Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, Canada • Founded 1911 • World Rank #2281
Updated Sep 2026
Overview
Wilfrid Laurier University is a public university with three campuses in Ontario: the City of Waterloo, the City of Brantford and the Town of Milton.
More than 21,000 undergraduate students study across its 8 faculties in over 100 undergraduate programs, joined by 1,500+ international students from 100+ countries, and its alumni community numbers 140,000+ across 120+ countries. Laurier's signature Lazaridis School of Business and Economics is one of the first internationally accredited (AACSB) business schools in Canada and runs one of Canada's largest business degree co-op programs; its Lazaridis MBA, AACSB-accredited since 2004, was the first one-year full-time MBA in Canada and has been offered since 1976.
The Faculty of Science in Waterloo delivers four-year BSc programs including Computer Science, Data Science, Psychology and the Bachelor of Kinesiology, while the Faculty of Social Work in Kitchener offers the Master of Social Work with full-time on-campus and part-time online tracks.
Location & Contact
Below are the location pin, postal details, and primary contact methods for Wilfrid Laurier University. International applicants should account for postal mail processing time when sending physical documents.
Academic Details
The academic indicators below give context on how Wilfrid Laurier University operates at scale. A lower staff-to-student ratio generally signals more faculty access, though research-heavy institutions skew the read.
Academic Structures
Wilfrid Laurier University's academic structure — the schools, colleges, and divisions inside the institution — is laid out below. Use this map when figuring out which faculty owns the programme you want.
Unit 8 items
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Business and Economics
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
- Faculty of International Affairs
- Faculty of Music
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Work
Programs Offered
The programmes available at Wilfrid Laurier University are organised by level. Most institutions cluster intake decisions by faculty, so application timelines often run in waves through the year.
143 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada
Bachelor's Degree 80 programmes
Showing 10 of 80.
Master of Business Administration 1 programme
Master's Degree 38 programmes
Showing 10 of 38.
Doctorate 14 programmes
Showing 10 of 14.
Certificate 3 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 1 programme
Postgraduate Diploma 5 programmes
How to apply to Wilfrid Laurier University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Wilfrid Laurier University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
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1
Identify the right programme
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Wilfrid Laurier University offers 143 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
Check entry requirements
Each programme at Wilfrid Laurier 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
Prepare your application documents
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 via the institution
Apply directly via Wilfrid Laurier University's online portal at www.wlu.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
Get in touch with admissions
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (519) 884 1970 Ext 3385. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wilfrid Laurier University
A short Q&A covering Wilfrid Laurier University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
How old is Wilfrid Laurier University?
The institution opened in 1911 (approximately 115 years ago).
Where can I find Wilfrid Laurier University?
The institution is located in Waterloo, Canada.
What is Wilfrid Laurier University's control type?
Wilfrid Laurier University is a public institution.
How many students does Wilfrid Laurier University have?
The institution has a student body of 20,000-24,999.
How is Wilfrid Laurier University ranked?
Wilfrid Laurier University holds rank #2281 globally and #40 in Canada.
What is Wilfrid Laurier University's academic structure?
The institution comprises 8 academic units.
Is Wilfrid Laurier University officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities of Ontario.
What is Wilfrid Laurier University's official website?
The institution's website is www.wlu.ca.
Top-Ranked Universities in Canada
Ranking methodologies vary across Canada — national rankings, subject-specific rankings, and international tables can each tell different stories about the same universities.
Members of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Strategic alliances often grow alongside Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) membership — bilateral agreements deepen collaboration beyond the broader network frame. Such alliances sometimes exist between Wilfrid Laurier University and specific members below.
Faculties at nearby universities
Regional admissions cycle quirks (early-deadline schemes, regional aid programmes) apply consistently across the universities near Wilfrid Laurier University. Worth knowing during shortlisting.
Where Else to Study Law
If Wilfrid Laurier University is on your shortlist for studying Law, these peer institutions in Canada offer comparable academic depth, industry links, and graduate outcomes. Cross-applying to multiple is common practice in this discipline.
Universities Compared with Wilfrid Laurier University
Beyond Wilfrid Laurier University, 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.
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