University of Waterloo: Ranking, Courses, Admission, Fees, Scholarship |Sulekha Study Abroad

The University of Waterloo Highlights

The University of Waterloo (UOW) has been functioning as Canada's most innovative higher education institute for the last 25 years. It is popular among many study abroad aspirants looking tostudy in Canada for offering some popular undergraduate and postgraduate programs. In 2022, Maclean's ranked the Computer Science course of this prestigious university number #1. 

The reputed public research university in Canada was founded in 1957. Since then, it has maintained a high-quality education and facilitated each student to perform better to bag their coveted degree. The state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern facilities, and highly qualified and experienced teaching faculty add to the popularity of this Canadian university.

International students looking to study in Canada are well informed about the highly sought-after and top-ranked programs the University of Waterloo offers. Thus, many aspirants from India and several other nations prefer securing admission to this esteemed institution. The UOW is one of the main members of Universities Canada that sets quality standards for all Canadian degree courses.

Some of the highlights of the University of Waterloo for students looking to study in Canada are as follows:

Research Infosource Inc. has consistently ranked the University of Waterloo as the best comprehensive research university in Canada. The reputation UOW enjoys for its unmatched excellence and innovation attracts many international students and researchers. 
This globally renowned Canadian university is ranked second in the latest QS Graduate Employability Rankings. It offers excellent placement opportunities to graduates and postgraduates. Many land high-paying jobs at leading corporations such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, etc. 
Most study-abroad aspirants from India and various other countries consider it one of the Universities in Canada that prioritize advanced learning. UOW focuses on fostering employer-student connections and networking. Such a thing is rare in other prominent higher education institutes in Canada.
The global network of the University of Waterloo spans over 2,38,000 alumni in 150+ countries. The university boasts international-level scholars, which even include a Nobel laureate. It is instrumental in creating work-integrated opportunities that help students learn and enrich their knowledge. 
The six main faculties of UOW manage the 100+ different buildings on its campus. The main academic divisions of this university include engineering, arts, applied health sciences, math, science, and environment. The main university campus has 4 affiliated colleges: St. Paul's University College, St. Jerome's University, Conrad Grebel University College, and Renison University College.
The University of Waterloo is home to around 42,000 students who pursue full-time or part-time courses. Nearly 4,500 international students secure admission at this university every year, comprising 10.7% of the overall student count. More than 73% of students who study an undergraduate course qualify for co-op programs. 
UOW offers several joint degree programs with other foreign universities in different nations. It awards more than 6660 undergraduate degrees and 2040 postgraduate degrees every year.

University of Waterloo Admission

For the students looking to study in Canada the University of Waterloo admits students through 3 intakes, including fall, winter, and spring. Interested students should check the official website of UOW to obtain detailed information about the admission process and application deadlines. 

The acceptance rate of this popular Canadian university is 53%, which can be regarded as competitive to a great extent. Applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate program at UOW can be done quickly through the university's application portal.

Meeting the entry requirements can only enable an applicant to secure enrolment in a desired course at this higher education institute. One has to obtain impressive marks in previous qualifications and entrance examinations to compel university officials to give admission. 

Undergraduate Admission to the University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo attracts international students yearly because it offers over 100 undergraduate programs. An international applicant looking to study in Canada must be informed of the requirements before applying online for a particular UG program at UOW.

An applicant needs to apply for a UG course through the OUAC application portal.
Applicants are required to hold a high school certificate with a minimum of 50% aggregate or above. Attaining first-division standing in higher secondary examinations or equivalent improves the possibilities of securing admission to UOW.
One must have academic transcripts besides the results of 10th, 11th, and 12th standards.
Scoring 6.5 overall in IELTS or 60 in TOEFL iBT is of the utmost importance to prove proficiency in the English language.

Apart from the online application information form, providing the letter of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and other necessary documents is a must for applicants. Making the payment of the application processing fee, which is 12 CAD, is imperative.

Postgraduate Admission to the University of Waterloo

The top-ranked Canadian institute offers over 200 postgraduate programs to international students looking to study in Canada. Securing enrollment in a PG course at UOW is difficult, as one has to perform incredibly well in previous qualifications. An explicit knowledge of the admission requirements for a PG program facilitates an applicant to keep necessary documents organized.

Applying through the official portal of the University of Waterloo is a must for applicants for a postgraduate course.
A minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale is necessary for students applying for a PG course at UOW. 
Holding a bachelor's degree with at least 75% is necessary for international applicants.
Securing a minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS or 90 or above in TOEFL iBT enables applicants to prove their English language proficiency.

Everyone who applies for a postgraduate course needs to upload 1 professional LOR and 2 academic LORs. In addition, an applicant must provide:

An updated curriculum vitae.
A portfolio.
A writing sample.
A statement of purpose.

The final step is crucial: paying 125 CAD as the application processing fee.

Eligibility Criteria

The University of Waterloo offers international students a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The online application process won't seem difficult if applicants follow the right steps. 

Applicants must apply through the OUAC application portal for a UG program and the graduate studies application portal for a PG program.
Providing academic transcripts is a must for applicants.
International applicants must have a higher school certificate or equivalent with at least 50% aggregate or above to qualify for a PG course at UOW.
Graduates applying for a PG program must secure a 2.0 GPA or 75% in a relevant undergraduate degree program.
Achieving an impressive score in a recognized English proficiency exam such as TOEFL iBT or IELTS is a must.
Aside from the ones mentioned above, furnishing all necessary documents is imperative for applicants to improve the potential of securing admission.

To know more about other universities in the Canada, click here.

University of Waterloo Top Programs

Here are the most sought-after programs that UOW offers to international students.

Computer Science
Software Engineering
Applied Health Sciences and Arts
Global Business and Digital Arts
Business Administration
Accounting and Financial Management

University of Waterloo Intakes

The University of Waterloo primarily offers intakes in September for most undergraduate and graduate programs. Some graduate programs and a few specialized undergraduate programs also have additional intakes in January and May. Early application is highly recommended due to the university's competitive admissions process.

University of Waterloo Accommodations

UOW provides various housing options for international students to fit their needs and accommodation budgets. Aside from on-campus accommodation, the university offers off-campus housing options. A student can select from diverse styles and facilities available at various prices.

University of Waterloo Acceptance Rate

The University of Waterloo has a competitive acceptance rate, with strong emphasis on academic excellence, particularly in STEM fields. Admission criteria include high academic performance, standardized test scores (if applicable), and extracurricular involvement. The acceptance rate varies by program, especially for competitive ones like engineering and computer science, but generally ranges between 40-50%.

Cost of Living in Waterloo

Waterloo, where the University of Waterloo is located, offers a moderate cost of living compared to larger Canadian cities. Students should budget for monthly expenses ranging from CAD 1,200 to 1,800, depending on housing choices, lifestyle, and personal spending habits. Waterloo is known for its tech industry, student-friendly environment, and vibrant community life.

The University of Waterloo Cost

International students who wish to study at the University of Waterloo need to pay anywhere between 43,000 – 65,000 CAD per year. However, the yearly tuition fee varies from one particular course to another. 

Course Tuition Fee (Per Annum)

Here is the annual tuition fee for some of the University of Waterloo's top programs.

Computer Science – 60,260 CAD
Software Engineering - 60,000 CAD
Applied Health Sciences and Arts – 40,180 CAD
Global Business and Digital Arts – 44, 300 CAD
Accounting and Financial Management – 42, 252 CAD
Business Administration – 68,000 CAD

Cost of Living On-Campus and Off-Campus 

Here is the on-campus living cost for different room types.

Single room – 4194 CAD
Double room – 4500 CAD
Interconnecting room – 3900 CAD

Here is the off-campus living cost for different room types.

Private room – 680-2200 CAD
Shared room – 800 – 2000 CAD
Entire place – 1350 – 2800 CAD

The University of Waterloo Scholarship

Here are the scholarships that UOW offers to deserving international students who need financial aid.

Merit Scholarship
President's Scholarship
International Students Entrance Scholarship

To know about the Canada study visa requirements, click here.

University of Waterloo Placements

An international student can secure a high-paying job at one of the globally renowned companies six months after completing an undergraduate or postgraduate program at UOW. Leading firms recruit many UOW graduates every year.

Here are the average annual salaries of UOW graduates. 

Software Developer – 72, 520 CAD
Software Engineer – 75, 650 CAD
Mechanical Engineer – 65, 250 CAD
Project Engineer – 74, 280 CAD
Data Analyst – 59, 650 CAD

University of Waterloo FAQs

Q: What are the English language requirements for international students at the University of Waterloo?
A: International students must meet the University of Waterloo’s English language proficiency requirements, typically demonstrated through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent assessments. Specific score requirements vary by program.

Q: Can international students work while studying at the University of Waterloo?
A: Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during scheduled breaks, in accordance with their study permit conditions.

Q: What scholarships are available for international students at the University of Waterloo?
A: The University of Waterloo offers a range of scholarships for international students, including entrance scholarships, merit-based awards, and need-based financial aid. There are also external scholarships available for international students.

Q: How do I apply for student housing in Waterloo at the University of Waterloo?
A: The University of Waterloo offers a variety of on-campus housing options, and students are advised to apply early due to high demand. Off-campus housing options are also available, with resources provided by the university to help students find suitable accommodation.

Q: What is the average class size at the University of Waterloo?
A: Class sizes at the University of Waterloo vary by program and year. Introductory courses may have larger lecture sizes, while upper-year and specialized courses typically have smaller class sizes, averaging around 30-40 students per class.

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