No question, university is a big investment in your future. The money that you – and possibly your family members – contribute is the foundation for your financial plan, but you may need more to cover all of your university costs.
Expenses
Your main costs in university will be your tuition and living expenses.
Tuition and fees
Waterloo's tuition fees vary by program and type of student.
Living expenses (for first year)
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Residence | $7,000 to $9,200 |
| Meal plan | $5,800 to $6,700 |
| Personal expenses (e.g., phone, clothing, Internet, entertainment; depends on your lifestyle) | $4,300 |
| Textbooks and supplies | $2,500 (most programs) |
| Estimated total living expenses | $19,600 to $24,400 |
Resources
Common ways to cover your costs include
- personal and/or family contributions,
- scholarships,
- bursaries (based on financial need), and
- government loans and grants such as the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and programs for students in other Canadian provinces.
Co-op = paid work experience
Through Waterloo's co-op program, you could make between $9,600 and $22,500 during your first four-month co-op term alone.
The good news? Our students have four to six co-op work terms!
Cost calculator
Estimate your total first-year expenses and see how much money you have.
Ways to pay for your education
Learn how scholarships, bursaries, student loans, and part-time jobs are some of the ways to pay for university.