The University of Waterloo, through the Future of Work Institute, is proud to offer access to the Grow with Google – Google AI Professional Certificate. This initiative is rooted in Waterloo’s leadership in research, education, and innovation at the intersection of artificial intelligence, work, and learning.
This program originates from the Google Research Chair in the Future of Work and Learning, held by Professor Edith Law, and reflects a shared commitment between Google and the University of Waterloo to expand access to high-quality, industry-aligned AI education.
About the Program
Grow with Google helps learners build in-demand skills that are relevant to today’s rapidly evolving workforce. At Waterloo, the program focuses on the Google AI Professional Certificate, delivered fully online through Coursera. No prior AI or technical background is required.
The certificate is designed for learners interested in:
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Understanding core AI concepts and tools
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Applying AI responsibly in real-world contexts
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Building practical, job-relevant skills aligned with industry needs
Learning Outcomes
The program is self-paced, fully online, and designed to fit alongside academic studies or professional responsibilities. Through the Google AI Professional Certificate, learners will:
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Develop an understanding of artificial intelligence fundamentals
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Explore practical applications of AI across sectors
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Learn best practices related to ethics, responsible AI, and human-centered design
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Gain experience with tools and approaches used in industry
Program Delivery
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Platform: Coursera
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Credential: Google AI Professional Certificate
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Format: Fully online, self-paced
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Cost: Covered for invited participants through the Grow with Google partnership
Term-Based Access Periods
Learners are granted access for one term at a time. Licenses are administered by academic term:
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Spring Term: May – August
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Fall Term: September – December
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Winter Term: January – April
Participation Eligibility
This opportunity is available to invited learners affiliated with the University of Waterloo community, including students, staff, and others connected to Waterloo’s teaching, research, and innovation ecosystem. Due to limited capacity, participation is offered on a term-by-term basis.
Program Access & License Details
The University of Waterloo has a limited number of multi-use Coursera licenses available for this program until December 2027.
License Utilization Policy
To maximize access and ensure the greatest benefit to the Waterloo community:
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Licenses must be actively used during the term
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The University of Waterloo reserves the right to deactivate licenses that are not being utilized (we will monitor this on a monthly basis)
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Deactivated licenses may be reassigned to other learners
Learners whose access has been deactivated—or who did not receive access in a given term—may be invited to rejoin the program in a future term, subject to availability. Any learning progress will be saved and learners can pick up the certificate where they left off.
Registration
Registration for the Spring 2026 term is now open for interested Waterloo students and staff members. Please complete the appropriate form below to register for the Google AI Professional Certificate through Coursera. For questions about eligibility, access, or program timelines, please contact the Future of Work Insitute.