News

In an interview with Times Higher Education, outgoing University of Waterloo president Vivek Goel argues that traditional lecture-and-essay models will not keep pace with the future of higher education. He points to Waterloo’s co-op program as a defining strength, integrating academic learning with paid work experience and embedding experiential education into the university’s curriculum. As AI continues to reshape learning and work, Goel emphasizes that hands-on, real-world experience, like co-op, will be essential for preparing students to succeed.

A new economic impact report highlights the University of Waterloo as a major driver of Ontario’s economy, contributing nearly $7 billion to GDP through its co-op program, research and alumni activity. The study underscores how Waterloo’s co-op model, one of the largest in the world, helps generate significant economic value by connecting students with paid, real-world work experience that benefits employers and industry.

In an interview with CBC News, incoming University of Waterloo president Bill Rosehart emphasized the importance of preparing students for a rapidly changing job market shaped by AI and global competition. He pointed to Waterloo’s co-op program as a key differentiator, giving students the real-world experience and adaptability needed to stay competitive after graduation. As he prepares to take on the role, Rosehart signalled a continued focus on experiential learning as central to the university’s future.

The University of Waterloo has named engineering alumnus Dr. Bill Rosehart as its next president and vice-chancellor, marking the first time a graduate of the institution will lead the university. Rosehart, who brings decades of academic leadership experience, has emphasized Waterloo’s distinctive strength in integrating academic learning with real-world experience through its co-op program. His appointment signals a continued focus on experiential education and innovation as central to the university’s future. The leadership transition reinforces Waterloo’s reputation for producing—and being led by—graduates shaped by its co-op model.

The University of Waterloo is gaining global recognition as a top talent pathway for elite trading firm Jane Street, particularly for engineering and quantitative roles. The firm’s hiring data shows Waterloo stands alongside leading institutions like MIT and Cambridge, with its graduates frequently securing both internships and full-time positions. Waterloo’s co-op program is cited as a key advantage, requiring multiple internships that give students the hands-on experience firms like Jane Street value. The recognition highlights how co-op continues to position Waterloo students for success in highly competitive global tech and finance careers.

Faculty of Health co-op student, Sarah Bayrakdarian, shines among talented peers at Breast Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care International Conference.

A University of Waterloo student shares how she earned a spot in the highly competitive software engineering program, choosing Waterloo in large part because of its renowned co-op education and the paid, real-world work experience it offers. After navigating a rigorous application process, she has completed multiple co-op work terms in quality assurance and software development, gaining practical skills and professional connections that prepare her for a career in tech. Her journey highlights how Waterloo’s co-op model helps bridge academic learning with hands-on industry experience.

An Indian student, Pallavi Thapar, says she chose the University of Waterloo because of its elite co-op program, which provided paid work terms and real-world experience while she earned her degree. Through her co-op placements in psychology and marketing, she built a professional network, refined her career goals and gained confidence navigating Canada’s highly competitive job market. Her journey reflects the importance of strategic planning, adaptability and work-integrated learning for international students seeking long-term success.

The University of Waterloo has teamed up with Google to establish a Google Chair in the Future of Work and Learning, backed by a $1 million investment, supporting new research and hands-on AI prototyping labs. The partnership cites Waterloo’s largest-in-Canada co-operative education program, which has long nurtured students to bring real-world experience into innovation and research, as a key reason Google selected the university. Through this collaboration, students will co-create AI-based learning technologies and directly engage in shaping how people interact with AI in future workplaces.

University of Waterloo student Henriëtta van Niekerk has created Skrimp.AI, a free AI-powered tool that helps families reduce their grocery bills by comparing local flyers, spotting the best deals and suggesting budget-friendly meal plans. Inspired by her own family’s experiences with food price inflation, Henriëtta combined skills gained through Waterloo’s co-op program to design something practical and impactful. Her work shows how students can leverage experiential learning to solve everyday challenges with innovation.