Information for graduate students from Mexico

The University of Waterloo welcomes students from Mexico

The University of Waterloo, a leading public academic institution in Canada, is committed to international outreach. Waterloo’s connections with international institutions include collaborative research, agreements, academic program development, faculty and student exchanges, and visiting scholars.


The University of Waterloo is one of Canada’s leading comprehensive universities more than 42,500 full and part-time students in undergraduate and graduate programs. The University offers over 180 graduate programs in Arts (Humanities and Social Sciences), Engineering, Environment, Health, Mathematics (Computer Science), Science and Theology. English is the official language of instruction.

The University of Waterloo is home to a diverse international student population; with one third of all graduate students representing over 100 nations from around the world!

CONAHCyT and JuventudEsGTO, Mexico

The University of Waterloo is pleased to receive applications from excellent students who will be applying for the National Council of Humanities, Sciences and Technologies (CONAHCyT), Mexico scholarship program or the JuventudEsGTO scholarship loan program (formerly EDUCAFIN). Applicants apply directly to CONAHCyT and JuventudEsGTO. Contact Consejo Nacional De Ciencia Y Tecnologia or JuventudEsGTO for scholarship information and assistance.

If applicable, indicate on your application to the University of Waterloo under the International Agreements section that you are applying to CONAHCyT or JuventudEsGTO.

Applying to the University of Waterloo

For a master’s program:

  • qualifications recognized as equivalent to a University of Waterloo 4-year honours bachelor’s degree, minimum 80% overall standing (an 8/10 standing overall)

For a PhD (doctoral) program:

  • qualifications recognized as equivalent to a University of Waterloo master’s degree, minimum 80% overall standing (an 8/10 standing overall) and a demonstrated evidence of research ability

English language proficiency (ELP)

You will need to provide certification of English Language Proficiency (ELP). Minimum* test scores for admission are:

  • TOEFL (iBT) Internet based test, 90 overall; 25 writing; 25 speaking
  • IELTS (academic), 7.0 overall (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)
  • EFAS, 75% overall in level 400 with at least 75% in writing, oral and academic skills

*Individual departments/schools may require lower or higher scores. Consult specific program to confirm ELP requirements.

If your ELP test score does not meet our minimum requirement, review the English Language Institute, Renison University College website for information on our intensive English for Academic Success (EFAS) program.

Other test scores

  • GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) required for Combinatorics and Optimization, Computer Science, Physics and Psychology
  • GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) required for Accounting PhD and Master of Taxation

Please check with your chosen department or school for application deadlines and additional application requirements (i.e. references, résumé, writing sample, supplementary information form/research proposal, GRE, GMAT).

Tuition and fees

To determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program, visit the Graduate program tuition page on the Finance website. Once you are on the page:

  • Choose your program type: master’s & diploma programs or doctoral programs
  • Choose your residency status: Canadian/permanent resident or international
  • Choose a term (tuition amounts for future terms are posted approximately two months prior to the start of each term and incidental fees are subject to change)
  • Find your program under the appropriate faculty. Tuition amounts are listed per term, with three terms occurring over the course of a year.

Living expenses

Visit the Living costs and housing page for estimates on housing, food and other living expenses.

Waterloo is a member of the CALDO consortium, an association of Canada’s leading research universities committed to international education. CALDO is currently working with nine Latin American countries: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Panama. Stay up to date on the latest CALDO news and tour dates.

International admission equivalencies

You should meet or exceed the academic requirements listed for your location to be a strong candidate and to set yourself up for success with Waterloo's graduate studies.

Information for international students

Our international reputation for excellence and innovation attracts some of the most inspiring graduate students in the world. Learn more about our large cohort of international graduate students.