Essentials: Admin and system setup | Policies and guides | Funding | Workshops and development | Prepare for emergencies | Graduate student guides | Support
Term-specific: Courses | Work-integrated learning (WIL) | International experiences | Research and writing | Thesis and defence | Completing degree requirements
Essentials for all students
Admin and system setup
Review your bill and arrange your fees
- Sign in to Quest to check your fee bill.
- Pay your fees in full or complete the Promissory Note in Quest.
- Arrange your fees by the due date to avoid a Fees Arranged Extension Fee and a Not Fees Arranged Hold.
Verify and update your personal information
- View and update your personal information in Quest.
- Log in to WatIAM and add an external password recovery email to avoid being locked out.
Policies and guides
Review relevant policies and guidelines for graduate students.
- Guide for graduate research and supervision
- Petitions process for graduate students
- Guidelines for graduate student employment
- Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) guidance
- Policy 30: Employment of Graduate Student Teaching Assistants
- Policy 73: Intellectual Property Rights
A full list of University policies can be found on the Secretariat’s website.
Funding and financial support
Explore your funding options.
- Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Research Assistantships
- Financial need funding
- Financial support for medical leave
- Funding for parental leave
GSPA also maintains a comprehensive listing of awards, bursaries, and other scholarships administered through Waterloo in the graduate funding and awards database. You’re encouraged to search the database to find other funding opportunities you may be eligible for.
Workshops and development
Make the most of your degree by exploring the many resources for academic and professional development.
Prepare for emergencies
The University of Waterloo uses Regroup Mobile, an emergency notification system designed to deliver fast, accurate, and consistent messages across multiple communication channels, including text/SMS, emails, mobile app push notifications, and desktop alerts.
Graduate student guides
If you find yourself in a challenging situation, we encourage you to connect with those who can support you.
For graduate students in research-based programs
Supervisor → Graduate Officer/Chair → Associate Dean, Graduate Studies → Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
For students in course-based programs
Graduate Officer/Chair → Associate Dean, Graduate Studies → Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
While those nearest to your academics – such as your supervisor, program director, or graduate officer – are often best prepared to understand your unique circumstances in relation to your academic programming, if you are uncomfortable with discussing your situation with them, you may choose to contact your Associate Dean or Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.
Term-specific resources
Courses
- Check each course outline/syllabus for required textbooks, and order any necessary materials from the W Store.
- Log in to LEARN once classes begin.
- Find technical support on the LEARN help website or send an email to learnhelp@uwaterloo.ca.
- Check to make sure your technology meets system and software requirements.
- Explore quick tips and tools to support time management, note-taking, and writing.
- Apply for Academic Accommodations if you know or suspect you have a disability or medical condition that requires academic accommodations.
- Ensure you understand UWaterloo’s guidelines around research integrity and academic integrity.
Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Regardless of your program or type of WIL experience, you have access to the following resources:
- Centre for Career Development supports and services (e.g., advising appointments, workshops, events)
- CareerHub online resources (e.g., tips for finding work, writing résumés, and job interview prep)
- WaterlooWorks non-co-op job boards (e.g., other job boards where employers looking to hire graduate students routinely post part-time and full-time jobs)
Co-operative education offers resources for students participating in a variety of WIL experiences, including tips for working remotely and information on working in Canada for international students.
International experiences
- Travel safety (international travel, excluding co-op): Waterloo International supports your travel safety. Any students traveling abroad are required to receive appropriate approval and register their travel with Waterloo International.
- Travel safety (international co-op): If you’re participating in an international co-op placement, an International Employment Specialist will be in touch to support your travels. Co-operative Education also has many online resources to support you in all aspects of working abroad, including finding jobs, resources before you go, visas and permits, and more.
- International travel awards: Depending on the length of your international experience, where you are traveling to, and the reasons for your travels, you may be eligible to apply for one or more international experience awards.
Research and writing
- Subject librarians: Your go-to for research support at any stage.
- Field Work Risk Management Program: Guides for research that takes you off-campus.
- Writing and Communication Centre: A hub of communication and writing support on campus.
- Design and Deliver Grad Studio: A workshop series that takes you through the process of planning and designing an academic presentation.
- Dissertation Boost Camp: A four-day intensive program designed for students who are looking to jump-start their thesis writing.
- Rock Your Thesis: A three-part program that guides you through planning your thesis, starting to write, and revising and submitting.
Thesis and defence
In addition to the PhD thesis examinations and regulations, there are a variety of resources to support you as you prepare to submit and defend your thesis.
Thesis resources:
Defence resources:
Completing degree requirements
If you're preparing to complete your degree this term, make sure to keep these in mind:
- Tuition refund deadlines: If you officially degree complete before the refund deadlines, you may be entitled to a full or partial refund of tuition fees.
- Apply for graduation: Make sure you apply for graduation by the end of the term that you are completing your degree.
- Graduation checklist: Complete all necessary steps to obtain your degree.
Planning what's next after graduation:
- Career advising: Meet with career advisors who can assist with both academic and alternative career planning.
- Immigration consulting: Explore your options if you're an international student hoping to stay in Canada after you complete your degree.