Famous for the world's largest co-operative education program, Waterloo is Canada's tech and engineering talent engine. Its graduates are heavily recruited by Silicon Valley and beyond.
PublicTechCo-opSTEM
Why Students Choose University of Waterloo
task_altRanked #112 worldwide — strong international recognition.
task_altSolid aid coverage, with 32% of the student body receiving support.
task_altA large campus with broad program variety and a vibrant student scene.
task_altA strong STEM focus across its core programs.
task_altDedicated scholarship programs, including President's Scholarship of Distinction.
Selectivity
Acceptance Rate53%
Students on Aid32%
More selective than ~25% and ranked better than ~53% of the 237 schools in our directory.
What is the acceptance rate at University of Waterloo?
University of Waterloo admits approximately 53% of applicants, making it "Moderately Selective" in our directory.
How much does University of Waterloo cost per year?
Tuition is approximately 40,000 USD per year before aid. See the Tuition tab for a full cost-of-attendance breakdown.
Does University of Waterloo offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes — University of Waterloo offers President's Scholarship of Distinction, and about 32% of students receive some form of financial aid.
When is the application deadline for University of Waterloo?
The application deadline is Feb 01. We recommend submitting all materials at least two weeks ahead of that date.
What can I study at University of Waterloo?
University of Waterloo offers 3 broad fields of study: Computer Science, Engineering, Business.
How big are classes at University of Waterloo?
The average class size is 27 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, across a large campus of about 42,000 students.
University of Waterloo
🇨🇦 Waterloo, Canada · Canada
#112
Global Ranking
Detailed admissions profile compiled by UniPath on June 25, 2026. Figures are directory estimates intended for planning purposes — always confirm exact requirements and costs with the official admissions office at https://uwaterloo.ca.
At a Glance
Established
1957
Student Population
42,000
Faculty Ratio
16:1
Average Class Size
27
Acceptance Rate
53%
Annual Tuition
$40,000
Financial Aid Recipients
32%
Application Deadline
Feb 01
Website
https://uwaterloo.ca
About University of Waterloo
Famous for the world's largest co-operative education program, Waterloo is Canada's tech and engineering talent engine. Its graduates are heavily recruited by Silicon Valley and beyond.
Tags: Public · Tech · Co-op · STEM
Why Students Choose University of Waterloo
Ranked #112 worldwide — strong international recognition.
Solid aid coverage, with 32% of the student body receiving support.
A large campus with broad program variety and a vibrant student scene.
A strong STEM focus across its core programs.
Dedicated scholarship programs, including President's Scholarship of Distinction.
Admissions — Moderately Selective
A 53% acceptance rate means admission is achievable for most prepared applicants who meet the academic baseline.
This school is more selective than approximately 25% of schools in our directory, ranks better than 53% of them, and is more affordable than 19% (out of 237 schools compared).
Typical requirements:
Completed online application
Official academic transcripts
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for non-native speakers
1-2 letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Standardized test scores (where required by the program)
Test requirements vary by program — check the specific department for the latest policy.
Cost of Attendance (Estimated, per year)
Tuition
$40,000
Housing & Living
$14,000
Books & Supplies
$1,600
Personal Expenses
$3,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$58,800
Est. Average Grant / Aid
- $7,680
Est. Net Price
$32,320
4-Year Total (before aid)
$235,200
Estimates for international students; actual aid varies by applicant profile.
Scholarships
President's Scholarship of Distinction
Majors & Career Outcomes
Computer Science — $95,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Software Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, Security Analyst, Data Scientist
Engineering — $72,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Design Engineer, Project Manager, R&D Specialist, Systems Engineer
Business — $65,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Financial Analyst, Marketing Manager, Management Consultant, Entrepreneur
Campus Life
An entrepreneurial, co-op-driven culture that alternates study terms with paid work.
Suggested Application Timeline
12+ weeks before: Request transcripts and letters of recommendation; start drafting your personal statement.
8 weeks before: Finalize essays, gather standardized test scores, and complete the online application form.
4 weeks before: Submit early — leave buffer time for technical issues or late-arriving documents.
Feb 01 — deadline: Hard deadline. All materials must be received by the admissions office.
After submitting: Track your applicant portal and respond promptly to any requests for more information.
Similar Universities to Consider
School
Rank
Tuition
Acceptance
Université de Montréal
#110
$26,000
50%
University of Alberta
#96
$35,000
58%
McMaster University
#140
$38,000
44%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Waterloo?
University of Waterloo admits approximately 53% of applicants, making it "Moderately Selective" in our directory.
How much does University of Waterloo cost per year?
Tuition is approximately 40,000 USD per year before aid. See the Tuition tab for a full cost-of-attendance breakdown.
Does University of Waterloo offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes — University of Waterloo offers President's Scholarship of Distinction, and about 32% of students receive some form of financial aid.
When is the application deadline for University of Waterloo?
The application deadline is Feb 01. We recommend submitting all materials at least two weeks ahead of that date.
What can I study at University of Waterloo?
University of Waterloo offers 3 broad fields of study: Computer Science, Engineering, Business.
How big are classes at University of Waterloo?
The average class size is 27 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, across a large campus of about 42,000 students.