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

Hear from students

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 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 we can’t accommodate you in the Engineering program you applied to on your OUAC application, we may be able to consider you for an alternate Engineering program. After you submit your OUAC application, you will be able to access an Engineering Alternate Choice form within your Waterloo applicant portal where you will be able to list one alternate Engineering program that you wish to be considered for. Our goal is to fill all Engineering programs with first-choice applicants. Alternate choice applicants will only be considered if space is available after all first-choice applicants have been considered. Alternate offers of admission will be limited, especially for highly competitive programs. Software Engineering and Biomedical Engineering are not available as alternate choices. You will need to select one of them on your OUAC application if you wish to be considered for them.

Applying to Architecture

Applications to our School of Architecture are handled independently of other Faculty of 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). 

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 interview(s)

Depending on the Engineering program you applied to, you’ll see one or two online interview links in your applicant portal. These include the online Engineering interview, the online Software Engineering interview, and the online Systems Design Engineering interview.

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.

Parent and supporter newsletter

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!