Applying

Waterloo Engineering offers 14 professional engineering programs on our main campus, as well as our renowned pre-professional architecture program at our School of Architecture in Cambridge.

Ready to apply?

Step 1: Choose your program

Waterloo Engineering

Waterloo Engineering offers direct-entry programs, meaning that students are admitted into specific engineering disciplines in first-year studies. This approach is different from institutions that offer a general first year, in which students select and compete for their discipline prior to the second-year of studies.

Explore our programs

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Step 2: Review admission requirements

Admission requirements and procedures vary based on your current academic status.

Important note: If you are interested in applying to the School of Architecture, please visit their website.

If you are an active Waterloo Engineering student, a Waterloo student registered in another faculty, or a student currently studying at another post-secondary institution and interested in transferring to a Waterloo Engineering program, please review your specific admission requirements and process on our transfers page.

Step 3: Review timelines and application processes

It is important to review our process for offers of admission and other important dates. Knowledge of deadlines and openings for applications is important so you do not miss your opportunity for consideration for the engineering program(s) you choose.

Step 4: Apply on the Ontario Universities' Application Centre

Applications to all universities in Ontario are handled by the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), a centralized processing office. 

Be sure to apply by the application deadline. 

Note: If you are a transfer student, please review specific transfer student processes.

Applying to Engineering

Applicants must select one Waterloo Engineering program (civil, mechanical, systems design, software, etc.) on the OUAC application. This should be the program you are most interested in—not the one that you think is easiest to get into.

If you wish to be considered for a second Engineering program at Waterloo, you can specify an alternate choice on the Engineering Alternate Form available within the applicant portal once you've applied. Biomedical Engineering and Software Engineering are not available as alternate choices.

Applying to Architecture

Applications to our School of Architecture are handled independently from other engineering programs, and are available as a separate choice on the OUAC application form.

Applying to Engineering and Architecture

Applicants who are interested in both architecture and engineering can apply to both programs via the OUAC. Please note that this will require you to use two of your three OUAC choices (one for each program). 

Applicants will be able to submit one alternate engineering program choice on the Admission Information Form, for which they will be considered if they are not accepted into their first choice.

Step 5: Supply Supporting Documents

Admission Information Form (AIF)

The Admission Information Form (AIF) is a crucial part of the Waterloo Engineering admission process that factors into admission and scholarship decisions. An AIF is required for all Waterloo Engineering programs.

Online Video Interview

The online video interview is required for Software Engineering applicants and those who wish to be considered for a Faculty of Engineering entrance scholarship. It is highly recommended for all other applicants.

Step 6: Stay Connected

Subscribe for tips and advice

Future students can sign up for monthly emails and be the first to know about special events and webinars. Some topics include: navigating the application process, tips on paying for your education, how co-op works and what it’s like to be a Waterloo student.

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Sign up to receive a monthly Parent and Supporter Newsletter. Topics include timely information to help you support your student, as well as information about campus and upcoming events from June to April.

Admissions frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Check out our frequently asked questions for answers to our most commonly asked admissions questions.

Questions about Engineering admissions?

Before contacting us, we ask that you review the application process in detail. Should you have additional questions or require clarifications e-mail us.

Thank you very much for considering the Architecture and Engineering programs the University of Waterloo. We wish you success, wherever your future takes you!