Quick Summary
Situated in Waterloo, Canada, University of Waterloo is a public research university established in 1957. Ranked #115 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 42500 students including 22% from outside Canada. Known for strengths in Computer Science and Information Systems, Mathematics, Engineering - Electrical and Electronic, it maintains an acceptance rate of 53%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Waterloo is the global leader in co-operative education, providing students with up to 2 years of work experience during their degree. It is consistently ranked as Canada's most innovative university.
Subject Strengths
Computer Science and Information SystemsMathematicsEngineering - Electrical and ElectronicEngineering - Civil and StructuralHospitality and Leisure Management
Founded1957
TypePublic Research University
Total Students42500
Intl Students22%
Faculty Ratio31
CampusSuburban
Campus Size1000 acres
Affiliated HospitalsGrand River Hospital,St. Mary's General Hospital
AccreditationMinistry of Colleges and Universities of Ontario
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#115
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#158
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#151-200
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Graduate,Doctoral,Professional
Programs
65
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC),Waterloo Centre for Automotive Research (WatCAR),The Water Institute,Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministry of Colleges and Universities of Ontario
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate53%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA3.4
GREOptional (Program Specific)
GMATOptional (Program Specific)
SATOptional (International)
ACTOptional (International)
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · February 1
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Admission for CS and Engineering is extremely competitive (requires high 90s); complete the Admission Information Form (AIF) thoroughly; participate in Euclid and Descartes math contests.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Canadian Dollar
UG Tuition
C$64,000/yr
per year · CAD
Living Cost
C$20,000/yr
per year · CAD
PG Tuition
C$24,000/yr
per year · CAD
Application Fee
$115
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
C$84,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CAD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$3,700
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Graduate,Doctoral,Professional programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Software Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Mathematics | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Actuarial Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Mechatronics Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$68,000
Average Salary After Graduation
96%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementWorld's largest co-operative education program with 7,500+ employers.
Industry Connections
GoogleAppleMicrosoftShopifyTesla
Notable Alumni
Mike Lazaridis (BlackBerry),Vitalik Buterin (Ethereum),Donna Strickland (Nobel Laureate),Kevin O'Leary,Chamath Palihapitiya
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Warrior Field,Columbia Icefield,Physical Activities Complex (PAC)
Student Clubs
200
Library Resources
Dana Porter Library, Davis Centre Library, and Musagetes Architecture Library.
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available