The University of Waterloo, in Waterloo, Ontario, was ranked 113th in the world and fifth in Canada in the QS World University Rankings 2027. It’s famous for engineering, computer science and mathematics, and for running one of the world’s largest co-operative education (co-op) programmes, where students alternate study terms with paid work terms.
Waterloo’s top programmes are among the hardest to get into in Canada, and many ask for more than grades. Here are 10 things you can do to give yourself the best chance, based on the University of Waterloo’s own guidance and official Canadian government information.
1. Choose your programme and decide on co-op
Waterloo’s best-known programmes include Computer Science, Software Engineering, the other Engineering programmes and Mathematics, but it also has strong programmes in the sciences, health, environment and the arts. Many programmes offer co-op, and some are co-op only. Waterloo admits first-year students only for the September term.
2. Meet the early deadlines
For September 2027 entry, international students have the same deadlines as Canadian students:
- Engineering: apply by 15 January 2027, with documents and the Admission Information Form (AIF) due by 1 February 2027.
- Other programmes: apply by 1 February 2027, with documents and any AIF due by 15 February 2027.
If you apply to both Engineering and a Mathematics programme, you must meet the earlier Engineering deadline. Waterloo application deadlines.
3. Write a strong Admission Information Form (AIF)
All Engineering programmes (except Architecture), all programmes in the Faculty of Mathematics, and Computing and Financial Management require the AIF. Admissions committees use it to choose between applicants with similar grades, so it matters a lot in competitive programmes. Waterloo says the AIF is reviewed by trained human scorers and by AI, with identifying details removed. Use specific examples of what you’ve done, built or led, and what you learned. See our 50 sample SOPs for ideas on how to write about yourself. Waterloo AIF.
4. Prepare for the Engineering video interview
Engineering applicants must also complete an online video interview, which is required for admission. Software Engineering applicants also fill in a supplementary form about their programming experience. Practise answering questions clearly and concisely on camera, and be ready to talk about why you want to study engineering.
5. Show top grades in mathematics and science
Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics expect very high grades in advanced mathematics, and Engineering also expects strong physics and chemistry. Because these programmes are so competitive, the grades of admitted students are often well above the published minimum. Keep your grades high through your final year.
6. Consider Waterloo’s maths contests
Mathematics applicants complete a supplementary form about Waterloo maths contests. Writing the Euclid Contest or the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest isn’t required for admission, but Waterloo says writing one of them is required for some Faculty of Mathematics scholarships. A strong contest result can also show your ability in mathematics.
7. Meet the English requirement
If you need a test, Waterloo asks for IELTS Academic of 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and speaking and 6.0 in reading and listening, or 7.0 overall with at least 6.0 in every component. For TOEFL iBT taken from 21 January 2026, it asks for 4.5 overall with 5 in writing and speaking. Scores must be from 1 May 2025 or later. Practise with our free IELTS and TOEFL practice tests.
8. Understand the fees and the $10,000 scholarship
For students starting in September 2026, Waterloo estimated first-year international tuition and incidental fees at about CAD $54,000 for Science, $58,000 for Arts, $62,000 for Mathematics, $73,000 for Computer Science and $75,000 for Engineering. Waterloo says international fee-paying students admitted to full-time, first-year degree studies will receive a $10,000 scholarship for their first year. Co-op work terms can help you pay for later years. Waterloo first-year tuition.
9. Accept your offer and plan your study permit
The deadline to accept an offer is usually 1 June 2027. If you’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you’ll usually need a study permit, and most undergraduate applicants also need a provincial attestation letter (PAL), which you request from Waterloo after you accept your offer. Since 1 January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public universities haven’t needed one. You must show that you can pay your first year’s tuition and living costs: for applications made from 1 September 2026, the government asks for at least CAD $23,448 a year for living costs for a single student, on top of tuition and travel. Rules change often, so check Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the latest advice.
10. Make the most of co-op and plan your future
During study terms, you can usually work up to 24 hours a week off campus, and co-op work terms are part of your programme, so you’ll need a co-op work permit, which you can usually get alongside your study permit. After a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD, you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) of up to three years, if you meet the language requirement (CLB 7 in all four skills for university graduates).
Applying for a master’s or PhD at Waterloo?
Graduate programmes have their own deadlines and requirements. Research master’s and PhD applicants usually need to find a supervisor, so contact potential supervisors early with a clear research proposal. Some programmes, such as Computer Science, are very competitive. See our sample SOPs and free GRE practice tests.
Be ambitious, but apply to a balanced list
Waterloo’s top programmes are very competitive, so apply to other options too. Read our guides to McGill University, the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia and the University of Alberta, and our guide to MIT. Our guide to studying in Canada explains how the Canadian system works, and our free study abroad assessment can help you build a shortlist.
Information was taken from the University of Waterloo’s official admissions, fees and international student pages, official Canadian government sources and the QS World University Rankings 2027, and checked in October 2026. Admissions rules, deadlines, fees and immigration rules can change, so always confirm the details on Waterloo’s admissions website before you apply. StudyAbroadMarket is not affiliated with the University of Waterloo.