The University of Waterloo, in Waterloo, Ontario, is a public research university ranked #113 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Founded in 1957, it is globally recognised for its co-operative education model and its Faculty of Mathematics, the first of its kind in North America.
Programmes for Indian students span more than 100 undergraduate majors and 190+ graduate options across Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Environment, Arts and Health. All degrees are taught in English, with Fall (September), Winter (January) and Spring (May) intakes each academic year. The University of Waterloo enrols a large Indian cohort in the Bachelor of Computer Science, Software Engineering, Master of Mathematics and MS universities in Canada pathways each cycle.
- QS World Ranking 2027: #113
- Acceptance Rate: 53% (estimated), with Computer Science and top Engineering streams closer to 6% to 10%
- Intakes: Fall (September), Winter (January), Spring (May)
- PG Tuition: from CAD 12,000 per term (INR 8.34 lakh per term); verify at official fee schedule
- UG Tuition (Engineering): CAD 75,000 per year (INR 52.15 lakh)
- Average PG Starting Salary in Canada: CAD 82,000 (INR 57.01 lakh); market median for STEM master’s graduates
Also Check: MS Universities in Canada
Waterloo assesses tuition one term at a time and charges international fees that reset each September; Indian applicants should plan for three-term cash flow, not a fixed annual bill. The three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit is available after most eligible programmes; check the study in Canada guide for the current PGWP rules and cost-of-living benchmarks.
Exchange rate used: 1 CAD = INR 69.53 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). Most undergraduate programmes close applications on 1 February 2027, with Engineering closing earlier on 15 January 2027. Graduate programmes vary by department: the Master of Mathematics in Data Science closes 15 December 2026, while the Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence closes 15 January 2027. The Winter 2027 intake is currently in offer stage and is closed to new international applicants for most research streams.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at University of Waterloo 2027
- University of Waterloo Admission 2027
- University of Waterloo Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- University of Waterloo Acceptance Rate 2027
- University of Waterloo Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- University of Waterloo Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- University of Waterloo Scholarships 2027
- University of Waterloo Rankings 2027
- University of Waterloo Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- University of Waterloo vs Peer Universities
- FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at University of Waterloo 2027
The University of Waterloo prices tuition per term, with three terms making up an academic year. Master’s programmes charge international fees each term, while undergraduate Engineering and Optometry follow a flat programme fee. As per the official Waterloo Finance schedule, per-term rates are reviewed each September.
University of Waterloo PG Fees for Indian Students 2027
The top ten postgraduate programmes for Indian students sit inside Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. Fees below are the international per-term rate multiplied by the standard programme length; verify each figure on the Waterloo fee schedule before you deposit.
| Program Name | Total Fee (CAD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Computer Science (MCS) | CAD 36,000 | INR 25.03 lakh | Bachelor’s with 78% or CGPA 8.0/10 |
| Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MDSAI) | CAD 45,000 | INR 31.29 lakh | Bachelor’s with 75% or CGPA 7.5/10 |
| Master of Mathematics in Data Science (MMath DS) | CAD 30,000 | INR 20.86 lakh | Bachelor’s with 78% or CGPA 8.0/10 |
| Master of Engineering (MEng) - Mechatronics | CAD 45,000 | INR 31.29 lakh | Bachelor’s with 75% or CGPA 7.5/10 |
| Master of Engineering (MEng) - Systems Design | CAD 45,000 | INR 31.29 lakh | Bachelor’s with 75% or CGPA 7.5/10 |
| Master of Applied Science (MASc) - Electrical and Computer | CAD 33,000 | INR 22.94 lakh | Bachelor’s with 78% or CGPA 8.0/10 |
| Master of Mathematics (MMath) | CAD 30,000 | INR 20.86 lakh | Bachelor’s with 75% or CGPA 7.5/10 |
| Master of Engineering (MEng) - Civil | CAD 45,000 | INR 31.29 lakh | Bachelor’s with 75% or CGPA 7.5/10 |
| Master of Quantitative Finance (MQF) | CAD 62,000 | INR 43.11 lakh | Bachelor’s with 78% or CGPA 8.0/10 |
| Master of Public Service (MPS) | CAD 33,000 | INR 22.94 lakh | Bachelor’s with 70% or CGPA 7.0/10 |
University of Waterloo UG Fees for Indian Students 2027
Undergraduate international fees below cover two academic terms (September to April). Engineering and Optometry are charged a flat programme fee, while other faculties are billed per 0.5-unit course.
| Program Name | Total Fee (CAD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) | CAD 75,000 per year | INR 52.15 lakh | Class 12 with 88% to 95% |
| Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) | CAD 73,000 per year | INR 50.76 lakh | Class 12 with 90% to 95% |
| Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath) | CAD 62,000 per year | INR 43.11 lakh | Class 12 with 85% to 92% |
| Bachelor of Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) | CAD 58,000 per year | INR 40.33 lakh | Class 12 with 85% to 90% |
| Bachelor of Environment (BES) | CAD 51,000 per year | INR 35.46 lakh | Class 12 with 75% to 82% |
Insider note: Indian students overwhelmingly choose BCS, Software Engineering and BMath at the undergraduate level, and MDSAI, MMath, MCS and MEng Electrical or Computer at the graduate level. These streams unlock Waterloo’s paid co-op cycle, which is the actual reason most Indian families accept the sticker price.
University of Waterloo Admission 2027
The University of Waterloo runs three intakes each year, but Indian applicants overwhelmingly target the Fall (September) intake, which is the only entry point for undergraduate programmes and most competitive graduate streams. As per the Waterloo admissions page, international students face the same published deadlines as domestic applicants.
University of Waterloo UG Admission Dates 2027
Undergraduate applications open through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre in mid-October 2026 for the Fall 2027 intake.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering and Architecture application deadline | 15 January 2027 | Includes Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics |
| All other UG programmes application deadline | 1 February 2027 | BCS, BMath, BES, AFM close on this date |
| Document submission deadline | 15 February 2027 | Transcripts, AIF and English test scores must arrive |
| Programme start (Fall term) | September 2027 | Orientation runs in the week before classes |
University of Waterloo PG Admission Dates 2027
Graduate deadlines differ by department; the table below covers the streams most popular with Indian students.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Mathematics in Data Science deadline | 15 December 2026 | Only Fall admission; no Winter intake |
| Master of Data Science and AI (co-op and non co-op) deadline | 15 January 2027 | Winter 2027 non co-op closes 1 July 2026 |
| Most other PG programmes deadline | 1 February 2027 | 1 February 2026 |
| Programme start (Fall term) | September 2027 | WES verification takes six to eight weeks; start early |
Planning note: Waterloo does not accept the IELTS One Skill Retake or TOEFL MyBest scores, so a single sitting must clear all four section minimums. Book your test at least two months before your programme deadline to allow score transmission.
Read More: University of Waterloo Admissions Guide for Indian Students
University of Waterloo Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
The University of Waterloo evaluates Indian applicants on academic transcripts, English test scores, subject-specific supplements and, for Engineering, a video interview.
PG Requirements
- Academic: Four-year bachelor’s degree with 75% or CGPA 7.5/10 for course-based master’s; 78% or CGPA 8.0/10 for research-based master’s (recommended thresholds).
- English: IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each band, or TOEFL iBT 90 with 25 in each section, or PTE Academic 63 with 65 in Writing and Speaking.
- Credential verification: Transcripts must be uploaded via the online application; some programmes require WES ICAP verification for offer holders.
- Programme-specific: Research streams require a supervisor’s approval before the offer is issued; MASc and PhD applicants must secure a faculty commitment.
UG Requirements
- Academic: Class 12 with 88% average for Engineering and Computer Science; 85% for Mathematics and AFM; 75% for Environment (recommended cut-offs based on prior cycle intake).
- English: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Reading and Listening and 6.5 in Speaking and Writing, or TOEFL iBT 90 with 25 in Speaking and Writing.
- Supplementary steps: Admission Information Form is mandatory; Engineering applicants must complete an online interview, and BCS applicants may be shortlisted for a supplementary assessment.
Key insight: Waterloo does not accept a medium-of-instruction letter as a substitute for the English test. Even CBSE and ICSE students taught in English must submit an IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or CAEL score from a single sitting.
University of Waterloo Acceptance Rate 2027
The University of Waterloo does not publish an institution-wide acceptance rate, but third-party filings converge on 53% (estimated) overall, dropping to a much tighter 6% to 10% (estimated) for Computer Science, Software Engineering and top Engineering streams. Numbers below are directional; treat them as offer probability, not seat guarantees.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 53% | Stable |
| 2025 | 53% | Stable |
| 2024 | 54% | Slight compression |
Programme-level selectivity is the number that actually matters for Indian applicants. BCS, Software Engineering, Mechatronics and Nanotechnology Engineering routinely reject applicants with 92% Class 12 averages when the interview or AIF falls short.
Reality check: Waterloo weights the Admission Information Form and Engineering interview as heavily as marks. A 95% CBSE aggregate with a weak AIF is a common rejection pattern; a 90% aggregate with strong extracurriculars and a sharp interview often lands the seat.
Read More: University of Waterloo Admissions in Canada
University of Waterloo Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian student at Waterloo lands between CAD 65,000 and CAD 95,000 (INR 45.19 lakh to INR 66.05 lakh), depending on programme and lifestyle. Engineering undergraduates sit at the top of the band; Environment and course-based master’s students at the bottom.
University of Waterloo Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Waterloo publishes fee schedules each September for the upcoming academic year. The bands below cover the September 2026 to August 2027 window.
| Level | Annual Tuition Range (CAD) | Annual Tuition Range (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Environment to Engineering) | CAD 51,000 to 75,000 | INR 35.46 to 52.15 lakh |
| Postgraduate (course-based master’s) | CAD 30,000 to 45,000 | INR 20.86 to 31.29 lakh |
| Postgraduate (professional master’s, MQF and MBET) | CAD 45,000 to 62,000 | INR 31.29 to 43.11 lakh |
[Source: University of Waterloo Finance schedules; verify per programme]
Monthly Cost of Living in Waterloo for Indian Students
The city of Waterloo is cheaper than Toronto or Vancouver, and student housing near campus is the largest single cost line.
| Category | Monthly (CAD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared off-campus) | CAD 900 to 1,300 | INR 62,577 to 90,389 |
| Food and groceries | CAD 350 to 450 | INR 24,336 to 31,289 |
| Transportation (U-Pass included) | CAD 90 | INR 6,258 |
| Books and supplies | CAD 100 | INR 6,953 |
| Personal and utilities | CAD 200 to 300 | INR 13,906 to 20,859 |
| Total monthly | CAD 1,640 to 2,240 | INR 1.14 to 1.56 lakh |
| Total annual | CAD 19,680 to 26,880 | INR 13.69 to 18.69 lakh |
[Source: UKCISA-style estimate cross-checked with 2026 IRCC GIC benchmark of CAD 20,635 (estimated)]
Insider note: Rent in Waterloo student neighbourhoods like Columbia Street West and Phillip Street runs CAD 750 to CAD 900 for a shared room and up to CAD 1,500 for a studio. Signing a 12-month lease starting in September is standard; May starts are cheaper by CAD 100 to CAD 200.
Read More: Study in Canada Guide for Indian Students
University of Waterloo Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The main campus sits on 400 hectares in Waterloo, Ontario, roughly 100 km west of Toronto, and hosts more than 42,000 students across six faculties.
- Location and transport: The ION light rail and Grand River Transit buses connect campus to Kitchener, Waterloo downtown and the GO train link to Toronto; a monthly U-Pass is bundled into fees.
- Housing: Waterloo guarantees on-campus residence for first-year undergraduates who apply by the June deadline; roughly 6,900 residence beds cover about 25% of demand, so most upper-year students rent off-campus.
- Signature facilities: The Sedra Student Design Centre, Quantum-Nano Centre and the University of Waterloo Library system, including the mathematics-focused Davis Centre, are the most used by STEM students.
- Indian community: The Waterloo Indian Cultural Association (WICA) and the Waterloo Punjabi Students Association run Diwali, Holi and Onam events each term, and Indian grocery options at 100 King Street and Kitchener are 10 minutes from campus.
What Indian students say: Winters between December and March are the sharpest adjustment; invest in a proper down jacket in the first month. The co-op cycle is intense but the paid four-month terms fund most of the tuition gap, and the Kitchener-Waterloo tech corridor means job interviews rarely need travel.
University of Waterloo Scholarships 2027
The University of Waterloo runs four scholarships that Indian applicants can realistically target, plus two national awards open to international students. There is no India-only scholarship, but STEM applicants at the top of the pool are automatically nominated for the entrance awards.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) | Merit-based | CAD 2,500 per term for 5 terms (CAD 12,500 total) | Research master’s, 75% minimum average, faculty nomination | Auto-nominated with admission |
| International Doctoral Student Award (IDSA) | Merit-based | Reduces international tuition to domestic level | Full-time PhD, all faculties | Auto-awarded on admission |
| President’s Graduate Scholarship (PGS) | Merit-based | CAD 5,000 per year (top-up on major awards) | Awarded on top of Vanier, OGS or NSERC CGS holders | Auto-nominated |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) | Government (limited international quota) | CAD 15,000 per year | Master’s or PhD, minimum A- average | Verify at Waterloo graduate awards |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship | Government (open to international) | CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years | Doctoral, research excellence, leadership | Verify at Waterloo graduate awards |
Planning note: IMAE nominations are handled inside each faculty and slots are limited; a strong statement of interest and a supervisor’s letter push you into the nomination pile. Course-based master’s like MEng and MDSAI non co-op are not eligible for IMAE.
Read More: University of Waterloo Scholarships Guide
University of Waterloo Rankings 2027
The University of Waterloo’s strongest ranking bodies are QS and Collegedunia Study Abroad, with sharp global positions in Computer Science and Mathematics. As per QS World University Rankings 2027, Waterloo has climbed from #154 in 2023 to #113 in 2027, a nine-place gain over five editions.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | 2027: #113 | 2026: #119 | 2025: #115 |
| THE World | 2026: #162 | 2025: #163 | 2024: #158 |
| US News Global | 2025-2026: #199 | 2024-2025: #204 | 2023-2024: #205 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | 2025: #151-200 | 2024: #151-200 | 2023: #151-200 |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | #91 of 824 (Global); #5 of 116 (Canada) | NA | NA |
[Source: QS, THE, US News, ARWU, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
Subject-level positions are where Waterloo dominates the peer set. QS Subject Rankings 2026 place Waterloo at #27 for Computer Science, #29 for Mathematics, #30 for Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and #40 for Data Science and AI. Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 lists Waterloo at #31 of 392 in Computer Science globally and #2 of 30 in Canada.
Key insight: For Indian STEM applicants comparing global options, Waterloo’s QS Computer Science #27 puts it ahead of IIT Bombay CS at #44 in the same edition. This gap is the practical reason Waterloo dominates Indian tech-parent search intent for undergraduate CS abroad.
Read More: University of Waterloo Rankings Analysis
University of Waterloo Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Waterloo’s co-op programme is the most cited placement engine in Canada, running six four-month work terms across an undergraduate degree.
- Co-op employment: Waterloo places over 25,000 co-op students each year across 7,900+ employer partners, one of the largest post-secondary co-op operations globally.
- Median STEM starting salary: CAD 82,000 (INR 57.01 lakh) for Computer Science and Software Engineering graduates; market median for Canadian STEM master’s exits, not a university-disclosed figure.
- Top recruiter sectors: technology (Shopify, RBC, Google, Microsoft, Amazon co-op cycles), quantitative finance, engineering consulting and government research labs.
- Careers support: WaterlooWorks portal, dedicated co-op advisors per faculty, and a three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit route for eligible graduates.
- Alumni notes: Waterloo alumni include leaders across Indian and global tech, from Instagram co-founder Mike Krieger to senior engineers across Google, Meta and Uber.
Insider note: Indian students on the paid co-op cycle typically earn CAD 45,000 to CAD 70,000 across their work terms, offsetting a significant share of tuition. Non co-op MEng streams do not include this pathway; MASc and MDSAI co-op do.
University of Waterloo vs Peer Universities
The peer set below covers the Canadian universities Indian applicants shortlist alongside Waterloo, plus one US and one UK cross-country comparator, ranked on QS 2027 and Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026.
| University | QS Rank 2027 | Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee (CAD / INR lakh) | One-line differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Waterloo | #113 | #91 of 824 (Global) | CAD 30,000 to 45,000 / 20.86 to 31.29 lakh | North America’s largest co-op programme |
| University of Toronto | #17 | #91 of 824 | CAD 45,000 to 65,000 / 31.29 to 45.19 lakh | Canada’s highest global rank |
| McGill University | #28 | #22 of 824 | CAD 25,000 to 55,000 / 17.38 to 38.24 lakh | Strong research funding and Montreal location |
| University of British Columbia | #40 | #30 of 824 | CAD 12,000 to 45,000 / 8.34 to 31.29 lakh | Vancouver base and cheaper PG streams |
| Purdue University | #87 | #48 of 824 | CAD 45,000 to 55,000 / 31.29 to 38.24 lakh | US cross-country peer for engineering scale |
Waterloo stands out on two dimensions: the co-op payroll, which few Canadian peers can match at scale, and QS Computer Science #27, which sits above every peer in this table except UofT globally. The trade-off is a smaller campus city than Toronto or Vancouver and lower brand recognition outside STEM.
The University of Waterloo is right for the Indian applicant whose priority is engineering employability at a mid-#100s QS anchor, with a total three-year budget of INR 90 to INR 120 lakh offset by co-op earnings, and who values the three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit route to a Canadian tech role. The strongest single advantage is the Post-Graduation Work Permit paired with Waterloo’s employer network in Kitchener and Toronto.
Waterloo is not the right fit for humanities or business-first applicants chasing global brand prestige; a Toronto or McGill choice makes more sense there. Applicants targeting quant finance or investment banking should also weigh Ivey (Western University) as a realistic alternative.
FAQs
Ques. How competitive is Bachelor of Computer Science admission at Waterloo?
Ans. Waterloo BCS is one of the most selective Computer Science programmes in Canada, with an estimated admit rate of 6% to 10% for international applicants. A Class 12 average of 90% to 95%, a strong Admission Information Form and evidence of coding, math contests or open-source work are typical for successful Indian offer holders.
Ques. Does the University of Waterloo waive IELTS for CBSE or ICSE students?
Ans. No, Waterloo does not accept a medium-of-instruction letter or English-medium schooling as a substitute. Every Indian applicant, including CBSE and ICSE candidates, must submit an IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or CAEL score from a single test sitting. The IELTS One Skill Retake and TOEFL MyBest composite scores are not accepted.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Waterloo?
Ans. Yes, international students holding a valid study permit can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic terms and full-time during scheduled breaks under IRCC 2026 rules. On-campus work has no hourly cap. Co-op work terms count as full-time authorised employment separate from these limits.
Ques. What Post-Graduation Work Permit duration do Waterloo graduates get?
Ans. Waterloo master’s and bachelor’s graduates from programmes of two years or longer are eligible for a three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit under the current IRCC framework. One-year course-based master’s like MEng qualify for a three-year PGWP as of the 2026 policy, provided the field-of-study eligibility is confirmed at application time.
Ques. Does Waterloo require the GRE or GMAT for graduate admission?
Ans. Most Waterloo graduate programmes do not require GRE, including MEng, MMath and MASc streams. Master of Quantitative Finance and some Economics streams recommend the GRE but do not mandate it. The Conrad MBA and MBET require the GMAT or GRE only for candidates with limited quantitative coursework.
Ques. How large is the Indian student community at Waterloo University?
Ans. India is consistently among the top three source countries for Waterloo’s international enrolment, with active cohorts in BCS, Software Engineering, MMath, MDSAI and MEng streams. The Waterloo Indian Cultural Association, Punjabi Students Association and Tamil Students Association run cultural events across the Fall and Winter terms.
Ques. What is the application fee for Waterloo University for Indian applicants?
Ans. The undergraduate application through OUAC costs approximately CAD 156 (INR 10,846) for the base application plus per-university fees for Waterloo. Graduate applications carry a CAD 125 (INR 8,691) fee per programme, non-refundable. Fee waivers are not typically extended to Indian applicants, so budget this into the deposit plan.
Ques. Which Indian banks offer education loans for Waterloo University?
Ans. Waterloo is on the approved-university list of every major Indian public and private lender, including SBI Global Ed-Vantage, HDFC Credila, Avanse, Auxilo, Prodigy Finance and MPower Financing. Collateral-free loans up to INR 40 lakh are common for STEM master’s; unsecured loans up to INR 75 lakh are available through NBFC and international lenders for Waterloo offer holders.
University of Waterloo Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Application Deadline For May 2027 Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 26,827 /Yr CAD 37,260 /Yr | 125 | Grade: 78%, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 5.0 | ||
MMath Computer Science 2 years | Application Deadline For May 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 16,623 /Yr CAD 23,088 /Yr | 125 | Grade: 78%, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 5 | |
PharmD 4 years | Application Deadline For May 2026 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 15,975 /Yr CAD 22,188 /Yr | 125 | 78%, IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 90, PTE: 63 | - |
Application Deadline For May 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 35,796 /Yr CAD 49,716 /Yr | 125 | Grade: 75%, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80 | ||
MS Quantitative Finance 16 months | USD 19,552 /Yr CAD 27,156 /Yr | 125 | Grade: 80%, IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 90, PTE: 63 | ||
BCS 5 years | USD 49,820 /Yr CAD 69,194 /Yr | 90 | Grade: 75%, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90, PTE: 63, Duolingo: 120 | ||
BS Science and Aviation 4 years | USD 35,366 /Yr CAD 49,120 /Yr | 90 | Grade: 75%, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90, PTE: 63, Duolingo: 120 | - | |
| USD 38,894 /Yr CAD 54,020 /Yr | 90 | Grade: 75%, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90, PTE: 63, Duolingo: 120 | |||
Application Deadline For May 2026 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 16,623 /Yr CAD 23,088 /Yr | 125 | 75%, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80, PTE: 60 | ||
| USD 16,623 /Yr CAD 23,088 /Yr | 125 | 75%, IELTS 6.5 , TOEFL 4.5, Duolingo-120 |
Do you think the Dates are wrong ? Report Here
Find A Program
Top Recommended Courses
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Course Finder - Search from 50K+ courses
Popular Streams:
University of Waterloo comparison
| University Name | University of Waterloo | Western University | York University | The University of British Columbia | University of Guelph | University of Ottawa | McMaster University | University of Calgary | Simon Fraser University | Toronto Metropolitan University | Queen's University | University of Windsor | University of Alberta | University of Toronto | Wilfrid Laurier University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 5.3 Out of 10 | 5 Out of 10 | 4.3 Out of 10 | 6.7 Out of 10 | 4.2 Out of 10 | 4.7 Out of 10 | 5.5 Out of 10 | 5.4 Out of 10 | 4.8 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 | 5 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 | 5.7 Out of 10 | 7.4 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 | 9 Out of 10 |
| Overall Ranking |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Subject Strength |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
|
| Programs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Acceptance Rate | 53.0 % | 58.0 % | 48.0 % | 54.0 % | 66.0 % | 80.0 % | 59.0 % | 55.0 % | 59.0 % | 80.0 % | 42.0 % | 30.0 % | 58.0 % | 43.0 % | 89.0 % | 4.5 % |
| Exam Score | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||
| Cost to Study |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
Do you think the data is wrong ? Report Here
Overall 113 out of 1504 in Global Ranking
Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
University of Waterloo Reviews
Most Popular Tags
58 Reviews Found
Likes
- Although I didn't get admission in the co-op program, the co-op program here at Waterloo should be one of the best in the entire world. Where if you are doing your bachlor's you can have up to 4 4 months of internships when you graduate.
- Professors are extremely good and plenty of research opportunities.
- Startup culture
Campus Life
- I think there is only one campus here at Waterloo. It's gigantic. Infrastructure is the best you could possibly get.
- Extra-curricular activities happening all the time, all the days... But as the university itself is so big, you wouldn't know all the things all the time. So it's up to the student's interest. But one thing I can assure you is, no matter what your interest is, you can find activities related to that.
- Sports and Gym are very good. They have olympic level swimming pool and other sports are good as well. All facilities are included in fees.
- They have 2 libraries and in every building (there are 15-20 buildings) you can find study spaces. Libraries are very huge... One dedicated library is of 10 floors. so enough resources. Online library is there. You can access every journal, conference and publication online.
- Research facilities are one of the best in canada and might be among the very best in the world.
Fees
- 48-56000 CADs
Likes
- Exposure to Waterloo's startup ecosystem
- Campus facilities in terms of extra circular activities
- Diverse culture
Dislikes
- Burnout, it is tough to survive in a competitive environment as an international student,
- Less part time jobs were available,
- High cost of living,
Campus Life
- The University was covered within 1000 acres of land. There were separate departments; my building name was E7, which means engineering 7. There are two major libraries and PAC , which is our sports facility. There are other activities available in the Student life centre.
- The major campus festival is St Patrick's Day. You can participate in different activities happening but it depends upon your department. we were allowed to participate mostly in pitch competitions or sports-related activities.
Fees
- The fee was divided into 3 semesters; you can pay accordingly as you like. Overall, it was somewhere around CAD 67,000 for the whole course; it included tuition, miscellaneous , insurance, etc.
- The monthly expense to stay in Waterloo is somewhere around CAD 1200-1300 per month. Rent costs are between CAD 800 and 900 per month; transportation for the 1st year is free, as it is covered in your fees.
Likes
- Flexibility is choosing the subjects and specialization, even though the degree says Electrical and Computer Engineering, students here can choose few subjects from different department, no pressure of choosing department specific subjects.
- Courses here are not too theoretical, they are a mix of theory and practical assignments.
- The curriculum is up to date with incorporation all the recent technologies out in market in the assignments and projects.
Dislikes
- Limited campus housing for Masters students, so tough competition to get campus housing, mostly will have to live in rented apartment/house which can cost more than campus housing.
- Limited opportunities of Teaching Assistants for Engineering Master students, since its mostly given to PhDs and Master of Science students.
- Campus has limited food joints, they are expanding though, but felt i had less options.
Campus Life
- 2 Campuses, one the major one in Waterloo and the second one in Kitchener (pharmacy).
- 2 sports complexes, 1 baseball field, 1 American football field, 1 soccer field, and 1 olympic swimming pool. 2 big library buildings, 1 hospital.
- Engineering Day usually happens on the day when the university was established. Indian clubs also organise Diwali and Ganesh festivals on the university campus.
- There are over 50 student clubs; some target academics and some focus on extracurricular activities like running, trekking, badminton, basketball, etc. there are also some religious and cultural societies like Hindu Society of UW, English club, etc.
Fees
- For me, the total tuition fee charged for the 4 semesters i took was 56,000 CAD (3 full-time semesters and 1 part-time semester). Flexibility here is that you can complete a master's in 3 semesters as well then your fee would be 48,000 CAD. Per semester fee for me was 16,000 CAD. I didn't take a hostel since it was tough to get into, but for hostels, it's 3200 to 4000 CAD per semester (4 months), depending on the locality of the hostel. The tuition fee includes all amenities like sports, gym, laboratory, library, etc.
- Fee payment was semester-wise but it's flexible here; you can pre-pay the tuition and the system automatically deducts the fee.
- Monthly expenses, including rent and groceries, will range from 1000 to 1500 CAD per month. rent in Waterloo ranges from 600 to 1000 CAD, from shared space to a private room in an apartment. Transportation was included in the tuition fee. Rest 400-500 CAD are regular expenses which include groceries and food.
Likes
- The Profs are extremely nice and accommodating. They host weekly office hours if you have any doubts or if you are unable to understand a concept and explain things really well. They also have Teaching assistants helping you when they are not available and everyone is well trained. So you will face no difficulty for finding help.
- Waterloo has a robust co-op program, where you have to do at least 5 internships, allowing you to have real-life experience before you even graduate making it easy to get a job in this market. What makes it even better is all the internships you do, you are going to find them yourself, which indirectly helps you understand and experience job hunting, interviewing etc... at a early stage so you don't have to suffer later on.
- The startup culture here is something that I like a lot. Everyone is trying to invent something new and people who did invent are trying to pitch it to investors and get their product in front of customers, not caring whether it will work or fail and so this entire face-paced process at startups is something that I have experienced and love a lot.
Dislikes
- The Curriculum as interesting as it is, it is also extremely hard. They constantly challenge you with assignments, quizzes, midterms, essays and a lot more, most of them being due at the end of the week. So, people usually get overwhelmed and burnt out by the end of the week, everyone just looking forward to the weekend. But not to rest but to slowly do their assignments instead of doing it in a rush, along with going to class during the weekdays.
- The food is extremely costly. I wish I could eat out every single day because it is quite hard to cook or meal prep for the week when you have a really hard curriculum but that is not possible. Since most food places cost a lot to pay for, you are usually forced to cook at the starting of the week for the entire week, taking out time from your busy schedule.
- The university is set in a small city. So if you do have some free time, there's not much to do around here except going out for bowling or clubbing.
Campus Life
- My University has only one campus.
- All kinds of facilities are available on campus: Libraries, Sports, Gym, Medical Services, Clubs, Food Places and many more.
- Major clubs at my campus for academics are Data Science club and the UW Reality Labs, for dance are UW Hip Hop and UW Dhamaka, for sports there's a club for every sport.
- Major festival that Waterloo celebrates the best (so much that everyone from other universities nearby come here for it) is St Patty's / St Patrick's Day. There's also a carnival held every Fall which everyone looks forward to.
Fees
- The fees is charged semester-wise. For computer Science, in first year my tuition fees was 33000 per semester but now it is 34000. They add additional expenses to that which comes up to 1000-2000 for insurance or co-op fee, it depends on the term. Then if your living on campus, they residences cost around 4000 per term, there are several residences to choose and all of them have different prices. Some residences require you to buy a meal plan while some don't, they cost around 3000 - 3200. But you mostly move out of University after first year and live outside. But since there is a housing crisis, the rent per month usually costs around 800-1200 CAD depends on the place, and If u cook then it should cost you more than 500 per month.
- If you eat out a lot, then it can cost you anywhere between 800-1000 per month. For other activities, they usually come up to another 100-200 if you like having going out and having fun a lot. Sometimes the clubs at university do take some membership fees, which is pretty small about 2-10 dollars depends on the club. the transportation (bus and metro fees) is included in your main fee structure, and you can use ur Waterloo ID to go anywhere in Waterloo unlimited using public buses and metro. So I estimate my monthly expenses to be around 1650 including rent, food, and other activities. (All numbers are in CAD)
Likes
- - Great community and diversity
- - Excellent quality of education (especially for CS related)
- - Transit connectivity and infrastructure of the university buildings
Dislikes
- - Cultural and Fun activities
- - Personal connection with faculty
- - Difficult coursework
Campus Life
- We have one big campus in the city. Multiple buildings around the city.
- We also have a ring road which encloses almost all the buildings. University housing is also close by, but mostly reserved for undergrad and phd students.
- We have a building called SLC (student life centre) where we can get into lots of clubs, sport teams other cultural activities. If we have any question, we can just go to SLC and find them. Lots of options to buy food around the campus too.
Fees
-
- Fees is paid per semester. Its not per course like other universities.
We can do as many courses as we can for the same fee. 2-4 i the max no.of courses students do. There is an option to switch to part-time for the last term and reduce the fee by half. I did 4 courses in one semester to reduce the load in last term and converted to part-time (this would still count as a FT term)
- 16,500 CAD per semester
- Avg. monthly expenses:
Rent: 800
Groceries: 200
Transportation: Usually free with student card from university, other wise 50/month
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.
Campus Life
The university tries to get students involved in campus life and events, which is pretty nice. There are also over 100 clubs.
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.
Campus Life
There are a bunch of extracurricular activities. The university has almost every sport, 2 vast gyms, and a pool. You can get into various clubs including Data Science Clubs, Language clubs, International clubs, and Dance and Music clubs.
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.
Campus Life
There are plenty of clubs to choose from (specifically for Indian students - Bollywood dance club, Bollywood music club, Bhangra club) Extracurriculars are not that great, but for leisure, they are 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.
Campus Life
Campus life is good, we have limited resources for the library, WIFI is there, Sports facilities are also there, and yes the research facility is good. Overall everything was good.
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.
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.
Campus Life
University of Waterloo 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.
University of Waterloo Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accenture Award-University of Waterloo | Scholarship per student$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Alan Plumtree Graduate Scholarship in Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering | Scholarship per student$14,544 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| K.C. Lee Computer Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Cecil and Edna Cotton Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,818 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Barbara Hayes-Roth Award for Women in Math and Computer Science | Scholarship per student$1,200 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Robbert Hartog Graduate Scholarship | Scholarship per student$3,636 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeCollege-Specific |
View All 27 Scholarships
Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ? Report Here
FAQs
Ques. I have received an admit from University of Waterloo and Concordia University for biological sciences. Which one should I choose?
Ques. What percentage is required for an Indian student to get an easy admission to the University of Waterloo?
Ques. What is the average GRE for people getting into MSCS of University of Waterloo?
University of Waterloo Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.ouac.on.ca/
UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO ADMISSIONS
Applications need to meet the minimum eligibility requirements of the university as well as that of the specific course. The admission requirements at the university for Indian students, as per the level of study, is mentioned below:
Bachelor Level Requirements:
For undergraduate courses, the academic score of students in class 10, class 11, and class 12 are evaluated. Some of the other admission requirements entails:
- First or Second division in Class 12.
- Subject-specific academic score
- IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or above with a minimum sectional score of 6.5 in Writing and Speaking
- TOEFL-IBT score of 90 with minimum 25 in Writing and Speaking section
- PTE Academic Score of 63 or better; minimum 65 in Writing and Speaking
- Academic letters of recommendation
- Personal essays
Masters Level Requirements:
- Minimum 75% in pervious 4-year bachelors program
- IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or equivalent TOEFL-iBT score of 90
- Writing Sample (program specific)
- GRE/GMAT score
- Resume letter
- Academic and/or professional references
- Sponsorship card (if applicable)
University of Waterloo Exam Scores
| Exams | Avg. Score | Min Score | Max. Score | %Submitted' |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||||
| Duolingo | 140 | 120 | 160 | - |
| Language Proficiency | ||||
| IELTS | 6.5 | 6.5 | - | - |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Writing | 7.5 | 6.5 | 9 | - |
| Speaking | 7.5 | 6.5 | 9 | - |
| Reading | 7.5 | 6 | 9 | - |
| Listening | 7.5 | 6 | 9 | - |
| PTE | 76.5 | 63 | 90 | - |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Writing | 77.5 | 65 | 90 | - |
| Speaking | 77.5 | 65 | 90 | - |
| TOEFL | 105 | 90 | 120 | - |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Writing | 27.5 | 25 | 30 | - |
| Speaking | 27.5 | 25 | 30 | - |
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
University of Waterloo Campuses, Schools & Faculties
University of Waterloo Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4800 | - | - | - |
interested in this College ?
Follow & Share this college to get information about admission.
Comments
Found 38 Comments
Scholarship amounts vary by program or department, but it's possible to secure a full-ride scholarship. The Faculty of Science offers 15 International Student Scholarships, each worth up to CAD $80,000, which can cover a significant portion of your expenses. You can check more about University of Waterloo scholarships here
A graduate diploma alone may not qualify you for a master’s degree at the University of Waterloo; typically, a bachelor’s degree is required.