University of Waterloo
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 to study 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.
According to Maclean's University Ranking 2023, the University of Waterloo is Canada's most innovative institute and the 2nd-best university. Moreover, it was considered the 3rd-highest quality higher education institution in Canada. It secured the 8th position in the list of the Best Global Universities in Canada US News.
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.
The University of Waterloo Highlights
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.
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 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.
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
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
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