University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo might be known for its science and engineering programs, but it offers more than 100 undergraduate programs across six faculties, including arts, engineering, environment, health, math and science. The school’s 1,000-acre main campus, with a recently expanded student centre and athletics complex, is enclosed by a ring road, while the southwest campus is home to Laurel Creek and Laurel Lake. Two campuses in nearby Cambridge and Kitchener are dedicated to the architecture and pharmacy programs, respectively. A campus in Stratford, focusing on digital media and interaction design, features an ultra-modern building near the downtown. The University of Waterloo is a research magnet—the Engineering 7 building is home to biomedical and mechatronics engineering programs, as well as one of the largest robotics and automation research groups in the country, and Velocity is one of the world’s most productive startup incubators. The new Future Cities Institute brings together a global network of interdisciplinary researchers, leaders and practitioners to develop new tools and approaches for building healthy, prosperous and sustainable cities. The Science Innovation Hub links science and business, providing research facilities, including a prototyping lab. The school is also home to North America’s largest co-op program, with roughly 26,000 co-op students working at more than 8,000 companies in more than 75 countries every year. “The University of Waterloo prepares the leaders of tomorrow through a unique blend of academic excellence, career-building opportunities and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship,” says president Vivek Goel.
Campus buzz: The school offers a 100 per cent residence guarantee for first-year and transfer students and is currently building a new 500-bed residence that prioritizes Indigenous design principles.
Quick facts
Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)
$7,628 ($8,256 out-of-province students)
Minimum Entering Grades
Arts: 85% | Science: 85% | Commerce: 85-91% | Engineering: 85%
Student Body
Undergraduates: Full-time: 34,549 | Part-time: 1,214
Graduates: Full-time: 4,710 | Part-time: 1,427
International Students: First-year: 15.5% | Graduate: 43.7%
Housing Facts
Residence Spaces: 6,757 (guaranteed for first-year students)
Cost of double room: $6,946 | Single room: $7,744
Cost of double room with meals: $13,176 to $14,176
Cost of single room with meals: $13,974 to $14,974
Cost of apartment-style: $6,693 to $7,662
Standout programs
Science and Aviation: Students earn a bachelor of science and a commercial pilot licence, graduating with more than 200 flight hours.
Information Technology Management: This program bridges the gap between tech and business. Students learn to use technology to solve complex business problems, and get extensive co-op experience.
Public Health: Students learn how to battle infectious diseases, write health policies and decipher life-saving research.
