University of Waterloo: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Top Course-wise Rankings 2025

The University of Waterloo is highly regarded across multiple disciplines. Here are its rankings in select key subjects according to QS, THE and US news:

QS Ranking of the University of Waterloo by Subject

THE Ranking of the University of Waterloo by Subject 

US News Ranking of the University of Waterloo by Subject

Click here to know more about the international ranking of the University of Waterloo.

The admission process at the University of Waterloo begins by applying to the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC). After you apply, you will gain access to Waterloo's student portal, Quest, where you will complete the crucial Admission Information Form (AIF). 

Given below are the documentation details that you may need during your admission process to the University of Waterloo:

The University of Waterloo is globally recognized for its academic excellence and experiential learning. For international students, programs in technology, engineering, and finance are exceptionally popular due to their strong global rankings. 

These courses at the University of Waterloo are known for their rigorous curriculum, cutting-edge research, and deep connections with leading global companies.

Top Undergraduate Programs for International Students (2025–2026)

Here are five of the top undergraduate programs for international students with their estimated yearly fees. 

Source:  University of Waterloo

Note: These figures are average estimates calculated for reference purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on lifestyle, location, and exchange rate fluctuations.

Top Postgraduate Programs for International Students (2025–2026)

Here are five of the top postgraduate programs for international students with their estimated yearly fees.

Source:  University of Waterloo

Note: These figures are average estimates calculated for reference purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on lifestyle, location, and exchange rate fluctuations.

Intakes at University of Waterloo, CA

The University of Waterloo offers three main intakes for students to begin their studies. The availability of each intake depends on the level of study and the specific program. The Fall intake is the most common for all students.

Tuition is the primary academic cost and differs greatly by program. High-demand programs like Engineering and Computer Science typically have higher fees. The following are estimated annual ranges for undergraduates and graduates of the University of Waterloo.

Source:  University of Waterloo

Note: These figures are average estimates calculated for reference purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on lifestyle, location, and exchange rate fluctuations.

Planning your budget for life in Waterloo? This section breaks down the average expenses for housing, groceries, and other essentials to help you prepare.

Source: University of Waterloo

Note: These figures are average estimates calculated for reference purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on lifestyle, location, and exchange rate fluctuations.

Discover key scholarship opportunities available to international students at the University of Waterloo, all based on students' capabilities: 

Source: University of Waterloo

Note: These figures are average estimates calculated for reference purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on lifestyle, location, and exchange rate fluctuations.

Student life at the University of Waterloo is a vibrant combination of 200+ student-run clubs. For new international students, the International Peer Community (IPC) is also available to provide a support network. 

They help the new students by connecting them with upper-year mentors and hosting social events to help them adjust to life in Canada.

The Student Work Placement Program (SWPP), a Canadian government initiative, enhances students' job opportunities. It offers wage subsidies to employers, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to hire students for paid work terms. This program helps connect students with meaningful employment relevant to their studies.

For students seeking on-campus work, the Waterloo Work-Study Program (WWSP) offers part-time jobs that help them fund their education while building professional skills.

University of Waterloo: Top Recruiters 

Waterloo's reputation for producing top talent attracts a diverse range of leading global companies. These employers consistently recruit students for co-op terms, internships, and full-time roles upon graduation.

University of Waterloo graduates are leaders in their fields, from pioneering technology to making a global impact. Here are a few notable alumni featured in the university's magazine and their accomplishments.

While the University of Waterloo is primarily associated with its expansive main campus, it operates a multi-campus system, with three satellite campuses dedicated to specialized fields of study. This structure allows students to learn in environments specific to their programs

Main Campus (Waterloo)

As the university's primary centre, the main campus in Waterloo is home to the six core faculties: Arts, Engineering, Environment, Health, Mathematics, and Science. It offers the vast majority of the university's undergraduate and graduate programs, from foundational degrees to highly specialized fields like quantum information and nanotechnology engineering. 

The campus supports a lively academic community with extensive libraries, advanced research labs, and numerous centres and institutes dedicated to interdisciplinary study.

Satellite Campuses

The University of Waterloo expands its academic reach through three distinct satellite campuses. Each location offers a specialized, hands-on learning program. 

• Cambridge Campus: The Cambridge campus is a special place just for architecture students. It has a very creative and hands-on feel, with amazing workshops and design studios where students work on their projects. This helps everyone learn from each other and focus on their passion. A big part of the program is getting real job experience through co-op placements, which makes students ready for a professional career right after graduation.
• Kitchener Campus: The Kitchener campus is all about health sciences and is home to the School of Pharmacy. Here, students get practical training in modern labs and even a full-scale mock pharmacy to practice their skills. The campus also shares space with a medical school, so students learn to work in teams like they would in a real hospital. This setup connects students directly to local health companies for great co-op and job opportunities.
• Stratford Campus: At the Stratford campus, students learn all about digital business and creative design. In programs like Global Business and Digital Arts, learning is very hands-on, with students working together on real projects in modern labs. The campus has great connections to tech companies, giving students valuable experience and preparing them for exciting careers in the fast-paced digital world.

Choosing between top Ontario universities like Waterloo, McMaster, and York can be tough because they all offer very different experiences. This section breaks down their unique strengths: Waterloo as a tech and co-op powerhouse, McMaster as a research and health sciences leader, and York as a diverse, comprehensive university in Toronto.