St. Jerome's University
Waterloo, Canada • Founded 1865
Updated Sep 2026
Overview
St.
Jerome's University (SJU) is a public Roman Catholic university in Waterloo, Ontario, federated with the University of Waterloo. It traces its roots to 1865, when Reverend Dr. Louis Funcken of the Congregation of the Resurrection founded the institution; it became a university in 1959 and federated with the University of Waterloo within a year.
As a federated university, SJU's students are co-registered in the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Arts and receive their degree from the University of Waterloo, while SJU supplies its own faculty, departments, and campus community. SJU directly administers several distinctive undergraduate programs within the Faculty of Arts, including Religion, Culture, and Spirituality (with a Catholic Studies option), the interdisciplinary Sexualities, Relationships, and Families program, and Legal Studies, delivered in partnership with the University of Waterloo.
It also hosts the Health Humanities diploma, open to current undergraduates and non-degree students.
Rooted in its Catholic and Resurrectionist heritage, St. Jerome's describes its mission as stewarding each student's talents, nurturing critical thinking, and inspiring lifelong learners who pursue knowledge and truth, act with compassion, and advocate for human dignity.
The university maintains its own residence and student-life programming on the University of Waterloo campus alongside its academic departments.
Location & Contact
Find St. Jerome's University on the map and reach the right office through the contact channels listed below. Use these for general enquiries; specific departments often run their own contact pages.
Programs Offered
St. Jerome's University's programme catalogue is grouped by level below — use the filter to narrow your shortlist. Programme entry windows and admissions criteria typically appear on each programme's dedicated page.
6 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada
Bachelor's Degree 2 programmes
Honours Degree 3 programmes
How to apply to St. Jerome's University
Five steps that capture how most applications to St. Jerome's University flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. St. Jerome's University offers 6 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at St. Jerome's University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Submit your application
Apply directly via St. Jerome's University's online portal at www.sju.ca. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at 519-884-8111. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Jerome's University
Quick answers to the most common questions about St. Jerome's University — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
When was St. Jerome's University founded?
St. Jerome's University was established in 1865 (approximately 161 years ago).
What city is St. Jerome's University in?
St. Jerome's University operates from Waterloo, Canada.
Where can I learn more about St. Jerome's University?
St. Jerome's University's official website is www.sju.ca.
Top-Ranked Universities in Canada
The leading universities in Canada are listed below — useful for sizing St. Jerome's University against the country's top tier. Top-tier institutions in Canada typically set admissions standards that downstream universities track.
Faculties at nearby universities
Cross-border or within-state choices: the universities near St. Jerome's University may fall under different governance, fee structures, or visa rules. Confirm the regulatory context for each option separately.
Where Else to Study Legal Studies
Universities in Canada with strong Legal Studies provision give natural alternatives to St. Jerome's University. Specialism strengths vary by institution and often correlate with faculty research interests and industry partnerships.
Universities Compared with St. Jerome's University
Application tier strategy benefits from including peer institutions to St. Jerome's University: safety, target, and reach picks within a comparable academic band keep your outcomes diversified.
Studying in Canada: guides and resources
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