Important dates and events

Applying to university is an exciting step – one that can take several months. Here's an overview of key dates in Waterloo's application process.

Click on any of the items below to get more details.

  1. 2026
    1. Sep
      1. Applications open – Mid-September

        Applications open on the Ontario Universities' Application Centre website.
    2. Nov
      1. Fall Open House – November 14

        Join us for sessions about programs, applying, co-op, and financing your education; campus and residence tours; and academic fairs where you can chat with students and professors. 
  2. 2027
    1. Jan
      1. Application deadline for Engineering programs (excluding Architecture) – January 15

        Today is the last day to apply for Engineering programs.
    2. Feb
      1. Documents deadline for Engineering programs – February 1

        Today is the last day to submit all necessary documents for your application. This could include your transcripts, Additional Information Form, English language test scores (if applicable), video interview, and any other required documents.
      2. Application deadline (most programs other than Engineering) – February 1

        If you plan on being a full-time Waterloo student, today is the last day to apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre, which handles applications for all of Ontario's universities.
      3. Deadline to submit documents – February 15

        Today is the last day to submit all necessary documents for your application (for programs other than Engineering). This could include your transcripts, Additional Information Form, English language test scores (if applicable), and any other required documents.
    3. Apr
      1. March Open House – April 3

        You're invited to attend our academic information sessions and sample lectures, chat with professors and students, and take tours and visit our residences. This is a great day to discover the many exciting opportunities at Waterloo!
      2. Deadline for Ontario students to apply for an entrance bursary – April 15

        Today is the deadline for Ontario students with financial need and who are starting university or college for the first time to apply for a Waterloo entrance bursary.
    4. May
      1. All remaining offers of admission are sent – mid-May

        All Waterloo offers of admission are sent by mid-May once we receive updated grades from Ontario high schools.
      2. Scholarships are awarded

        Most scholarships for new Waterloo students are awarded in mid-May once we've received updated marks from high schools.
    5. Jun
      1. Deadline to accept your Offer of Admission – June 1

        Deadline to accept an offer of admission through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre website.

      2. Deadline to apply for residence – June 8

        Planning to live in residence? Today is the deadline to complete Waterloo's residence application form and pay your residence deposit. You must also accept your Offer of Admission to guarantee a spot in residence.
      3. Transferring to Waterloo? Send us your course outlines

        If you're transferring from college or another university, please send us all of your course syllabi (outlines) so we can review your file for possible transfer credit.
    6. Jul
      1. Submit final grades and meet conditions

        If you have a conditional offer of admission, you must submit your final and official transcripts by the deadline on your offer. You must meet the conditions listed on your Offer of Admission in Waterloo's applicant portal by the deadline on your offer and well before the start of term in order to retain your spot at Waterloo.
    7. Aug
      1. View and pay your fees for the fall term – mid-August

        Your tuition fees will be listed in your Waterloo account. If you're living on campus, your residence fees and meal plan will also be available. You'll be sent instructions on how to view and pay your fees.
    8. Sep
      1. Orientation and classes

        Attend Orientation to meet your new classmates in a fun environment, learn what it means to be a Waterloo Warrior, and get to know the services and opportunities available to you before you start classes in early September.

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