University of Waterloo Intakes and Deadlines

The University of Waterloo admits first-year undergraduate students for the Fall (September) intake only as there is no Winter or Spring entry for first-year degree applicants. Most undergraduate applications run through OUAC, while graduate programs apply through Waterloo's own portal. Deadlines are fixed (not rolling), and a late application is reviewed only if seats remain, so applying ahead of the date is essential. Engineering closes earliest and carries extra components.

University of Waterloo Fees

University of Waterloo fees for international (visa) students cover tuition and incidental fees. The 2026–27 figures below are official first-year estimates for two terms (eight months) of full-time study and vary widely by program. Always verify the exact amount on Waterloo's official fee schedule. INR values are approximate (around ₹61 per CAD 1).

Note: Waterloo charges tuition one term at a time, and co-op students do not pay tuition during paid work terms. Graduate tuition is largely charged per course and varies by program - confirm on the program page.

University of Waterloo Programmes

Waterloo offers 100+ undergraduate programs and a wide range of graduate options across six faculties, built around the world's largest co-operative education model:

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  Undergraduate Degrees Arts, Engineering, Environment, Health, Mathematics, and Science, including signature programs in Computer Science, Software Engineering, and the flexible major/minor system.
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  Graduate & Professional Programs master's, PhD, and professional degrees, including the Doctor of Optometry, Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), and the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET).
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  Mathematics & Computer Science a globally ranked Faculty of Mathematics (the largest of its kind), home to top-30 worldwide programs in computer science, mathematics, and electrical engineering.
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  Double & Combined Degrees interdisciplinary pathways such as the Business Administration (Laurier) and Computer Science or Mathematics (Waterloo) double degrees.
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  Co-op Education 120+ programs offer a co-op stream, letting students alternate study terms with paid work terms at 8,000+ employers worldwide.

University of Waterloo International Students Criteria

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  Undergraduate academic requirement: A strong senior secondary record; for Indian students, typically high Class 12 results, with competitive programs like Computer Science and Engineering expecting averages in the high 80s to low 90s, plus program-specific prerequisites (e.g. Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry for STEM programs).
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  Graduate academic requirement: A recognised four-year bachelor's degree with strong academic standing, plus program-specific requirements set by the individual department.
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  English proficiency (undergraduate): IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (6.5 writing and speaking; 6.0 reading and listening), or TOEFL iBT 90 overall (25 writing, 25 speaking), or PTE Academic 63 overall, or Duolingo 120 overall (with 125 in Literacy and Production). A minimum overall IELTS 7.0 with no band below 6.0 is also accepted.
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  Supplementary forms: Many programs require the Admission Information Form (AIF), which captures extracurriculars, experiences, and program interest; Engineering applicants complete additional forms and (for Software Engineering) an online interview.
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  Math/Science contests: Optional but encouraged for the Faculty of Mathematics (Euclid Contest, Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest); results can factor into admission and scholarship decisions.
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  Supporting documents: Academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and any program-specific items, all submitted directly through official channels by the document deadline.
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  Application: Undergraduate applicants apply via OUAC; graduate applicants apply through Waterloo's own portal and track progress in the applicant portal.
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  Study permit: After receiving and accepting an offer, international students apply for a Canadian study permit and required documentation.

University of Waterloo Scholarships

Waterloo automatically considers international students for most of its entrance scholarships - the majority require no separate application. As a publicly funded university, awards are primarily merit-based, with some need-based bursaries available after the first year.

1. International Student Entrance Scholarship

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  A guaranteed CAD 10,000 award for all international fee-paying students admitted to full-time, first-year degree studies starting September 2026.
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  No application required; paid in two installments (CAD 5,000 toward each of the first two terms' tuition).
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  Available in most undergraduate programs (some professional programs are excluded) and stackable with other entrance awards.

2. Faculty of Mathematics Global Scholarships & International Awards: India

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  Up to 10 Global Scholarships valued at CAD 12,000–40,000, plus up to 15 India-specific awards valued at CAD 20,000–40,000.
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  For students applying to select Faculty of Mathematics programs; no application required.

3. Faculty of Science International Student Scholarships

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  15 scholarships valued at CAD 25,000–80,000 for most Faculty of Science programs.
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  Application required (by February 13, 2026).

4. Faculty of Engineering International Student Entrance Scholarships

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  CAD 10,000 for Environmental Engineering and Geological Engineering, stackable with the CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship for up to CAD 20,000 in first year.
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  No application or minimum average required.

5. President's and Merit Scholarships

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  Automatically considered entrance awards recognising high-achieving incoming students; values and criteria vary, with no separate application for most.

6. Bursaries & In-Course Awards

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  Need-based bursaries of up to CAD 2,000 for full-time international students after first year, plus hundreds of additional scholarships available once enrolled.
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  Co-op earnings of CAD 9,600–22,800 per four-month work term provide a further significant way to offset costs.