15 Videos,
University of Waterloo: Rankings, Fees, Programs, Scholarships
Authorized Partner 
1000 acre campus- Estd. 1956
Last updated on 25 Nov '25Waterloo UniversityWhat's new?
- The university is accepting applications for the 2026-27 session
- Upcoming deadline for UG Engineering courses is: Jan 15, 2026
- Upcoming deadline for all UG courses is: Jan 30, 2026
About University of Waterloo
Established in 1957, the University of Waterloo is a public university based in Waterloo, Canada. Accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board and the AACSB, it is popular among Indian students for its co-op programs, which offer you the chance to gain industry experience along with studies. Apart from its co-programs, the university is also popular for its quality of teaching, especially in Business, Computer Science, and Engineering programs, ranking #1 in Canada for its CS program by Maclean's for the year 2024. Its academic environment gives emphasis to Entrepreneurship and Innovation, as evidenced by its world ranking of #18 for creating start-up founders, given by Pitchbook for the year 2025.
Considered by many as one of the best universities in Canada, getting admission here is not an easy ask, as the University of Waterloo acceptance rate stands at 53%, which suggests a clear priority is given to students with a great record in past academics. However, if you do manage to get in, its student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1 means you're certain to get a more personalised learning environment.
University Information
Here are some interesting facts that are worth knowing about studies at Waterloo University:
| Fact | Validation |
|---|---|
| Location | 200 University Avenue W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada |
| Endowment (2024) | USD 557.6 Million |
| Total Students (Fall 2024) | 41,000 |
| Undergraduate Co-Op Students | 26,000 |
| Percentage of International UG Students | 18% |
| Percentage of International PG Students | 42% |
| Faculties | 6 |
| Faculty-based Schools | 13 |
| Affiliated and Federated Institutions | 4 |
| Newspaper | Imprint Publications |
| Sporting Affiliation | Ontario University Athletics and U Sports |
University of Waterloo History
The University came to life thanks to the efforts of a group of business leaders who wished to open a university for innovation and entrepreneurship. 1958 saw the opening of the first building on campus for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. It soon became one of the first universities globally to give its UG students access to computers.
Check out the videos below to know more about Waterloo University:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Waterloo is known to offer perfect blend of urban & natural living & strong emphasis on education. However, region has its fair share of pros & cons.
The pros & cons are mentioned below:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Thriving Tech Scence | Cold Winters |
| Excellent Education Infrastructure | Located far from Toronto |
| Balanced Lifestyle | Higher Costs of Living |
| Strong Job Market | Limited Nightlife |
| Quality Public Transit System | Potential for Congestion in transit during peak hours |
Waterloo is considered the equivalent of Ivy League Universities in USA. It is recognised as one of the best uni's in the world for STEM studies and encourages entrepreneurship on campus.
Indian students applying to the University of Waterloo Bachelor of Computer Science must fulfill the general as well program-specific requirements.
General Requirements Students must have a first or second division in any one of the following:
- All India Senior School Certificate granted by CBSE
- Indian School Certificate granted by CISCE
- Other pre-university certificate granted after 12 years of academic studies
- Students are evaluated for admission on the basis of Class 10 board examination results, final Class 11 grades, and predicted Grade 12 board results of the students’ school.
Program-Specific Requirements
- Class 12 Mathematics, minimum grade of 90% (Class 12 Applied Mathematics is not accepted)
- Class 12 English
- One other Class 12 course, minimum final grade of 90%
- All standard Class 12 courses, minimum final grade of 85%
University of Waterloo Ranking 2026
The University forms part of the top 10 universities in Canada, as per rankings given by several prominent publications. The University of Waterloo Ranking is #6 in Canada and #178 in the world, as part of the latest edition of Shiksha Popularity Rankings. Many of its popular programs such as the MS, MA, and MArch too perform reasonably well at the national level.
Mentioned below is how these courses rank in Canada, based on Shiksha rankings:
| Course | Rank in Canada |
|---|---|
| MS | #4 |
| MArch | #4 |
| MA | #10 |
| MIM | #11 |
| LLM | #16 |
By Other Ranking Bodies
The University of Waterloo QS Ranking is #119 for the year 2026, while US News gives it a global rank of #197 for the year 2025.
#178
#6
University of Waterloo Courses
You can choose from a pool of more than 100 undergraduate and 180 graduate options when it comes to the University of Waterloo Courses. The courses can be pursued in both part-time and full-time formats.
Popular Majors
Engineering and Computer Science are the two most popular majors at Waterloo Uni. Architecture, Artificial Intelligence, Material Science, and Biotechnology are some other popular majors among Indian students.
Online Courses
You can choose from around 525 options across 40 subjects when it comes to Online courses at Waterloo. Data Science, Business, and Blockchain Technology are standout options.
Data Analytics or Business Analytics, confused which one is better for you? Check out the video below to get your answer:
4.2(6)12 months - 2 years
Guided 617 students to Canada universities.
3.6(3)4 - 5 years
We can fast-track your application in a week.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
University of Waterloo Admission 2026
For Indian students, the application deadlines are the same as for Canadian residents. The university has two key deadlines for University of Waterloo Admissions to most courses. One for the submission of the University of Waterloo application and the other for the submission of the required documents.
University of Waterloo Application Deadline 2026
The upcoming deadlines at Waterloo University Canada are mentioned below:
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Document Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| UG - All programs other than Engineering | Jan 30, 2026 | Feb 13, 2026 |
| UG - Engineering | Jan 15, 2026 | Jan 30, 2026 |
| UG - Part-time, Online, and Non-Degree Courses - Spring 2026 | Feb 27, 2026 | Mar 27, 2026 |
| PG Courses | Varies by Program | Varies |
University of Waterloo Eligibility Criteria
- Official Academic Transcripts
- University of Waterloo application fee of around CAD 90 (INR 5.6 K) for UG and CAD 150 (INR 9.4 K) for PG courses
- Completed University of Waterloo Application
- Valid passport
- Canada Student Visa
- Prove Proficiency in English
University of Waterloo Undergraduate Requirements
You would need to submit a Class 12th completion certificate, with a minimum 75% overall. The minimum Class 12th aggregate varies depending on which course you apply to. You'd also need to submit a minimum TOEFL-iBT score of 90 overall, with 25 in each section, OR an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading and Listening.
Also, feel free to submit any additional qualifications and certifications.
University of Waterloo Graduate Requirements
For PG courses, you'd have to submit a bachelor's degree or its equivalent, with good academic scores. A Personal Statement and Letters of Recommendation are some other documents you'd need to provide, along with valid scores in either the GRE or GMAT, for some courses.
- Application fees :CAD 100 - 156
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
University of Waterloo is one of the top public universities in Canada and students across the world desire to study here. As per some Waterloo University student reviews, listed below are some helpful tips for students starting their first year at University of Waterloo:
- Students are recommended to stay in university residences and befriend the people they meet there;
- Join clubs and participate actively in co-curricular activities;
- Build a schedule and stay organized;
- Do not procastinate studying; and
- Find out a way to de-stress and engage in fun activities/events.
To apply to the University of Waterloo MSc in DS and AI program, follow the steps given below:
- Apply at least two to four weeks in advance
- Then, create an application account
- Then, select the programme
- Lastly, pay the application fee
And you are done with the process.
Waterloo UniversityUniversity of Waterloo Scholarships
Waterloo Uni offers scholarships to Indian as per merit-basis and need-basis. For most of the scholarships, Waterloo Uni considers the students automatically. But, for some programs, an application is required. Mentioned below are some popular University of Waterloo Scholarships for Indian Students:
|
Scholarship Type |
Scholarship Name |
Financial Award |
Course Level |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Merit-based |
International Student Entrance Scholarship |
CAD 10,000 (INR 6.3 L) each for 20 individuals |
UG |
|
Merit-based |
Mathematics International Elite Awards - India |
CAD 40,000 (INR 25.19 L) for up to 5 individuals |
UG |
|
Merit-based |
Faculty of Engineering Scholarships |
CAD 10,000 (INR 6.3 L) for first-year students |
UG |
How can I get a Scholarship at the University of Waterloo?
- You should be an International Student
- Maintain great scores in past and current academics
- Should not be getting a scholarship from a different source
- For certain scholarships, you'd need to prove you need financial aid
To know more about scholarships in Canada, check out:
2 yearsWaterloo UniversityStudents Ratings & Reviews
29 Verified Reviews- 21% students never faced discrimination in this university
University of Waterloo Placements
As a University of Waterloo graduate, there's a very good chance you're in demand by some of the best companies in your industry, thanks to the skills and industry experience you gain with your co-op studies, and the strong connections the university maintains across industries.
University of Waterloo Placement Rate
The University of Waterloo Placements saw companies offer jobs to around 93.6% of graduates, 6 months after the completion of their education. Pharmacy and Optometry saw a 100% placement rate for graduates, while Computer Science, Engineering, Business, and Commerce were not too far behind.
| Stream | Percentage of Graduates Employed |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy and Optometry | 100% |
| Computer Science | 96.1% |
| Engineering | 95.7% |
| Law | 95.0% |
| Agriculture or Bioscience | 94.9% |
| Business and Commerce | 94.8% |
ROI After Education
The university has not released any data about the average salaries earned after graduation. The average salary per hour for those part of the co-op programs is available, as mentioned below:
| Course Level | Average Salary Per Hour (in CAD) | Average Salary Per Hour (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| UG | CAD 18.38-CAD 33.64 | INR 1.1 K-INR 2.1 K |
| PG | CAD 23.78-CAD 31.72 | INR 1.5 K-INR 2 K |
Top Recruiters
Commonly asked questions On Placements
University of Waterloo is one of the most popular universities in Canada. The employment rate at the university is 93.6% and students are getting jobs after 6 months of the course. A few of the companies at the university are mentioned below:
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Apple
- Deloitte
- Meta
- Amazon Web Services
- Tesla
- Scotiabank
Waterloo University graduates work for top companies such as Meta, Deloitte, Apple, University of Toronto, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Shopify, Tesla, WAT.ai etc.
Furthermore, graduates are highly skilled in the following:
- Leadership
- Microsoft Office
- Project Management
- Microsoft Excel
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Research Skills
- Python (Programming Language)
- Data Analysis
- Management
- Public Speaking
- C+
- Team Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Strategy
University of Waterloo Fees
The cost of studies at the University varies greatly depending on the type and level of program you choose. For Indian students, the University of Waterloo Fees is somewhere between CAD 51,000-CAD 74,000 (INR 32.13 L-INR 46.62 L) for most UG courses, and CAD 7,696-CAD 25,136 (INR 4.85 L-INR 15.83 L) for most PG courses. Diploma programs can cost you around CAD 6,171 (INR 3.88 L) per course, on average.
Cost of Living
Mentioned below is the estimated cost of living for Indian students in Waterloo:
| Component | Annual Cost of Living in CAD | Annual Cost of Living in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Off-Campus Housing | CAD 11,400-CAD 22,800 | INR 7.18 L-INR 14.37 L |
| Food | CAD 4,620 | INR 2.91 L |
| Phone and Internet | CAD 1,272 | INR 80.2 K |
| Clothing | CAD 1,584 | INR 1 L |
| Transportation | CAD 336 | INR 21.1 K |
| Books and Supplies | CAD 2,964 | INR 1.86 L |
| Personal Expenses | CAD 960 | INR 60.5 K |
| Laundry | CAD 516 | INR 32.5 K |
| Total | CAD 25,452-CAD 36,852 | INR 16.04 L-INR 23.23 L |
1 CAD=INR 63.00
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(20 courses) | INR 14 L - 30 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 12 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5, PTE: 63 - 68, Duolingo, TOEFL: 90 - 100, GRE |
B.Sc.(36 courses) | INR 26 L - 33 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 63 & Above, Duolingo: 120 & Above, TOEFL: 90 & Above |
MBA/PGDM(9 courses) | INR 14 L - 43 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 - 7.5, PTE: 63 - 68, Duolingo, TOEFL: 90 - 100, GMAT, GRE |
MIM(9 courses) | INR 14 L - 43 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 - 7.5, PTE: 63 - 68, Duolingo, TOEFL: 90 - 100, GMAT, GRE |
B.E. / B.Tech(17 courses) | INR 26 L - 47 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 63 & Above, Duolingo: 120 & Above, TOEFL: 90 & Above |
BBA(12 courses) | INR 26 L - 46 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 63 & Above, Duolingo: 120 & Above, TOEFL: 90 & Above |
MEng(5 courses) | INR 30 L - 31 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 60 & Above, Duolingo, GRE |
MASc(6 courses) | INR 10 L - 16 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 8 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 80 - 90, PTE: 60 - 63, Duolingo |
B.A.(27 courses) | INR 26 L - 36 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 63 & Above, Duolingo: 120 & Above, TOEFL: 90 & Above |
B.Ed(2 courses) | INR 26 L - 29 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE, Duolingo |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
The chance of getting admission to the University of Waterloo is moderately difficult for international students and depends on students academic performance, course type, entrance test scores, extracurricular activities, and relevant experience. So to end it, international still required to meet certain admission requirements.
University of Waterloo Notable Alumni
Nobel Prize Winners, Businessmen, TV Personalities, Politicians, Writers, and Professors. The university has educated brilliant students across industries, more than 261,000 to be specific. Businessman and Investor, Mike Lazaridis, famous Canadian TV Personality Kevin O' Leary, and Entrepreneur Chamath Palihapitiya have all studied at the university.
Some more popular names who are part of the University of Waterloo Notable Alumni are:
| Name | Known For | Alumnus |
|---|---|---|
| Rasmus Lerdorf |
Danish-Candian Programmer Co-authored the PHP Scripting language Graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in System Design Engineering in 1993 |
.JPG) |
| Mike Lazaridis |
Canadian Businessman and Investor Co-founded BlackBerry Pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering |
 |
| Chamath Palihapitiya |
Canadian-American Entrepreneur Worked as a Senior Executive at Facebook before starting Social Capital Graduated with a BE in Electrical Engineering in 1999 |
 |
| Heather Moyse |
Canadian Athlete Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist in Bobsleigh Graduated with a BSc Honours in Kinesiology |
 |
College comparison
Compare Waterloo University with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 13.69 L - 29.93 L | #119 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 7.32 L - 26.57 L | #173 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 10.12 L - 19.12 L | #27 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 3.32 L - 5.39 L | #358 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 1.62 L - 38.87 L | #211 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 4.05 L - 25.35 L | #94 QS, 2026 |
CompareWaterloo UniversityStudying in Canada
Key Facts About Canada
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
University of Waterloo Campus
The University of Waterloo Campus offers Museums, Study Spaces, Dining, Housing, TechShops, Fitness Services, Student Support, Libraries, a dedicated Athletics program, and so much more. There is something for everyone when you're at the UW Canada. All you need to do is just step outside.
University of Waterloo Campus Location
The university has one main campus, based on University Avenue West, in Waterloo, Ontario, and 3 additional satellite campuses. The Health Sciences Campus in downtown Kitchener, the School of Architecture in downtown Cambridge, and the Stratford Campus in, you guessed it, downtown Stratford.
University of Waterloo Campus Life
- Waterloo Uni takes the well-being of its students very seriously, and to support them, maintains a dedicated medical clinic, academic and career counselling, and a glow centre.
- There are more than 200 student clubs and societies you can join, based on your interest in areas charity, business, culture, games, media, health, technology, and politics, among others.
- The campus also hosts several popular student events like TEDx, Tech Hackathons, International Education Week, Welcome Week, Music Concerts & more.
- You get a 100% housing guarantee as a first-year or transfer student, and can choose to stay as part of the student villages of apartments.
Waterloo University
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 5 months ago
Uni of Waterloo acceptance rate is 53% which means that university accepts 53 out of 100 students. This means that the University of Waterloo admissions criteria are moderately selective as only half of the applicants are likely to become students at the canada-based university
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 9 months ago
There is no GRE requirements for graduate candidates at the University of Waterloo. Instead, they must have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university or equivalent and submit the document requirements such as unofficial transcripts (including awarding of degree/degree certificate), reference,
R
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 9 months ago
The University of Waterloo is among the top choices of international students in Canada for continuing higher studies. The University of Waterloo ranks at #115 under the category of “World University Rankings 2025”. Also, Waterloo University ranks at #21 under the “QS WUR Ranking by Subject”. Moreov
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 9 months ago
International students must fulfill the eligibility criteria and submit the required documents for the desired programme at the University of Waterloo. The University of Waterloo requirements for UG and PG for international students are given below:
Undergraduate requirements:
- Admission Information Fo
P
Contributor-Level 8
About the author
Study Abroad Expert
Waterloo University
University Campus
University Campus
University South Campus
Waterloo UniversityLocation
| University City | Waterloo, Ontario, Canada |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 1,04,986 |
Waterloo UniversityCampuses
University of Waterloo, Stratford Campus - 125 St. Patrick Street Stratford, ON N5A 0C1
Visit official siteWaterloo UniversityContact Information
200 University Avenue West, Waterloo Ontario, N2L 3G1
Waterloo ( Ontario)
Comments