How to apply

If you plan to be a full-time student, you'll apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), which processes applications to each of Ontario's universities.

If you're currently an Ontario high school student, you'll use the OUAC 101 application.
All other students should use the OUAC 105 application.
Be sure to apply by the application deadline. The OUAC will send your information to each of the universities you've applied to.

Within two weeks of receiving your application from the OUAC, we'll email you with your Waterloo student number and any actions you might need to take.

You can preview those steps by visiting our website for students who have applied.

Submitting your information through the OUAC streamlines the process of applying to Waterloo and other Ontario universities.

We recommend adding myapplication@uwaterloo.ca to your email contacts to ensure you receive our emails.

Check out our guide to the university admissions process to learn what happens when.
Applying from outside Ontario? Watch how to apply to Waterloo on our YouTube channel.
Sending us your grades and documents once you've applied.

Mature, home-schooled, and GED students

Part-time or online studies

If you're interested in part-time or online studies, there is a separate application process.

Previous Waterloo students

If you've completed an undergraduate course or degree at Waterloo and wish to take further courses, use the Application for Re-Admission.

Can you apply to more than one program at Waterloo?

Yes. You may apply to a maximum of 3 programs at Waterloo. If you're interested in Engineering, only one of those programs can be an Engineering program.

Applying only to Engineering programs

You can apply to one Waterloo Engineering program on your OUAC application and then use your Admission Information Form (AIF) to request consideration for an alternate Engineering program.

If we can’t accommodate you in your first-choice Engineering program (i.e., the one you chose on your OUAC application), we may be able to consider you for your alternate choice. Priority for a program may be given to those students who select it as their first choice.

Biomedical Engineering and Software Engineering are not available as alternate choices on the AIF, so you'll need to list one of those on your application if one of them is your main interest. You'll receive instructions for completing your AIF once you've applied.

Applying to Engineering and other programs

You can apply to one Engineering program and up to two other non-Engineering Waterloo programs that interest you.

If you're interested in an Engineering program and Architecture (which is offered by the Faculty of Engineering), you can apply to Architecture, one Engineering program, and another Waterloo program if you wish.

Applying to Waterloo from outside of Ontario?

Watch video on YouTube

Questions about applying? Email our admissions team.

How do you apply to a co-op program?

To apply to a co-op program, you must check the co-op box on your Ontario Universities' Application Centre application.

If you apply to a co-op program that is also offered through the regular system of study and you're not admitted to co-op, you'll automatically be considered for the regular program if spaces are available.

Co-op and regular systems of study are available to Canadian and international students.

Applying to part-time and online studies

Part-time studies (one or two courses per term), online learning, post-degree, non-degree, and letter of permission use a different application process.

Take courses for general interest

To take courses for general interest, apply to non-degree studies (if you don't have a degree) or to post-degree studies (if you have completed an undergraduate degree).