Why choose Waterloo?

Two students sit on the steps of the Graduate House

Our world is changing, and we must evolve with it.

The world continues to face multiple, compounding major crises that cut across society, health, the environment, technology and the economy.

Waterloo is at the forefront of research and the development of applied solutions for these crises and the all the opportunities the future holds for society at large.

Comprehensive and interdisciplinary

Rigorous and deep inquiry is a fundamental pillar and a distinguishing endeavour at Waterloo. We celebrate the importance of curiosity-driven research and discovery. We do not shy away from unconventional or emerging disciplines or subjects. In fact, that is where we thrive and lead.                                     

Two students work together on a laptop

Experiential and work-integrated learning

Building on Waterloo’s tradition and strength in experiential learning, students in graduate programs are encouraged to think beyond the classroom, through engagement in co-op and other work-integrated learning opportunities. We continue to be world leaders in experience-driven learning.

A student works in a lab with a pipette and a water sample

World-class innovation and entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurial researchers and students come to Waterloo because of our distinctive innovation ecosystem. We encourage entrepreneurs by opening pathways from research to commercialization through incubators, corporate partnerships and a unique intellectual property policy that lets creators own what they invent.

Two students work at a white board

The University of Waterloo defied tradition when it was founded in 1957.

We boldly advanced an educational experience that integrates academic and research excellence with work experience. In our always changing world, we must continue to be bold and unconventional as we help shape a better future for humanity and the planet.

Why pursue graduate studies at Waterloo?

Remote video URL

Top-ranked and world-class

Waterloo is a top-ranked, world-class institution of higher learning and research, attracting thousands of graduate students from across Canada and around the world each year.