Pathways to graduate studies admission at Waterloo
Most new, prospective graduate students will apply for the standard or traditional type of admission. There are also a few other pathways to admission to graduate studies at Waterloo, including a non-degree option.
Standard or traditional admission
Standard admission is for new graduate students, including recently graduated or and soon-to-be-new undergraduate degree holders from Waterloo. Standard admission simply means you are interested in applying to a graduate program, you understand and meet or exceed the minimum admissions requirements for the program you're applying to.
Unless you intend to apply using one of the non-standard pathways below: you're applying for standard admission.
Non-standard admissions
Accelerated Master's programs for Waterloo undergraduate students
The University of Waterloo endorses the concept and recognizes Accelerated Master’s Programs at the undergraduate level. Accelerated Master's programs are open to current, Waterloo undergraduate students only.
If you are considering graduate studies, consider reviewing the Accelerated Master's Programs details on the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.
Direct entry to PhD from a Bachelor's degree
Exceptional master's applicants may be considered for direct-entry to the PhD program from a bachelor’s program.
For more information please contact the Department Graduate Co-ordinator.
Non-degree admission
When to apply as non-degree:
- You have already earned an Honours Bachelor's degree or equivalent in the appropriate discipline
- You want to take one or more graduate courses but are not interested in earning a degree
Before you apply:
- Confirm with the academic unit that offers the course(s) you are interested in taking, to ensure they admit non-degree students
- Confirm with the academic unit what application materials are required when applying as a non-degree student
It is important to know:
- Courses taken as non-degree may not be used for credit toward a degree in a graduate program
- If you decide to proceed to a degree you will pay fees according to your category at that time
- You will not normally be granted full-time status as a non-degree student
Readmission
When to apply for readmission:
-
You were previously enrolled in a Waterloo graduate program but did not complete it
Before you apply:
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Confirm with your academic unit what application materials are required when applying for readmission
It is important to know:
-
If you reapply to a program and are approved for readmission you will be required to register for a minimum of one full term, without tuition refund, to complete program
- The online application asks if you are applying to return to a previous incomplete graduate program
- choose Yes for readmission
Information for admissions for Indigenous students
The University of Waterloo will consider Indigenous lived experiences of applicants from Turtle Island for admissions.
Learn more about admissions for Indigenous students.