How to apply

Plan to be a full-time student?

You'll apply to Waterloo through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).

The OUAC will send your application information to each Ontario university you apply to. Be sure to apply by the application deadline (February 1 for most programs).

To apply to a co-op program, check the co-op box on your application.

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.

Part-time studies

If you're interested in taking one or two courses per term, there is a separate application process for part-time and online studies.

College or university student?

If you're looking to transfer to Waterloo from college or another university, review the transfer student section of our website for details on admission requirements, how to apply, transfer credits, and more.

Common questions

Can you apply to more than one program at Waterloo?

Yes. You may apply to a maximum of three programs at Waterloo. If you're interested in studying engineering, you can apply only to one Engineering program at Waterloo.

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 to 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.

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

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 may be considered for the regular program if spaces are available.

If you're interested in both the co-op and regular systems of study for Health Sciences we recommend that you apply to both streams. Due to the competitiveness of the program, we can't guarantee that if you're not offered a space in a co-op program that you would be considered for the regular option.

Applying from outside of Ontario or Canada?

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Questions about applying? Email our admissions team.

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, you'll need to meet our regular admission requirements. Apply to non-degree studies (if you don't have a degree) or to post-degree studies (if you have completed an undergraduate degree).

How to apply as a mature, home-schooled, or GED student

Learn about the application process for

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.

Tips

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

Review our guide to applying to university for an overview of the application process.

Accessibility in the application process

If you require an accessibility accommodation for Waterloo's admissions process (such as needing application material in an alternate format), please email the admissions office.