Waterloo was born with innovation and entrepreneurship in its DNA: we were the first university in Canada to give students practical work experience as part of their education.
Since that first class of 74 students in 1957, we've grown into one of Canada's top-ranked universities and offer North America's largest co-op program. Many of our programs and departments, such as engineering, computer science, geography, tourism, physics, statistics, sociology, and psychology, rank among the best in the world.
Quick stats
- Publicly-funded university, located about 120 km west of Toronto
- 6,800 first-year students
- North America's largest co-op program
- 25% of our students are pursuing a business, accounting, or finance degree
- 100+ programs offered by six faculties: Applied Health Sciences, Arts, Engineering, Environment, Mathematics, Science
- Home to 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics laureate Dr. Donna Strickland, only the third woman in history to receive the prestigious honour
- Home to four University Colleges, smaller communities that offer residence and academic programs
- Stay fit and active through one of Canada's largest campus recreation programs
Among the world's top 25 universities for graduate employability
No school can guarantee your success after graduation, but we come close. We're ranked among the top 25 universities in the world for producing the most employable graduates, based on our
- reputation with employers,
- alumni outcomes,
- partnerships with employers.
- employer/student connections,
- graduate employment rate, and
Through co-op and many of the professional development opportunities available to all Waterloo students (not just those in co-op), we'll connect you with global employers and give you the tools to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.
Own your ideas
Unlike most universities, Waterloo’s intellectual property policy gives ownership rights to the inventor, not the university. So whether you’re a first-year student or professor, you can take your ideas and make them your own.
An environmental leader
From Canada's largest faculty dedicated to the environment, our Sustainability Office, research centres, student groups, and academic programs that focus on the environment, there are many ways at Waterloo to work towards a more sustainable future.
If this sounds like the place for you, discover our 100+ programs or download program brochures to learn more.