Required documents and how to send them

Once you've applied, you'll need to submit documents using Quest so that we can review your application and make an admission decision. 

  1. If your first language is not English, we'll notify you if we require English language test results.
  2. For programs which require the Admission Information Form, the submission deadline is February 16, 2024 (except for early consideration for Engineering, Optometry, and Pharmacy).
  3. If your transcripts and documents are not in English, we require English-language copies, including predicted and/or mid-term grades as soon as they are available and no later than our document deadline.

For additional details, please review the information below for your most recent system of study.


Instructions for your system of study or background

Notes for all applicants

  • Recommendation letters, letters of achievement, and non-academic certificates will not be reviewed as part of the admission process, and we discourage you from submitting these types of documents.
  • You can mention any relevant achievements or awards you’ve received on your AIF.
  • Please do not upload the same documents multiple times as this will delay the review of your application.  
  • Offers of admission are made between December and May as we receive updated grades from high schools.

Sending us documents

We can use unofficial documents to review your application and make an admission decision. If you receive an Offer of Admission, we will then need official documents sent directly from your school, ministry of education, testing centre, etc.


Important notes

All students

All documents and transcripts submitted to Waterloo become the property of the University and will not be returned.

All transcripts/documents will be verified for authenticity. If evidence of misrepresentation or fraudulent or falsified documentation is found, the penalty is severe. The University of Waterloo reserves the right to revoke any Offer of Admission, residence, and/or financial support.

We may disclose evidence of any misrepresentation, fraudulent or falsified documentation to all Canadian universities, to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and to law enforcement personnel when appropriate.

Additional information for international students

International transcripts may need to be verified by World Education Services Canada as part of the admission process. We'll provide details once you apply.

The University of Waterloo may verify your letter of acceptance (LOA) for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and may provide information about you if necessary to support the integrity of the study permit application process.

By applying for a study permit to attend Waterloo, you authorize the University to validate information about you and your LOA with the IRCC.