PLAR is a process that Waterloo uses to assess the admissibility of mature applicants (age 21 or older) who do not meet our published admission requirements due to an unaccommodated (or suspected) disability, illness, trauma, or other unaccommodated circumstance.
If you believe you have the equivalent skills and knowledge gained through employment, formal and informal education, or through other life experiences, the PLAR process may also be for you. Examples of previous learning include work experience, volunteering, military service, training, previous studies, and hobbies.
Background
If you wish to be considered for admission to Waterloo through the PLAR process, you must demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge equivalent to students being admitted using our minimum admission criteria. This includes meeting the overall requirements and required courses for your program(s) of interest.
If you meet the admission requirements, we'll connect you with PLAR professionals who will perform a PLAR assessment. This may require you to submit materials which demonstrate learning achievements related to personal, educational, or occupational outcomes. It may also require you to participate in challenge exams.
These steps will help ensure that you're well-prepared to succeed in your university studies.
Eligibility
You're eligible if you
- are 21 years of age or older and have significant life or work experience;
- do not meet the published admission requirements due to an unaccommodated (or suspected) disability, illness, trauma, or other unaccommodated circumstance;
- have not completed a high school diploma or equivalent; and/or
- have not taken college or university courses during the past five years.
How long does a PLAR assessment take?
A PLAR assessment will typically require two to four weeks to complete.
How do I begin the PLAR process?
- Review the admission requirements for the program(s) in which you're interested.
- Apply for admission to Waterloo through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).
- Be sure to apply by the application deadline for your program of interest.
- Submit either the Accommodation for an unaccommodated (or suspected) disability, illness or trauma or the Other unaccommodated circumstance form
- There will be links to the forms when the forms are open. You'll need your OUAC reference number for this step.
- Email specialconsideration@uwaterloo.ca to let us know you'd like to be considered for admission through the PLAR process.
- Monitor your email for updates and next steps.
Questions?
If you have questions about your eligibility for PLAR, please feel free to email specialconsideration@uwaterloo.ca or call 519-888-4567, 43106.