University of Waterloo
A prestigious research-intensive university with strong international recognition. Known for quality education, innovative research, and producing graduates who excel in their fields worldwide.
- Acceptance Rate
- 34.6%
- SAT Range
- 1180–1380
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.65
- Size
- Large (27,585 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:15
- Setting
- rural
- Graduation Rate
- 91.0%
- Retention Rate
- 92.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $8,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $35,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Life at Waterloo pulses with the energy of students balancing rigorous academics with campus involvement. The university operates on a trimester system that runs year-round, which means campus stays active during summer months when many students complete academic terms rather than co-op placements. This creates a unique community dynamic where the population shifts every four months as students rotate between school and work. Student clubs number over 200, ranging from competitive programming teams that regularly place at international competitions to cultural associations representing the university's international student body. The Math Society, Engineering Society, and other faculty-specific organizations run orientation events, social gatherings, and academic support services largely independent of central administration, giving students genuine ownership over their campus experience. Residence life centers on several villages across campus, each with distinct personalities. First-year students typically live in residence, building friendships that persist through graduation and beyond. Velocity, the university's startup incubator located right on campus, hosts students working on their own companies alongside coursework. The Student Life Centre provides gathering space, food options, and access to services, while the Physical Activities Complex offers everything from rock climbing to competitive intramural leagues. Waterloo's location about an hour from Toronto by car or GO Transit means students access big-city amenities while enjoying the lower costs and tighter community of a smaller city. The international student population, comprising roughly 24% of undergraduates, adds global perspectives to campus conversations and cultural events.
Location & Surroundings
Waterloo sits in the heart of Canada's Technology Triangle, a region that has attracted tech giants and startups alike. The city of roughly 140,000 people offers amenities far beyond what its size might suggest, largely because the university has shaped local development for decades. Uptown Waterloo features restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment venues that cater to the student population, while the surrounding region provides access to nature trails, conservation areas, and the Waterloo Region Museum. The ION light rail transit system connects campus directly to downtown Kitchener and the central transit hub, making car-free living entirely practical. Toronto Pearson International Airport sits about 90 minutes away by car, and the GO Transit bus service runs multiple daily connections to the city. Students from the Greater Toronto Area often find the commute home takes less time than they expected, while international students appreciate the relatively easy connections to global destinations. The climate follows typical southern Ontario patterns, with warm summers reaching into the high 20s Celsius and cold winters that require proper gear. Snow falls regularly from December through March, and the university maintains indoor connections between many buildings through tunnels and enclosed bridges. Local tech companies, from Google's Canadian engineering office to dozens of homegrown firms, provide co-op placements within walking or biking distance of campus. The region's growth has brought new restaurants, entertainment options, and cultural events that enhance student life beyond campus boundaries. Weekend trips to Toronto, Niagara Falls, or cottage country provide easy escapes when breaks allow.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at Waterloo varies significantly by program and residency status. Canadian students in arts or science programs pay roughly $7,000 to $8,000 CAD per year, while engineering and computer science programs run closer to $18,000 to $20,000 CAD. International students face considerably higher costs, with engineering fees exceeding $60,000 CAD annually. These figures reflect recent rates and typically increase by a few percent each year. The co-op program fundamentally changes the financial equation for most students. With six work terms each lasting four months, students in engineering or computer science programs regularly earn between $70,000 and $90,000 CAD over the course of their degree. Top performers at competitive tech companies can earn significantly more. This income covers tuition for many domestic students and substantially offsets costs for international students. The university offers entrance scholarships starting at $2,000 for students with admission averages above 90%, with larger awards for exceptional academic achievement. The President's Scholarship of Distinction, valued at $5,000, goes to students admitted with 95% or higher averages. Need-based bursaries, emergency funding, and work-study positions round out the financial aid picture. Career outcomes for Waterloo graduates rank among the best in Canada. The co-op network means most students have job offers before graduation, often from employers where they completed work terms. Alumni work at every major technology company, in finance, consulting, and engineering firms worldwide. The practical experience gained through co-op makes graduates immediately productive in ways that set them apart from peers educated at more traditional institutions.
Campus Location
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