University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Canada • Founded 1957 • World Rank #189
Updated Sep 2026
Overview
The University of Waterloo is a public research university in Waterloo, Ontario, founded in 1957 with an initial cohort of 74 students.
It enrolled more than 41,000 full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students as of 2025 and is organised into six faculties: Arts, Engineering, Environment, Health, Mathematics and Science, supported by four affiliated university colleges. Waterloo is best known for its co-operative education model, in which students alternate academic terms with paid work terms; 77% of students take part, more than 120 programs offer a co-op stream, and the university works with over 8,000 co-op employers in more than 70 countries.
Its Faculty of Mathematics, which houses the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science, is the largest concentration of mathematics and computer science teaching and research in Canada, and the Bachelor of Software Engineering is delivered jointly by the Faculties of Mathematics and Engineering.
Research Infosource ranked Waterloo the top comprehensive research university in Canada in 2025.
International students made up about 15% of undergraduate and 41% of graduate enrolment in 2024/25, and the university counts roughly 263,000 alumni across 160 countries. The 1,000-acre main campus holds more than 100 buildings and is complemented by three satellite campuses.
Tuition is billed one term at a time over three terms a year (Fall, Winter, Spring), so published annual undergraduate figures normally cover two academic terMs. Undergraduate applicants, domestic and international alike, apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre, and most programs also require the Admission Information Form.
Location & Contact
Address book entry for University of Waterloo: location, phone, email, web, and social channels. The press or media office handles institutional inquiries; admissions handles student-specific queries.
Academic Details
University of Waterloo at the institutional level: enrolment, staffing, and accreditation summary. Accreditation has expiry and renewal cycles worth checking on the awarding body site for currency.
Academic Structures
Below: how University of Waterloo organises its faculties and constituent units. Distance learning programmes often sit in a separate division from on-campus teaching, with different administration.
Unit 6 items
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Environment
- Faculty of Mathematics
- Faculty of Science
Programs Offered
Search the University of Waterloo programme catalogue or scan it by degree level. The catalogue updates periodically; recently added programmes may not yet appear in some search-engine results.
297 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada
Bachelor's Degree 102 programmes
Showing 10 of 102.
Master's Degree 115 programmes
Showing 10 of 115.
Doctorate 75 programmes
Showing 10 of 75.
Professional Doctorate 1 programme
How to apply to University of Waterloo
Step-by-step guidance for applying to University of Waterloo, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
University of Waterloo's catalogue includes 297 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for University of Waterloo's admissions process.
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3
Assemble your application package
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Submit your application
Submit your completed application through University of Waterloo's official website at uwaterloo.ca. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 519 888 4567. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Waterloo
The questions below summarise University of Waterloo's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
How old is University of Waterloo?
The institution opened in 1957 (approximately 69 years ago).
Where can I find University of Waterloo?
The institution is located in Waterloo, Canada.
Is University of Waterloo public or private?
University of Waterloo operates as a public institution.
How many students does University of Waterloo have?
The institution has a student body of 30,000-34,999.
Where does University of Waterloo stand in university rankings?
It ranks #189 globally and #7 in Canada.
How is University of Waterloo organised academically?
University of Waterloo has 6 academic units.
Who recognises University of Waterloo?
The institution holds recognition from Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities of Ontario.
How do I find University of Waterloo online?
You can find University of Waterloo online at uwaterloo.ca.
Top-Ranked Universities in Canada
Selectivity at the top Canada universities sets admissions baseline expectations for students applying to University of Waterloo. The selectivity gap between University of Waterloo and the leaders below tells you about admissions context.
Members of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Membership criteria for Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) signal what the network values — research output, teaching quality, internationalisation, or institutional governance. Knowing the criteria helps interpret what membership means.
Faculties at nearby universities
Industry placements and co-op programmes around University of Waterloo draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.
Where Else to Study Mathematics
Below: institutions across Canada that offer Mathematics, providing comparison points for University of Waterloo's programme. Variations in elective range, placement support, and credential portability are worth examining carefully.
Universities Compared with University of Waterloo
Beyond University of Waterloo, several other universities operate at a comparable level — by ranking, heritage, or scale. They are worth knowing as you build your shortlist, particularly if you want options at the same competitive tier.
Studying in Canada: guides and resources
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