
| MS in Chemistry | Honors Bachelor’s degree with 75% | 3 LOR (2 academic) | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL-IBT: 90 | No additional requirements |
| M.Eng. in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 4 year honors bachelor’s degree in in related field with 75% | 2 LOR (1 academic) | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-IBT: 90 | No additional requirements |
| M.ASc. in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering | 4 year honors bachelor’s degree in in related field with 75% | 2 LOR (1 academic) | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-IBT: 80 | No additional requirements |
| M.MSc. in Management Sciences | 4 year honors bachelor’s degree in in related field with B+ or 77-79% | 2 LOR (academic preferred, or professional) | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL-IBT: 100 | 1 page SOP |
| M.ASc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Honors Bachelor’s degree with 75% | 2 LOR (1 academic) | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL-IBT: 90 | Faculty supervisor who has endorsed the LOR |
University of Waterloo Application Deadlines
Waterloo is recognized for its focus on experiential and problem-based learning. Its co-op program and emphasis on applied research set it apart from more traditional universities
The university has made significant contributions to the field of quantum computing, with world-renowned researchers and state-of-the-art facilities in this area. The session for undergraduate programs begins in September, and the application deadlines for most courses are in February (closed for this year). The specific deadlines for the undergraduate courses at University of Waterloo are:
University of Waterloo Undergraduate Application Deadline
| Course | Application Deadline | Last Date for Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | February 1, 2025 | February 16, 2025 |
| Early Consideration for Engineering Courses | December 15, 2024 | January 15, 2025 |
| Undergraduate Pharmacy | January 8, 2025 | January 22, 2025 |
University of Waterloo Graduate Application Deadline
For admission to masters courses, there are two primary intakes, January and May. The graduate application deadlines at University of Waterloo are provided below:
| Program | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| M.Math Applied Mathematics | June 1, 2024 & October 1, 2024 |
| M.Arch | January 15, 2024 |
| M.Eng Chemical Engineering | June 1, 2024 & October 1, 2024 |
| M.S Chemistry | June 1, 2024 & October 1, 2024 |
| M.A.Sc Civil Engineering | June 1, 2024 & October 1, 2024 |
| M.S Quantitative Finance | January 15, 2024 |
| M.S Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | January 15, 2024 |
| M.Math Computational Mathematics | June 1, 2024 & October 1, 2024 |
| M.Eng Electrical and Computer Engineering | June 1, 2024 & October 1, 2024 |
| M.Sc | June 1, 2024 & October 1, 2024 |
| M.A.Sc Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering | June 1, 2024 & October 1, 2024 |
| M.Bus Entrepreneurship and Technology | April 1, 2024 |
University of Waterloo Graduate Admissions
Admission to University of Waterloo is offered to international students in nearly 200 graduate programs. For admission to the master’s programs in University of Waterloo, prospective students need a 75% overall score and 75% in the last 2 years of their bachelor’s program. Following are the details of admission to the graduate courses at University of Waterloo:
Application Portal: Online Graduate Studies Application
Application Fee: 125 CAD (7,667 INR)
Admission Requirements:
- Academic transcripts with all courses, marks and degrees
- Academic Average: of 75% or equivalent in last 2 years of 4 year undergraduate program
- 2 academic LORs and professional LOR from supervisor or senior-level employer
- Resume
- Writing sample
- Portfolio
- Sponsorship proof
- Test Scores:
- GRE - 300-310
- GMAT - 550 or above
- English language proficiency:
- IELTS - 7.0
- TOEFL IBT - 90
For graduate admission, the applications are evaluated and processed in three steps: -
- The first step is the review by the academic unit (concerned faculty or school). It takes into account various factors like course taken, overall performance, references, research, etc.
- After this, The Associate Dean’s Office reviews the application for admission requirements.
- If approved by ADO, the application is sent to the Graduate Studies Office, where it is again evaluated. Here, activities like verifying admissibility, evaluation departmental requirements etc. are done. If approved by GSO, an offer for admission is issued.
University of Waterloo Undergraduate Admissions
University of Waterloo applications can be submitted for more than one program at once. With over 100 undergraduate programs at University of Waterloo, international students can expand their choices to traditional as well as profession-oriented disciplines. The details of admission to University of Waterloo are as follows:
Application Portal: OUAC
Application Processing Fee: 125 CAD (7,667 INR)
Admission Requirements:
- Academic transcripts and results of Class X, XI and XII
- Academic average: 85% overall and 75% in relevant subject
- Admission Information Form (Relevant jobs or awards if available)
- English language proficiency:
- IELTS - 6.5
- TOEFL IBT - 90
University of Waterloo Selection Criteria
University of Waterloo acceptance rate of 53% demonstrates a moderately selective admission process. The University of Waterloo seeks competent sociable leaders in its students. To satisfy its specifications, the university wants its aspirants to possess strong STEM credentials. For undergraduate admissions, an evaluation procedure will include:
- Checking general admission requirements
- Checking program-specific requirements
- Evaluation of academic performance
- English proficiency scores
Admissions to some competitive undergraduate programs will depend on the following academic scores:
| Programs | Academic Average | Probability of Receiving Admission Offer |
|---|---|---|
|
Biomedical and Software |
95%+ | 30% |
| 90-94% | 7% | |
| 85-89% | 2% | |
|
Computer, Mechanical, Electrical, System design and Mechatronics |
95+ | 63% |
| 90-94% | 21% | |
| 85-89+ | 2% | |
|
Architectural, Civil, Chemical, Geological, Environmental, Management and Nanotechnology |
95%+ | 95% |
| 90-94% | 77% | |
| 85-89% | 44% |
Admitted Students’ Score Range
| Exam | 25th | 50th | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA | 3.40 | 3.70 | 3.92 |
| SAT | 1950 | 2070 | 2169 |
The above table indicates that a grade of 3.4 on a 4-point scale places you at the lower end of the class percentile. To be among the top 25% of students, a GPA of 3.92 and above is required. Similarly, an SAT score of 2169 (close to 1450 on the new SAT scale) is needed for a 75 percentile.
University of Waterloo Admission Decision
The undergraduate admission decisions of University of Waterloo are declared by mid-May. Graduate applicants can expect the admission decisions within 5-6 weeks of applying.
- The university releases admission decisions through the application portal. To check your application status, you can log in to the portal after activating username and password.
- If the students are not selected for admission to University of Waterloo, they will see the decision of the university in the portal. Students can check their application status by logging in to the application portal.
The University of Waterloo places quite a weightage on extracurricular activities, references, and essays, and encourages aspirants to appear for an interview. This brings you one step closer to landing one of the high-paying jobs in Canada after graduating from the university.
FAQs
Ques. Is it difficult to get into the University of Waterloo?
Ans. Apart from the grades, students are assessed on the basis of their work experience, volunteer work, extra-curricular activities, skillset, and notable accomplishments. International students need at least 50% in overall and 80-90% in the related subject to the major for admission to the undergraduate programs. For graduate courses, an overall score of 75% with 75% in the last 2 years of undergraduate program is required.
Ques. Can international students apply for co-op programs at University of Waterloo?
Ans. International students can apply for co-op programs for valuable work experience. The university encourages international students to complete at least 2 full-time academic terms before applying for a co-op program.
Ques. Can I apply for more than one program at UWaterloo?
Ans. You can apply for a maximum of three programs at once at the University of Waterloo. However, students can choose only one Engineering program and 2 non-Engineering programs while applying for admission.
Ques. What is the deadline to apply to the University of Waterloo?
Ans. University of Waterloo will accept applications for the undergraduate programs until February 1, 2024. Students applying to the graduate programs at University of Waterloo have course-specific deadlines for the fall and winter semesters, with most of them being June 1 (for admission in January of the following year) and October 1 (for admission in May of the following year).
Ques. How do I apply for masters at University of Waterloo?
Ans. You can apply to the masters programs at University of Waterloo through the Quest portal. Students should complete the Admission Information Form, submit the application fee of 125 CAD (7667 INR) and supplementary documents within the stipulated deadline.
Ques. Is GRE required for MS in University of Waterloo?
Ans. GRE/GMAT requirements are waived off at University of Waterloo. Neither domestic nor international students need to submit a GRE score for admission to university.
Ques. What average do you need to get into University of Waterloo?
Ans. International students need a minimum overall score of 75% in their undergraduate program and 75% in the last 2 years of study for admission to the graduate programs at University of Waterloo. For undergraduate programs, the average of top 6 class 12 programs should be at least around mid-80s.
College Student Profiles
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53 Reviews Found
- Likes:
- The math faculty offers many fantastic events and activities to help its students destress and socialize. The faculty members and staff are also the best I’ve ever seen.
- Dislikes:
- Students can be more academically competitive, which is not great for mental health at times. If you are prone to stress and criticism, another university might be a better option.
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.
Scholarship:
Merit Scholarship ($1000) for entry average above 85%.
- Likes:
- The university has a flexible curriculum and offers a wide variety of courses to choose from.,
- The most interesting part about the University is its Co-op program which helps students gain industry experience as a part of their studies.,
- The University is the best for start-up culture. You get to participate in a lot of events aimed at entrepreneurship.
- Dislikes:
- Some courses are not deep enough for a Master's level of degree.,
- The student accommodation is difficult to bag.,
- There are not many scholarships for master's students unless you do a research-based program.
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.
- Likes:
- A lot of extra resources for students to excel (to search for co-op internships etc.),
- Flexibility in terms of choosing subjects,
- Professors are interesting
- Dislikes:
- The Arts segment is not as focused on as CS/engineering,
- Infrastructure of the university could be better.,
- Extracurriculars are not that great.
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.
- Likes:
- I liked the teaching quality. The updated curriculum I've engaged with blends both traditional theories and the latest advancements.,
- Course is designed to ensure students not only grasp foundational knowledge but also actively participate in contemporary discourse.
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.
- Likes:
- University of Waterloo is known for its Computer Science faculty being the best in North America, studying here for the past 2 years, I would definitely agree to this statement. Professors are extremely knowledgeable, they have deep understanding of the concepts and the assignment test your skills effectively.,
- I would say, you would never be memorizing concepts instead learning the intuition behind it, so it stays with you forever.,
- UWaterloo 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.,
- Our campus has 2 main libraries, both spacious and best places for preparing for exams.,
- 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 then, our bus ride is also free in Waterloo.
- Dislikes:
- Study terms can be sometimes be stressful, especially, when preparing for mid-terms and finals, as the exam week might not have many study leaves, but if the student prepares well ahead in time, I think this can be overcome.
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.
Scholarship:
Yes, sorry cannot disclose.
- Likes:
- Academics and overall environment is great.,
- Finding a job here depends on one's own merit and is not very dependent on school.,
- The coop programs are really good in terms of the experience they offer.
- Dislikes:
- Getting a coop / full time job is not that easy, the university helps with the co op program through the waterlooworks portal but not that much for full time jobs,
- Waterloo being far from Toronto has a slight location disadvantage.
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.
Scholarship:
Yes I got 2500 CAD.
- Likes:
- University of Waterloo is the only exclusive university with a special faculty dedicated to mathematics in North America.,
- I also like their co-op program as we get a lot of exposure while finishing our bachelor's.
- Dislikes:
- I didn't like how fast paced the education is along with co-op, as students in the co-op program in general face a lot of issues with not getting a break during the entire length of their program.
Overview:
I chose this university as it has a really competitive math program that offers me flexibility to study math, CS, and finance altogether. I have had a great time with the in-depth academics and excellent faculty here. The teaching pattern is also really thought provoking which makes me want to learn more. And the location of the university is also nice, which makes it a great experience overall.
Scholarship:
I received the presidential scholarship which is $2,000/year.
Overview:
University of Waterloo is ranked #192 in Best Global Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. This is the best university for me . So that I choose this institute.
Overview:
Appropriate course for me, one of the top 10 Canadian universities. Overall, I believe I am getting apt exposure to the Canadian education system. I have world-class infrastructure and top-notch faculty members. There is always encouragement to grow and improve.
- Likes:
- Number 1 engineering university in Canada, great reputation among employers and known for top class research.
Overview:
It has been quite good till now. I am still new here and learning the things around here. The university's infrastructure is what leaves me in awe.
Scholarship:
I got the Mitacs GGF scholarship of 15000$.
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| Program | Important Dates |
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| M.S Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake (15th Jan 2025) |
| B.C.S | Application Deadline For 2025 Intake (31st Jan 2025) Document Submission Deadline For 2025 Intake (14th Feb 2025) |
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| Graduate Diploma Planning | Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake (1st May 2025) |
| M.S Quantitative Finance | Application Deadline For September 2025 Intake (15th Jan 2025) |
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