University of Waterloo logo

University of Waterloo

Waterloo, CA · Ranking #115

The University of Waterloo is one of Canada’s leading public research universities, globally recognized for innovation and co-op education. Founded in 1957, it is especially strong in computer science, engineering, mathematics, and business. Waterloo is home to the world’s largest co-op program, integrating academic learning with paid work experience. The university maintains strong ties with global tech companies and startups, particularly in the nearby Toronto-Waterloo tech corridor. Its focus on entrepreneurship, research, and experiential learning makes it a top choice for students seeking career-oriented education.

University of Waterloo logo

University of Waterloo

About the university

The University of Waterloo is one of Canada’s leading public research universities, globally recognized for innovation and co-op education. Founded in 1957, it is especially strong in computer science, engineering, mathematics, and business. Waterloo is home to the world’s largest co-op program, integrating academic learning with paid work experience. The university maintains strong ties with global tech companies and startups, particularly in the nearby Toronto-Waterloo tech corridor. Its focus on entrepreneurship, research, and experiential learning makes it a top choice for students seeking career-oriented education.

Key information

  • Location: Waterloo, CA
  • Ranking #115
  • QS #112
  • THE #113
  • US News #190
  • National ranking #4
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Data Science
  • Business
  • Finance

Programs (41)

  • Medicine
  • Veterinary Science
  • Psychology
  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Telecommunications
  • Nursing
  • Dentistry
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Pharmacy
  • Computer Science
  • Architecture
  • International Business
  • Political Science
  • Journalism and Communication
  • International Relations
  • Environmental Science
  • Engineering
  • Data Science
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Science
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Education
  • Fine Arts
  • Music

Student body

  • Total students: 42,000
  • Undergraduate: 32,000
  • Graduate: 10,000
  • International students: 23%

Campus life

Waterloo offers a highly career-driven campus environment. Students are deeply engaged in hackathons, startup projects, and tech communities. The campus includes innovation labs, co-working spaces, and one of the strongest entrepreneurial ecosystems in Canada. Students often alternate between study and work terms, creating a fast-paced and practical lifestyle. The nearby tech hub provides constant networking opportunities.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $900 - $1,800 / per month

Housing options

  • On-campus Residences
  • Apartments
  • Co-op Housing
  • Off-campus Rentals

Student clubs and organizations

  • Tech Clubs
  • Startup Communities
  • Hackathon Teams
  • Cultural Associations
  • Finance Clubs

Sports

  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball
  • Swimming
  • Athletics

Career & internships

Employment rate: 95%

Partner companies

  • Google
  • Microsoft
  • Amazon
  • Meta
  • Shopify
  • Deloitte

Internships: Waterloo operates the largest co-op program in the world, with over 7,000 employers and structured study-work cycles. Students typically complete 4–6 paid work terms (each 4 months), gaining up to 2 years of professional experience before graduation. Average co-op earnings range from $18 to $35 per hour depending on the field (higher in software engineering). Key employers include Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Shopify, and major financial institutions. Students apply through an internal job portal, and competition is high for top roles. Early preparation (resume, portfolio, interview skills) is critical. Many students receive return offers, leading to full-time employment after graduation.

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL

Required documents

  • Application Form
  • Academic Transcripts
  • GPA
  • Personal Statement
  • English Test (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Supplementary Forms (for competitive programs)

Minimum GPA: 3.7

Tuition costs

  • $25,000 - $55,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 53.00%
  • Scholarships available: Waterloo offers a combination of automatic entrance scholarships and competitive awards. International students may receive entrance scholarships up to $10,000 based on academic excellence. Additional scholarships are available at the faculty level, especially for engineering and computer science. While full-ride scholarships are limited, Waterloo компенсує це високими доходами через co-op. Graduate students benefit from funding packages including research assistantships (RA), teaching assistantships (TA), and fellowships. A strong GPA, олимпіади, проєкти та технічне портфоліо значно підвищують шанси на фінансування.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1957
  • Teaching languages: English, english
  • Study formats: offline, coop, hybrid

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