University of Waterloo
Waterloo · Official website ↗
University of Waterloo is in Waterloo, Canada. Tuition for international students: C$62,000–C$75,000 (≈ US$43,600–52,700) per year (2026-27 figure). Standard entry requirements: A-levels Passes in at least five unique subjects, three of which must be at the Advanced Level; A-levels A Level Mathematics and A Level Physics, minimum final grade of A in each; one additional A Level, minimum B; A-levels A Level Mathematics, minimum A; two other academic A Level courses, minimum A in each; English at GCSE, AS, or A Level. Language: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 90. Applying: intake: Fall. Scholarships: 8 from the university.
✓ 50 facts from 24 official pages, each with the exact sentence it comes from · checked 2026-11-12 · How we verify
International students should also budget for health insurance, visa and travel costs not shown here.
Reference only. Automatically checked against the college's official pages on 2026-11-12; maintained by Jordan Lee, editor. Colleges can change policies at any time — confirm on the official page before you apply. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Quick summary
| Cost per year | tuition C$73,000 per year (≈ US$51,300) (varies by programme) + housing and meals C$15,130–C$17,450 per year (≈ US$10,600–12,300) |
|---|---|
| Money from the college | Merit scholarships: international students can receive them. 7 named scholarship(s) confirmed open to international students. Faculty of Mathematics International Awards: India: only for students from India. |
| Chances of admission | A-levels: Passes in at least five unique subjects, three of which must be at the Advanced Level. IB Diploma: IB diploma required with six total IB courses; at least three must be HL. Requirements for other school qualifications differ by country — see the college's page ↗ English minimum: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL (1–6) 4.5, TOEFL 90, Duolingo 120, PTE 63. |
| Application deadlines | Earliest: Jan 15 (Application deadline) Last round: Application deadline, Feb 1. |
| Where and how students live | Waterloo · 59 km from YHM airport |
| Housing | First-year housing: Guaranteed; housing and meals C$15,130–C$17,450 per year |
| Working while studying | Up to 24 hours per week during study terms (while meeting the study permit conditions); unlimited hours off campus during breaks scheduled by the school, such as summer and winter holidays. · co-op / paid work terms are part of degrees |
| After graduation | Post-graduation work permit (PGWP): up to the length of the study program (8 months to under 2 years), 3 years if the program was 2 years or more. |
Plain-language summary of the verified details below. Where it says “not yet determined”, we have not found it on an official page yet.
Financial aid & requirements for international students
| Merit scholarships | Yes — international students can receive merit scholarshipsSources (2)“As an international student, you'll be automatically considered for most of our scholarships.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“You can be eligible for multiple scholarships, such as the $10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship, Waterloo's President's and Merit scholarships, scholarships in the following chart, and scholarships from your faculty and/or program.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
|---|---|
| English proficiency | English test required unless an exemption applies
Sources (7)“You need to provide an English language test score if your four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“You may be exempt from submitting English language test scores if you meet one or more of the following exceptions.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Tests completed as of January 21, 2026 require 4.5 overall 5 in writing, 5 in speaking.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Tests completed before January 21, 2026 require 90 overall 25 in writing, 25 in speaking”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“6.5 overall 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Tests completed after July 1, 2024 require an overall of 120 with Literacy and Production scores of 125 for direct entry to a Waterloo program.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“63 overall 65 writing, 65 speaking”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Conditional admission / English pathway | Yes — conditional admission or an English pathway is offeredSources (2)“If you don't meet one of the required scores below, you could still study at Waterloo through the Bridge to Academic Success in English program.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Being offered a spot in the BASE program works as a conditional offer of admission into Waterloo: once you've successfully completed BASE, you'll be able to continue your full-time university studies at Waterloo.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Degree programmes taught in English | YesSources (1)“English is the language of instruction at the University of Waterloo.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Scholarships for first-year students
Faculty of Science International Student Scholarships
C$25,000–C$80,000 (≈ US$17,600–56,200)
- Who can receive it: International students only
- Amount: C$25,000–C$80,000 (≈ US$17,600–56,200)
- Number of awards: 15
- How to apply: Separate scholarship application
Sources (1)
“Faculty of Science International Student Scholarships | All programs (excluding Medical Sciences, Optometry, Pharmacy) | Up to 15 scholarships valued at $25,000 to $80,000 | An application is required. Available to international fee-paying students only.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Faculty of Mathematics Global Scholarships
C$12,000–C$40,000 (≈ US$8,400–28,100)
- Who can receive it: All applicants, including international students
- Amount: C$12,000–C$40,000 (≈ US$8,400–28,100)
- Number of awards: 10
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (1)
“Faculty of Mathematics Global Scholarships | Most programs in the Faculty of Mathematics | Up to 10 valued at $12,000 to $40,000 | No”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Faculty of Mathematics International Awards: India
C$20,000–C$40,000 (≈ US$14,100–28,100)
- Who can receive it: Students from India
- Amount: C$20,000–C$40,000 (≈ US$14,100–28,100)
- Number of awards: 15
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (1)
“Faculty of Mathematics International Awards: India | Students from India applying to select programs in the Faculty of Mathematics | Up to 15 valued at $20,000 to $40,000 | No”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Faculty of Mathematics National and Global Scholarships
C$10,000–C$40,000 (≈ US$7,000–28,100)
- Who can receive it: All applicants, including international students
- Amount: C$10,000–C$40,000 (≈ US$7,000–28,100)
- Number of awards: 30
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (2)
“National and Global Scholarships | All Math programs (excluding Computing and Financial Management and Software Engineering) | Up to 30 awards at $10,000 to $40,000 over eight academic terms (normally the length of your degree)”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“An application is not required.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12International Student Entrance Scholarship
C$10,000 (≈ US$7,000) / year
- Who can receive it: International students only
- Amount: C$10,000 (≈ US$7,000) / year
- Renewal: One year only
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (3)
“International fee-paying students admitted to full-time, first-year degree studies will receive $10,000 for their first-year studies. No application is required.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“No, the scholarship is available only in your first year.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“No, you can receive this scholarship as well as any other entrance scholarship you may be awarded.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12President's Scholarship of Distinction
C$2,000 (≈ US$1,400) one-time
- Who can receive it: All applicants, including international students
- Amount: C$2,000 (≈ US$1,400) one-time
- Minimum grades / scores: High-school average 95%+
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (3)
“President's Scholarship of Distinction (admission average of 95% or higher)”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“$2,000 entrance scholarship”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“To recognize your outstanding academic achievement, you'll automatically be considered for the President's and Merit Scholarships if you're admitted to a full-time, first-year degree program and you're beginning university or college for the first time in September. No application is required.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12President's Scholarship
C$2,000 (≈ US$1,400) one-time
- Who can receive it: All applicants, including international students
- Amount: C$2,000 (≈ US$1,400) one-time
- Minimum grades / scores: High-school average 90%+
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (3)
“President's Scholarship (admission average of 90 - 94.9%)”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“If you meet the conditions outlined below, you'll be awarded a one-time University of Waterloo President's Scholarship valued at $2,000.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“To recognize your outstanding academic achievement, you'll automatically be considered for the President's and Merit Scholarships if you're admitted to a full-time, first-year degree program and you're beginning university or college for the first time in September. No application is required.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Merit Scholarship
C$1,000 (≈ US$703) one-time
- Who can receive it: All applicants, including international students
- Amount: C$1,000 (≈ US$703) one-time
- Minimum grades / scores: High-school average 85%+
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (3)
“Merit Scholarship (admission average of 85 - 89.9%)”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“If you meet the conditions outlined below, you'll be awarded a one-time University of Waterloo Merit Scholarship valued at $1,000.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“To recognize your outstanding academic achievement, you'll automatically be considered for the President's and Merit Scholarships if you're admitted to a full-time, first-year degree program and you're beginning university or college for the first time in September. No application is required.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Programmes
| Bachelor's programme | Computer Science · 4 years Source (3)“Degree: Bachelor of Computer Science in Computer Science or Bachelor of Mathematics in Computer Science”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Available as a regular program? Yes”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“With regular stream, it'll take you four years to complete your degree, whereas co-op students usually take closer to five.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Mathematics · 4 years Source (3)“Degree: Bachelor of Mathematics in one of 16 majors”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Available as a regular program? Yes”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“With regular stream, it'll take you four years to complete your degree, whereas co-op students usually take closer to five.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Software Engineering · 5 years Source (3)“Degree: Bachelor of Software Engineering”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Available as a co-op program? Co-op only”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“With regular stream, it'll take you four years to complete your degree, whereas co-op students usually take closer to five.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
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Applying
| Academic entry requirement for your school qualification |
Requirements for other school qualifications differ by country — see the college's page ↗ |
|---|---|
| Intakes (start months) for first-year entry | Fall Source (1)“We admit first-year students for the term starting in September only.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Interview | Engineering programs (excluding Architecture): Required Source (1)“Online interviews: required for admission to all Engineering programs (excluding Architecture)”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Application requirement | English proficiency test: Required (reference) Source (1)“English language test scores and exemptions | Required if your four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12School transcript / academic records: Required (reference) Source (1)“Transcripts | Required for many students. Your personalized checklist in the Waterloo applicant portal will indicate whether you need to provide transcripts.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Deadlines (fall 2027 entry)
| Application (Engineering programs (other than Architecture)) | Jan 15Source (2)“Engineering programs (other than Architecture) | January 15, 2027 | February 1, 2027”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“International students have the same deadlines as those listed above.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
|---|---|
| Scholarship application (Faculty of Mathematics) | Mar 5Source (2)“March 5, 2027 | Olympiad, Global, and National Scholarships application deadline”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Faculty of Mathematics programs”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Application (Programs other than Engineering) | Feb 1Source (2)“Programs other than Engineering | February 1, 2027 | February 15, 2027”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“International students have the same deadlines as those listed above.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Dates as published by the college; check the official page for time zones and supporting-document deadlines.
Costs for international students
| Tuition | Computer Science: C$73,000 per year (≈ US$51,300) (2026–27 figure) Mathematics: C$62,000 per year (≈ US$43,600) (2026–27 figure) Software Engineering: C$75,000 per year (≈ US$52,700) (2026–27 figure) |
|---|---|
| Housing and meals | C$15,130–C$17,450 per year (≈ US$10,600–12,300) (2026–27 figure) |
| Living costs (college estimate) | C$16,950–C$24,480 per year (≈ US$11,900–17,200) (reference) |
| Student health insurance | C$948 per year (≈ US$666) (2026–27 figure) Required — cannot be waived |
| Living costs you must show for the student visa (government amount, excluding tuition and travel) | C$23,448 per year (≈ US$16,500) (reference) |
Sources (17)
“International (visa) students”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Computer Science | $73,000 | $1,500”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Fees are estimates for two terms/eight months of school and a full course load (five courses per term) based on fees for students starting in September 2026.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Mathematics (includes 16 majors), Mathematics/Business Administration, Mathematics/Chartered Professional Accountancy* | $62,000 | $1,500”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Faculty of Engineering, Software Engineering | $75,000 | $1,500”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Total housing fees for 8 months (includes mandatory meal plan*)”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Village 1 - double room | $15,130 - $17,450”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Rates reflect 2026/2027 residence and meal plan fees.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Living expenses (for first year)”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Estimated total living expenses | $16,950 to $24,480”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Undergraduate Incidental Fees Fall 2026”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“UHIP is an annual plan from September 1st to August 31st and costs $948 per year. The UHIP charge of $948 is divided into 3 equal installments of $316 and is charged once each term.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) - compulsory for International students who do not have provincial health insurance”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“coverage is compulsory for international students beginning with the first term they are in Canada each policy year (September - August), regardless of their location in subsequent terms in that policy year”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“international students are automatically assessed the UHIP fee”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“If you apply on or after September 1, 2026 All provinces and territories except Quebec Number of family members (including the applicant) Amount required per year (excluding tuition and transportation costs) (in CAN$) 1 $23,448”www.canada.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“This chart tells you how much money you will need to support yourself and your family members in Canada for the first year of your program of studies.”www.canada.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-11US$ figures are approximate, converted at the European Central Bank reference rate of 2026-11-11; the college charges in its own currency.
Where students live
| First-year on-campus housing | Guaranteed Source (1)“As a first-year or transfer student, you're guaranteed a spot in one of our residences.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
|---|---|
| Years of guaranteed campus housing | 1 Source (2)“As a first-year or transfer student, you're guaranteed a spot in one of our residences.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Can I live in residence after first year? Yes, each of our residences offers some space for students who are in second year or above.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Housing available during breaks | Yes Source (1)“International students living in a Campus Housing residence can apply to stay in residence over the winter break (December into January) or the spring break (April into May).”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Work and after graduation
| Work allowed while studying (rule as stated by the government) | Up to 24 hours per week during study terms (while meeting the study permit conditions); unlimited hours off campus during breaks scheduled by the school, such as summer and winter holidays. government rule Source (2)“You can work up to 24 hours per week. You can work more than 1 job to make up these hours as long as you continue to meet the conditions of your study permit.”www.canada.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“If you’re working during a break scheduled by your DLI, such as summer and winter holidays, or a reading week, you can work unlimited hours off campus”www.canada.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
|---|---|
| Work hours allowed per week during term (student visa) | 24 government rule Source (1)“You can work up to 24 hours per week. You can work more than 1 job to make up these hours as long as you continue to meet the conditions of your study permit.”www.canada.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
| Co-op / paid work terms built into degrees | Yes Source (2)“In co-op, you alternate between study terms and work terms, completing four to six work terms over the course of your degree. This means that you graduate with up to two years of relevant, paid work experience.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Co-op is paid work experience that you complete throughout your degree.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Post-study work visa (name and length) | Post-graduation work permit (PGWP): up to the length of the study program (8 months to under 2 years), 3 years if the program was 2 years or more. government rule Source (2)“If your program was 2 years or more We may give you a PGWP that’s valid for 3 years.”www.canada.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“If your program was at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials), but less than 2 years We may give you a PGWP that’s valid for up to the same length as your study program.”www.canada.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
| Accelerated bachelor's + master's programme | Yes Source (1)“The Accelerated Master's program allows undergraduate students at Waterloo to fast track a Master of Applied Science (MASc) degree at the University of Waterloo.”uwaterloo.ca ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Location
| City / state | Waterloo |
|---|---|
| Nearest major airport | John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM), about 59 km in a straight line |
| Map | View on OpenStreetMap ↗ |
Location from Wikidata Q1049470 (CC0); airport from OurAirports (public-domain data).