The University of Waterloo: Canada’s #1 University for Hands-on Experiential Learning

Established in the year 1957, the University of Waterloo is Canada’s #1 University for experiential learning, research, and the highest quality of education. With a global network spanning over 2,20,000 alumni in 151 countries, the university attracts world-class scholars. It is one of the top universities in entire North America, with 100+ programs, 6 faculties & 13 schools. 

In this article, we will be talking about the university’s 2024 rankings, popular programs, their eligibility criteria, cost of education, campus life and more. So, stick around as we discover and understand what makes the university one of the top universities in entire North America. 

Table of Contents

1. About University of Waterloo, Canada
2. Rankings & Accreditations
3. Popular Courses
4. Intakes Offered
5. Eligibility Criteria for International Students
6. Cost of Study
7. Scholarship Offered
8. Co-Ops at University of Waterloo
9. Career Support Services
10. Campus Life
11. FAQs
     

About University of Waterloo, Canada

A leading global research-intensive university, renowned for entrepreneurship and innovation, the University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario has emerged as one of the most popular and reputable institutions in Canada. 

The university has six main academic divisions including Applied Health Sciences, Arts, Environment, Engineering, Science and Mathematics. With an excellent track record of world-class education, the University of Waterloo is the first choice for majority of students when it comes to research-oriented programs. 

Let us now learn about the rankings and accreditation of the university. 
 

Rankings & Accreditations

Being a pioneer in the higher education, the University of Waterloo has been consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. 

• According to the prestigious QS World University Rankings 2024, the university is ranked at the 112^th position in the world. 
• The THE (Times Higher Education) University Rankings of 2023, has listed the University of Waterloo at 158^th rank.
• According to the Webometrics Ranking, it is ranked at 86^th position. 
• Similarly, the US News & World Report Global Universities Rankings 2023 ranked University of Waterloo at 191^st position in the world. 

Next up we have popular courses at the University of Waterloo. Let’s explore.  
 

Popular Courses

The University of Waterloo offers over 100 Undergraduate and 180 Postgraduate Programs that cater to the ever-changing industry landscape. Let’s look at some of the most popular study fields and courses in Canada at the prestigious University of Waterloo:

• Architecture
• Arts & Humanities
• Business
• Communication
• Computing
• Engineering 
• Mathematics & Statistics
• Science
   

Intakes Offered

The University of Waterloo has one major intake i.e., Fall (September) and one minor intake i.e., Winter (January). The application deadlines vary depending on the level and program of study, so it is advisable to check the university's website for specific dates.
 

Eligibility Criteria for International Students

International students aiming to study at the University of Waterloo, Canada are required to meet the academic prerequisites and English language proficiency standards. In this section, let us understand the eligibility criteria for the international students for a successful application process at the university: 
 

For Masters

• Min 75% in Overall Honours Bachelor’s Degree
• Criteria for English Language Test-
• IELTS – Overall score 7.0 and no band less than 6
• PTE – Overall 63
• TOEFL ibt – Overall 90 and no band less than 25
• DET – Overall 120
   

For Bachelors

• Min 85% in 12^th grade with Mathematics
• Criteria for English Language Test -
• IELTS – Overall score 6.5 and no band less than 6
• PTE – Overall 63
• TOEFL ibt – Overall 90 and no band less than 25
• DET – Overall 120

The English language requirements vary for some specific programs. Given below are the details: 
 

For Arts, Engineering, Environment, Health & Mathematics faculty

Criteria for English Language Test -

• IELTS – Overall score 7.5 and no band less than 7
• PTE – Overall 68 with no band less than 65
• TOEFL ibt – Overall 100 and no band less than 26
• DET – Overall 120
   

For Computer Science

• TOEFL ibt – Overall 93 with no band less than 22

For specific courses, the students might be required to appear for GRE/GMAT tests. They are advised to connect with KC Canada Country Experts for details regarding the specific entry requirements for their chosen course. Now that we have gained information on the eligibility criteria, let us know the cost of study at the University of Waterloo in Canada. 
 

Cost of Study

When we look at the Cost of education in Canada for international students, it consists of the tuition fees and living expenses. At the University of Waterloo, the tuition fees for international students ranges between 48,000 CAD to 75,000 CAD per year, depending on the study level and course.  Let us understand the approx. tuition fees at both Bachelor’s and Master’s level.

Apart from the tuition fees, the major cost students have to bear is living expenses. On an average the cost of living in Ontario, Canada comes around 20,635 CAD per year. The university also offers scholarships to qualified candidates. So let us learn about some of the popular scholarships at the University of Waterloo. 
 

Scholarship Offered

The University of Waterloo offers more than 170 scholarships in Canada for international students, ranging from $1,000 to $40,000. These scholarships are awarded at Master’s and Bachelor’s level primarily based on academic and personal achievements. 

Some of the prominent scholarships include:
 

Graduate Scholarships for Master’s and Doctoral Level

• Scholarship Type: One-Time Merit-Based Scholarship 
• Scholarship Value: A minimum of $1,000 per term for up to three terms (scholarship value and duration may vary, depending on other funding the student may be receiving). 

The Graduate scholarship is available for the students at Master’s and Doctoral level. The eligible students must have a minimum of first-class (80%) cumulative average in their current program or over the last two full-time academic years.

President's Scholarships for Bachelor’s Level

• Scholarship Type: One-Time Merit-Based Scholarship 
• Scholarship Value: Partially to Fully Funded

The President’s Scholarship is available at three levels i.e., President’s Scholarship of Distinction, President’s Scholarship and Merit Scholarships at 95%, 90% and 85%. Students meeting the eligibility criteria for these scholarships, are required to apply at the beginning of their academic year. Students can visit the university’s official website to know about various other scholarships for international students at postgraduate and undergraduate level. They are required to submit a separate application for some scholarships whereas for a few others, they are automatically awarded the scholarship on meeting the eligibility criteria. 
 

Co-Ops at University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo also provides the option of Co-op for selected courses to the students where they can work during their academic term for four months. Co-op is a great way to explore career opportunities, gain work experience and get paid while studying at the university. 
 

Career Support Services

According to the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022, the University of Waterloo is at #2 position for its Graduate Employment Rate. The Centre for Career Development at the University is top notch and provides one-on-one support to the students. It helps students to smoothly transition from academic to professional life. They regularly organize career counselling sessions, job placement workshops, fairs which allows students to find a suitable career match for themselves in the fields like Business, Engineering, Environment & Climate Change, Health, Social Sciences, Math, Coding & Data, Science.
 

Campus Life

The campus life at the University of Waterloo is vibrant and bright where students feel supported and encouraged at every step. Right from the Student Societies, Sports Campuses, Tutoring Centres to Learning Centres, students can immerse themselves in these groups and elevate their university experiences. The University of Waterloo has designed a comprehensive roadmap for the students to help them thrive both academically and personally.

We have been in the industry nutshell, the University of Waterloo is the best choice for students wanting to pursue their higher studies in Canada. So, if you are a student with big dreams and passion for settling in Canada, then the University of Waterloo is undoubtedly the best choice for you. Feel free to connect with KC Overseas Education’s Canada Country Experts and start with your application process for the upcoming intakes. for over 25 years and we have assisted 475,000+ students in fulfilling their study abroad dreams. You can be the next one! 

Visit your nearest KC Office or book an online consultation now. We will be more than happy to help you accomplish your global academic aspirations. 
 

FAQs: 

1. Do they have a general first-year Engineering Program? 

No. The university does not offer a General Engineering Program. There is a direct entry at the University of Waterloo with program-specific classes starting from day one.
 

2. Can we submit applications for more than one award?

Yes, you can. However, you are required to submit a different piece of work for each award.
 

3. When can I expect a decision on my application to an Engineering Program? 

Decisions for Engineering Programs are made in two rounds – the early consideration round in mid-March and one in mid-May. For Engineering Program, the offers are not made on a rolling basis.
 

4. Are applicants who do not apply for the early consideration round disadvantaged? 

No.  However, applicants can improve their chances of being admitted by applying at the early consideration deadline.
 

5. What are the benefits of paying my tuition fees through CIBC International StudentPay? 

University of Waterloo provides its students with an easy-to-use digital platform to make payments through Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), one of the largest financial institutions in Canada. 
 

6. Can I pay in Canadian dollars on the portal? 

Yes. You have an option to choose to pay in Canadian dollars (CAD) on the Payment Options page of the portal process. If you select CAD, you will be charged a 1.25% non-refundable administrative fee.