Get ready to have a successful academic career.
From enrolling in your first course to preparing for your defence, we've got the resources and guidelines to help you through every step of your degree.
Governing rules and regulations
The Graduate Studies Academic Calendar
The Graduate Studies Academic Calendar (the "Calendar") is the primary contractual document between graduate students and the University of Waterloo. The Calendar contains information regarding:
- General information and regulations
- Academic deadlines
- Admission and program requirements
Guide for graduate research and supervision
The Guide for graduate research and supervision was developed to enhance the contribution of graduate education to the intellectual development and academic success of graduate students and the University.
It includes the roles and responsibilities of graduate students, advisory committees, supervisors, and the responsibilities of departments, graduate officers, and graduate co-ordinators.
Guidelines for graduate student employment
Guidelines for graduate student employment pertain to full-time graduate students and their employment status at the University of Waterloo.
Employment activities outside of the University are not monitored, and these guidelines do not apply to students who are on a full-time external placement (e.g., coop/internship) with the University as their employer, unless a student is requesting additional employment activities at the University that are separate from this external placement.
Petitions process for graduate students
A petition is a request by a student seeking exception to or relief from normal faculty or University rules and regulations. Petitions at the University of Waterloo are governed by Policy 70 (Secretariat website).
Note: Petitions vary from grievances. With a petition, you believe the rules were fairly applied, but your circumstances are sufficiently unique that you deserve an exception. With a grievance, you believe the rules were unfairly applied and appropriate rules should be restored.
Academic experience
Graduate work-integrated learning
Graduate work-integrated learning (WIL) is a form of curricular experiential education that formally integrates a student’s academic studies with quality experiences within a workplace or practice setting.
WIL includes co-operative education, internships, professional practicums, applied research, and field placements.
Visits and exchanges
Make the most of your degree by doing a visit or exchange. From taking a course at a nearby university to doing an exchange on the other side of the world, the University of Waterloo offers resources and programs for diversifying your studies
Preparing to graduate
Thesis and defence
It's important to understand all the regulations, rules, and requirements that go into a thesis to ensure you can successfully submit and defend your thesis at the end of your program.
Graduation and convocation
We've prepared a graduation checklist for the final stages of completing your degree to ensure you can receive your diploma/degree and are ready for convocation.