University of Waterloo

Overview: a co-op university

The University of Waterloo opened in 1957 with a first intake of 74 engineering students and with co-operative education as its cornerstone. In co-op, four-month study terms alternate with four-month paid work terms, so a co-op degree usually takes longer than four calendar years but ends with several work placements on your record. Many programs come in both co-op and regular versions, so check which one you are choosing when you apply.

The main campus is in the city of Waterloo, west of Toronto. Waterloo also has affiliated and federated institutions on or next to its campus, so check where your program is taught before you choose housing.

How to apply and the 2027 dates

First-year applications go through OUAC: the 101 form for current Ontario high school students and the 105 for others (see OUAC 101 vs 105). First-year students start only in September. Waterloo's deadline page lists, for fall 2027:

Architecture is not part of the Engineering row. Waterloo says a deadline may be extended if a program is not full, but late applications are reviewed only if space remains.

The AIF, the interview and contests

Waterloo's best-known extra step is the Admission Information Form. It is required for all Engineering programs (except Architecture), every Faculty of Mathematics program (including Computer Science) and Computing and Financial Management. The AIF gives Waterloo information about you beyond your grades, so treat it as seriously as a personal essay. For 2027 the AIF is due February 1, 2027 for Engineering (including Engineering applicants who also apply to a Math program) and February 15, 2027 for the other programs. Pharmacy, Optometry and Social Work use their own supplementary forms or documents instead.

Every Engineering applicant except those applying to Architecture also completes a required online video interview; the link appears in your applicant portal checklist. For Computer Science, the department says math contests are mostly used for scholarships and can help a borderline application, but they are not required and a missing score does not count against you.

Grades in the required Grade 12 courses remain the core of the decision. If your Grade 12 plan is not settled, our article on Grade 12 courses for engineering in Canada is a useful checklist.

Costs and funding

Tuition varies by program, co-op status and citizenship, and co-op students also pay a co-op fee in some terms (tuition is not charged during work terms). Waterloo publishes current first-year estimates on its official first-year tuition fees page. International applicants should confirm study permit rules, including the rules on co-op work permits, on the Government of Canada page on studying in Canada.

Getting ready with StudyBrix

Waterloo's math and engineering first terms move quickly, and co-op job applications start early.

• Review algebra and functions and calculus readiness, then read how to study for first-year calculus.
• Physics-heavy programs: go through the physics readiness deck.
• Practise answering spoken questions under time pressure with the interview skills deck before the engineering interview.

For the wider picture, see our guide to universities in Canada.