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University of Waterloo Rankings 2026

Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

3.9 /5

(28 Reviews)

191 Student Q&A

Shiksha popularity ranking

#178 in World

#6 in Canada

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1000 acre campus
Estd. 1956

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Last updated on 5 Aug '25

Waterloo University Ranking

Table of content

University of Waterloo Ranking
University of Waterloo Course Ranking
University of Waterloo Ranking by US News & World Report 2025
University of Waterloo Ranking by Quacquarelli Symonds 2026
University of Waterloo Ranking by THE (Times Higher Education) 2025
Waterloo University ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) Ranking 2025
Waterloo University Student Reviews

Waterloo University
University of Waterloo Ranking

University of Waterloo is one of the top universities for international students. It is located in Waterloo, Canada and is aimed at offering good quality education to a student community coming from across the world. Let’s look at some of the rankings this university holds.

According to Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025, University of Waterloo is ranked globally at #178 and #6, among universities in Canada. Shiksha Popularity Ranking is a unique ranking system that aggregates different rankings the university holds from leading publishers globally. This aggregate ranking allows Indian students to evaluate a university and make a guided decision.

Nationally, the University of Waterloo ranking as per Shiksha Popularity Ranking has unchanged in the 2025 with a rank of #6.

The three year rankings of the university by different ranking bodies are given as follows:

Ranked By	2023	2024	2025	2026
QS	Not Ranked	112	115	119
THE	201	158	163	Not Ranked
US News	191	192	197	Not Ranked

Country level

Shiksha Popularity Rank

World rank by different ranking providers

Shiksha

#178

QS Ranking

#119

ARWU Ranking

#151

THE Ranking

#163

US News Ranking

#197

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Commonly asked questions
On University Evaluation

Q: What is the University of Waterloo rankings globally?

The University of Waterloo is among the top universities in Canada for continuing higher education. When it comes to ranking, Waterloo University is one of the top-ranked universities in the world. According to Shiksha Popularity Rankings, the University of Waterloo has an overall ranking of #5 in Canada and #4 in MS in Canada. Check the table listed below for Waterloo University ranking by top ranking publisher all over the world:

Ranking Publishers	Rank
Shiksha Popularity Rankings	#5 in Canada
US News & World Report 2025	#192
Times Higher Education 2025	#163
QS World University Rankings 2025	#115
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking 2024)	#151

Q: What is the ranking of University of Waterloo in comparison to the Simon Fraser University?

According to the Times Higher Education, the University of Waterloo is ranked at #163 and Simon Fraser University ranks between#301-350 under the category of “World University Rankings 2025”. The comparative rankings of University of Waterloo and Simon Fraser University are given as follows:

Year	University of Waterloo	Simon Fraser University
2021	201	251-300
2022	201	201-250
2023	201	251-300
2024	168	251-300
2025	163	301-350

Q: What is the ranking of University of Waterloo in comparison to the McMaster University?

According to the QS, the University of Waterloo is ranked at #115 and McMaster University ranks at #176 under the category of “QS World University Rankings 2025”. The comparative rankings of University of Waterloo and McMaster University are given as follows:

Year	University of Waterloo	McMaster University
2021	166	144
2022	149	140
2023	154	152
2024	112	189
2025	115	176

Waterloo University
University of Waterloo Course Ranking

As per the University of Waterloo subject ranking 2025, many of the university courses are ranked among the top in the world. These courses, available in streams such as Engineering, Business and Management Studies, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences and Science, among others, are also highly popular among international students.

The Shiksha Popularity World Ranking has ranked University of Waterloo Engineering courses at #55 in 2025. This course was ranked at #39 in 2024. On the other hand, the QS ranks these courses at #47 for the Engineering and Technology courses, showing declined trend from 2024 rank of #40.

Global ranking body Shiksha Popularity World Ranking also ranks its Business & Management Studies courses. It has ranked University of Waterloo Business & Management Studies courses at #349 globally in 2025. Additionally, its PG Business and Economics programs offered are also quite popular in the country and globally as these are ranked at #126 by THE in 2025.

Among Indian students researching study abroad options, University of Waterloo has also stood out in the Shiksha Popularity Rankings 2025. Here’s how its key courses have been ranked based on popularity and student interest:

Course Category	2023	2024	2025
Engineering	#39	#39	#55
Business & Management Studies	#355	#333	#349
Law	#319	#186	#188
Medicine & Health Sciences	#207	#218	#183
Science	#101	#64	#87

Search for courses/specializations

Showing 3 Courses

Shiksha popularity ranking

Shiksha

ARWU

#38

THE

#43

#47

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Specializations in MS Program

Computer Science Engineering

Shiksha

THE

#43

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Mathematics

Shiksha

#47

ARWU

#51

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Shiksha popularity ranking

M.Arch

Shiksha

#101

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#10

Shiksha popularity ranking

M.A.

Shiksha

#10

#101

ARWU

#101

THE

#301

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Specializations in M.A. Program

Politics

Shiksha

#201

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Commonly asked questions
On Course Ranking

Q: What are the rankings of programs offered by University of Waterloo by THE?

The University of Waterloo is renowned for offering the best academic programs for its international students. The university provides 100 undergraduate and 180 postgraduate programs, including both on-campus and online programs. Some of the top programs offered by University of Waterloo that are ranked Times Higher Education (THE) are listed below:

Top Programs	THE Ranking
Arts and Humanities	#301-400
Business and Economics	#126-150
Clinical and Health	#201-250
Computer Science	#43
Engineering	#78
Life Sciences	#251-300
Physical Sciences	#126-150
Psychology	#126-150
Social Sciences	#176-200

Q: What is the ranking of University of Waterloo by Shiksha Popularity Rankings?

The University of Waterloo is among the top universities for higher education in the United Kingdom. The university offers a variety of programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels for its international students. The University of Waterloo top programs are ranked by top ranking authorities. According to Shiksha Popularity Rankings, the University of Waterloo top programs rankings are listed below:

Type of Programs	Shiksha Popularity Rankings
MS	4
Biology	12
Physics	3
M.Arch	4
M.A.	10
Computer Science Engineering	2
Mathematics	3
Politics	11
Mechanical Engineering	3

University of Waterloo Ranking by US News & World Report 2025

US News & World Report is among the top ranking publishers in the world. The ranking publisher is known for its National, Global, Subject-based, and Regional rankings. US News & World Report evaluates various factors when considering top university for rankings. Some factors are Best Colleges for Veterans, most innovative schools, top performers on social mobility, average 6-year graduation rate, etc.

According to US News & World Report National Rankings, University of Waterloo ranks

According to US News & World Report National Rankings, University of Waterloo ranks at #192 in 2025 and #206 in 2024 showing a decline in rankings. Check the ranking of University of Waterloo under various categories that are given below:

Ranked by	2023	2024	2025
Global Universities	191	192	197

University of Waterloo Comparison with Other Universities: US News & World Report

Waterloo is one of the top ranked universities in the world. University of Waterloo, McMaster, Western and Calgary are some of the most prominent universities in USA. Check the table listed below for the University ranking with top universities over the past years:

University Name	2024	2025
University of Waterloo	192	197
McMaster University	127	146
Western University	311	314
University of Calgary	206	204

U.S. News & World Report is among the top ranking authorities all over the world. The ranking authority provides ranking for global universities, national universities, subjects, and more. Additionally, the U.S. News & World Report takes care of various crucial parameters while determining the ranking for top universities. Some crucial parameters include global score, global research reputation, publications, conferences, regional research reputation, and more. The ranking authority, gives priority to number of publications that are among the 10% most cited and regional research reputation in comparison to other parameters. Furthermore, check the table listed below to know more about U.S. News & World Report ranking criteria they considered while determining rankings of University of Waterloo:

Parameter	Score/Rank
Global Score	65.8
Global Research Reputation	#136
Regional Research Reputation	#69
Publications	#233
Books	#212
Conferences	#72
Normalized Citation Impact	#543
Total Citations	#234
Number of Publications Among the 10% Most Cited	#231
Percentage of Total Publications Among the 10% Most Cited	#576
International Collaboration - Relative to Country	#720
International Collaboration	#514
Number of Highly Cited Papers Among the Top 1% Most Cited	#192
Percentage of Highly Cited Papers Among the Top 1% Most Cited	#299

Also check: US News Best College Rankings Methodology

Commonly asked questions
On Waterloo University US News & World Report Ranking

Q: Where does the University of Waterloo rank globally?

The University of Waterloo is among the top universities for continuing higher education in Canada. According to US News & World Report, the University of Waterloo ranks at #192 under the “Best Global Universities 2025”. Also, Waterloo University ranks at #7 in the “Best Global Universities in Canada”. Moreover, the University of Waterloo subject ranking by US News & World Report is listed below:

Subject	Rank
Material Science	#96
Geosciences	#141
Artificial Intelligence	#107
Biology and Biochemistry	#501
Mechanical Engineering	#52

Q: Does the University of Waterloo rank better than the Simon Fraser University?

The University of Waterloo and Simon Fraser University both are some of the best universities in Canada. According to US News & World Report, the University of Waterloo ranks at #192 and the Simon Fraser University ranks at #408 under the category of “Best Global Universities 2025”. Check the table listed below for Waterloo University and Simon Fraser University ranking over the past years:

Year	University of Waterloo	Simon Fraser University
2022	199	313
2023	191	317
2024	192	408
2025	192	408

University of Waterloo Ranking by Quacquarelli Symonds 2026

QS is one of the most famous and most followed ranking bodies around the world. It published University rankings for various global universities. The inital rankings had been published in 2024 along with THE ranking body.

According to QS , Waterloo University ranks at #119 in 2025 and #115 in 2024 under the “World University Rankings 2025”. Check the comparison listed below for University of Waterloo ranking by QS under various categories:

Ranked by	2024	2025	2026
World University	112	115	119
Accounting and Finance	151	151	– / –
Architecture and Built Environment	101	101	– / –
Art and Design	151	101	– / –
Biological Sciences	251	251	– / –
Engineering and Technology	40	47	– / –
Law and Legal Studies	301	– / –	– / –
Mathematics	39	47	– / –
Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering	58	91	– / –
Medicine	– / –	251	– / –
Pharmacy and Pharmacology	201	151	– / –
Physics and Astronomy	75	75	– / –
Politics	201	201	– / –
Sociology	– / –	301	– / –

University of Waterloo Comparison with Other Universities: Quacquarelli Symonds

Waterloo University, McMaster, Western, and Calgary are some of the most esteemed universities in USA. Check below for QS World University Rankings table for Waterloo University ranking with top universities over the past three years.

University Name	2024	2025
University of Waterloo	#112	#115
McMaster University	#189	#176
Western University	#114	#120
University of Calgary	#182	#198

The Quacquarelli Symonds rankings consider a large variety of parameters when evaluating rankings for top universities in the world. Some crucial parameters include employer reputation, faculty-student-ration, international faculty ratio, international student ratio, sustainability, and more. A few more parameters that are considered by Quacquarelli Symonds when evaluating rankings of top universities are listed below:

Parameter	Score
Overall	57.2
Academic Reputation	40.4
Citations per Faculty	78.9
Employment Outcomes	58.9
Employer Reputation	64.2
Faculty Student Ratio	6.5
International Faculty Ratio	75.8
International Research Network	84.6
International Student Ratio	71.3
Sustainability	93.3

Also Check: QS World University Ranking Methodology

Commonly asked questions
On Waterloo University QS Ranking

Q: What is the University of Waterloo QS ranking?

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”. Moreover, the university also ranks at #60 in the “QS Sustainability Ranking”. Check the table listed below for Waterloo University ranking over the past 3 years:

University Name	QS World University Ranking 2023	QS World University Ranking 2024	QS World University Ranking 2025
University of Waterloo	#154	#112	#115

Q: Which university ranks better in the QS rankings - University of Waterloo or McMaster University?

The University of Waterloo and McMaster University are some of the most esteemed universities in Canada. According to QS, the University of Waterloo ranks at #115 under the category of “World University Rankings 2025”. Whereas, McMaster University is also ranks at #176 under the “World University Rankings 2025”. Check the table listed below for QS rankings of both the universities over the past years:

University Name	QS World University Ranking 2023	QS World University Ranking 2024	QS World University Ranking 2025
University of Waterloo	#154	#112	#115
McMaster University	#152	#189	#176

University of Waterloo Ranking by THE (Times Higher Education) 2025

Times Higher Education is among the top ranking publisher all over the world. Since 2004, the ranking publisher is offering their “World University Rankings” for students. Students can learn more about the university's vision and future goals thanks to this. The rating body assesses how well colleges and institutions perform internationally.

Moreover, the University of Waterloo is ranked at #163 under the category of “World University Rankings 2025”. The University of Waterloo has secured positi

Moreover, the University of Waterloo is ranked at #163 under the category of “World University Rankings 2025”. The University of Waterloo has secured positions under various categories such as Arts & Humanities, Business & Economics, Computer Science, Engineering, etc. Students can refer the table given below for University of Waterloo THE rankings over the years:

Ranked by	2023	2024	2025
University	201	158	163
Arts and Humanities	301	301	301
Clinical and Health	251	201	201
Engineering	69	69	78
Life Sciences	301	301	251
PG Business and Economics	201	151	126
PG Computer Science	43	39	43
Psychology	101	101	126

University of Waterloo Comparison with Other Universities: THE (Times Higher Education)

Waterloo University, McMaster, Western and Calgary Uni are some of the most reputed universities in US for higher education. Students can check the Times Higher Education rankings to Waterloo University with other top universities:

University Name	2023	2024	2025
Waterloo University	#201	#158	#163
McMaster University	#85	#103	#116
Western University	#201	#201	#201
University of Calgary	#201	#201	#201

A number of factors are taken into account by Times Higher Education (THE) while ranking the best universities. THE takes into account a number of important variables, such as the industry, teaching, research environment, worldwide orientation, and environment. Furthermore, check below the ranking parameters that THE evaluates:

S. No.	Ranking Parameters	Performance Indicators
1	Teaching	Reputation survey Staff-to-student-ratio Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio Institutional income
2	Research	Reputation survey Research income Research productivity
3	Citations	Field Weighted Citation Impact
4	International Outlook	Proportion of international students Proportion of international staff International collaboration
5	Industry Income	Research income from industry & commerce/ academic staff

Commonly asked questions
On Waterloo University THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking

Q: What are the criteria used by Times Higher Education (THE) for ranking the Waterloo University in the world?

The University of Waterloo is one of the most reputed universities in Canada. The Waterloo University is highly appreciated by international students for offering the best academic programs. The University of Waterloo is one of the highest ranked universities in the world. According to THE, the University of Waterloo ranks at #163 under the “World University Rankings 2025”. Furthermore, check the table listed below for the parameters that are evaluated by THE while ranking Waterloo University:

Parameters	Score Achieved
Overall	77.6
Teaching	69.7
Research Environment	73.3
Research Quality	85.7
Industry	84.9
International Outlook	86.1

Q: What is the University of Waterloo ranking in Times Higher Education rankings?

According to the Times Higher Education (THE), the University of Waterloo ranks at #163 under the category of “World University Rankings 2025”. Moreover, the Waterloo University popular programs are also ranked by THE such as Arts and Humanities #301-400, Business and Economics #1260150, Computer Science #43, Engineering #78, and more. Students can check the table listed below for the parameters that are evaluated by THE while ranking Waterloo University:

Parameters	Score Achieved
Overall	77.6
Teaching	69.7
Research Environment	73.3
Research Quality	85.7
Industry	84.9
International Outlook	86.1

Waterloo University
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) Ranking 2025

Ranked by	2023	2024	2025
Universities	151	151	151
Law	201	201	– / –
Mathematics	76	51	– / –
Physics	51	38	– / –
Political Sciences	201	201	– / –
Sociology	51	101	– / –

Waterloo University
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.9/5

28 Verified Reviews Info Icon

Student Views (Based on Reviews)

21% students never faced discrimination in this university

Vibe of Campus

Academically oriented

Multi-dimensional

Friendly

Fun loving

Internships3.5

Part time work3.3

Post study jobs4.4

Quality of faculty4.4

Student Life4.3

Value for money3.4

Public transportation4.4

Safety4.3

Indian Food3.8

Permanent Immigration3.3

Anonymous

Bachelor of Business Administration / Bachelor of Computer Science - Batch of 2026

3.9

One of a kind experience.

Tips: Waterloo is a school that has truly lived up to its name. Great for business and entrepreneurship programs and if you're someone who likes to be on the field or in research. You'll meet like minded individuals and great faculty that can actually make a difference. If you manage a scholarship or part time jobs, you can get good return of investment.

Total Monthly ExpenseCAD 1800

Prepping time for classes32 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryCAD 103725

Reviewed on 30 Sep 2025Read more

Anonymous

Bachelor of Applied Science in Systems Design Engineering - Batch of 2027

3.9

Pretty nice place to study.

Tips: The university always has a lot going on and everyone is quite friendly and helpful, which really helped me through my initial days here. There is a lot to explore around, and it is ideally safe, but there are increasing incidents of pickpocketing, and it's recommended that you travel in groups if it's late. The city is well connected and there are every industry here as well, out of which a lot of companies come for placements.

Total Monthly ExpenseCAD 1925

Prepping time for classes32 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryCAD 100650

Reviewed on 28 Sep 2025Read more

Anonymous

Bachelors of Arts in Communication Studies - Batch of 2026

3.8

Learning the ropes in Waterloo.

Tips: I have been exposed to one of the most multi cultural campuses there are, and this has helped me in building connections with people from all over the world. The networking potential is great, and if you acquaint yourself with your professors, they can be quite valuable for LORs and even referrals. There are plenty of Indians and Indian food options as well, and Canada has a welcoming culture, which is seen in the university.

Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): There were better chances of getting work here a few years ago, but now Canada has increased its restrictions on immigration and jobs for international students. Given a chance, I would certainly like to work here, and there are chances, but you will really need to stand out for companies to take a chance on you.

Total Monthly ExpenseCAD 2125

Prepping time for classes33 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryCAD 103725

Reviewed on 26 Sep 2025Read more

Anonymous

Bachelors of Arts in Sociology - Batch of 2026

3.7

The University of Waterloo offers a global and diverse learning environment.

Tips: I haven't had too many culture changes as I have met people from my city here, which is also an indicator of how global the University of Waterloo truly is. The classes are quite academic, and it's hard to catch up on UPAT times. Also, the transport system can be a bit annoying. Rest, it's a lovely place to learn.

Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Well, Canada has become increasingly strict with immigration and giving jobs. You'll have better luck with part-time jobs than with finding a full-time opportunity willing to take you in. Be prepared for lots of applications and rejections in the process.

Total Monthly ExpenseCAD 1800

Prepping time for classes33 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryCAD

Reviewed on 17 Sep 2025Read more

Anonymous

Bachelor of Applied Science in Biomedical Engineering - Batch of 2026

3.8

Great academic environment.

Tips: Waterloo has a great reputation both in and outside Canada, and they take their academics very seriously. Lots of Indian restaurants and supermarts are available all over the place; in fact, there are all sorts of cuisines easily available, as Waterloo has a very international campus. Masters are great here for research purposes, especially. Overall, I am satisfied with my experiences.

Total Monthly ExpenseCAD 2400

Prepping time for classes35 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryCAD

Reviewed on 17 Sep 2025Read more

Bachelor of Science in Science and Business - Batch of 2025

3.9

Highly qualified and friendly faculty.

Tips: The University of Waterloo is very well-reputed, and the campus environment is very global. Lots of people from home as well. Transportation can be a bit unpredictable, and you'll have to walk around a lot to get to classes. The level of education and competencies is high, and you'll be expected to deliver.

Total Monthly ExpenseCAD 1850

Prepping time for classes31 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryCAD 89850

Reviewed on 15 Sep 2025Read more

View All 28 Reviews

Comments

Waterloo University

Student Forum

Anything you would want to ask experts?

Write here...

What is the University of Waterloo's acceptance rate?

Answered 3 months ago

The University of Waterloo acceptance rate is 53%, meaning that of every 100 students apply to the admissions of the university, around 53 are likely to be offered the opportunity to enroll at the Waterloo campus. This means that the University of Waterloo admissions criteria are moderately selecti

Ridhi

Contributor-Level 10

How many students attend the University of Waterloo?

Answered 3 months ago

The University of Waterloo has over 37,000 students enrolled at the university campus, of which almost 32,400 are undergraudate students while 4,700 account for the graduate student body. When it comes to international students studying at the University of Waterloo, there are a total of 7,909 inter

Ridhi

Contributor-Level 10

What is the cost of living at the University of Waterloo?

Answered 4 months ago

The cost of living at the University of Waterloo varies with the kind of accommodation one opts for. Rooms with single occupancy typically cost less than rooms with greater occupancy, though it reduces the individual cost one incurs.

The table below gives a detailed breakdown of cost of accommodation

Akash Gaur

Contributor-Level 10

What are the pros & cons of living in Waterloo?

Answered 4 months ago

Waterloo is known for offering ther perfect blend of urban & natural living, & lays a strong emphasis on education. However, the region, just like any other place, has its fair share of pros & cons that students must consider before moving.

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

Akash Gaur

Contributor-Level 10

Is the University of Waterloo in the Ivy League?

Answered 4 months ago

While, Canada does not have an official group of Ivy League institutes, Waterloo is considered the equivalent of the eight Ivy League colleges & universities based in Northeastern United States.

Waterloo, consistently forms part of the top 10 universities in Canada, every year, also securing rank #6

Akash Gaur

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

Kanishk Aggarwal

Study Abroad Expert

Kanishk Aggarwal is a content writer at Shiksha.com, creating content for universities abroad. Having pursued an M.Sc. in Forensic Science from GD Goenka University, Gurugram, he has been creating content across diverse domains. When not guiding stud...Read Full Bio