The University of Waterloo prioritizes equitable admissions practices at the core of our application process.
We understand that every applicant is unique and may have experienced exceptional circumstances or challenges that affected their academics.
Exceptional circumstances are defined as circumstances that are beyond your control and unavoidable. Being granted special consideration means we’ll apply a form of adjustment to support your application and make sure you receive fair and equal academic treatment.
Deadline
Requests must be submitted by the document deadline for the program(s) that you have applied to. If you have any questions, please email specialconsideration@uwaterloo.ca
Process
- Apply for admission to Waterloo through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). Please be aware of our application deadlines.
- Once we send your Waterloo ID number and you've set up your Quest account, submit any required application documents such as transcripts.
- Request special consideration by completing the appropriate form listed below based on your personal circumstances. Be sure to submit your request by the documents deadline for the program(s) you've applied to.
In your submission, you'll be required to provide us with contact information for an academic reference (teacher, guidance counsellor, principal) that can confirm the difficulties you describe in your submission and can verify if any accommodations were in place.
Applying to Social Work, part-time studies, or online learning?
Please email specialconsideration@uwaterloo.ca and follow the deadlines listed on our part-time and online degrees page.
Types of admission accommodations or considerations
There are three options to consider before submitting a request for admissions special consideration. You must select the one that best reflects your circumstances.
1. Accommodation for a specific component of the admissions process (admissions information form, interview, etc.) due to your disability, illness, or trauma
This category is appropriate if you currently have a disability, illness or medical condition, and/or are experiencing trauma, and require an accommodation to participate in a specific component of Waterloo’s admission process (e.g., supplementary assessments such as interviews or entrance assessments).
Request a disability-based accommodation for a specific component of the admission process.
2. Accommodation for an unaccommodated (or suspected) disability, illness, or trauma
You are eligible if
- you have had significant circumstances that affected your grades and
- you were not accommodated through your school or relevant services (e.g., "Individual Education Plan" (IEP), informal accommodation by your teachers).
This category is appropriate if you were not accommodated during your studies at your previous institution for a disability, illness, or trauma and/or you were unaware that you had a disability during the time your academics were impacted.
The term 'disability’ covers a broad range and degree of conditions that can be permanent, temporary, episodic, and suspected, including temporary disabilities, chronic conditions, disabling illness, as well as the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of a trauma (e.g., sexual violence).
Request an accommodation for an unaccommodated (or suspected) disability, illness, or trauma.
3. Other unaccommodated circumstances
You're eligible if
- you've had significant circumstances that affected your grades AND
- you were not accommodated through your school or relevant services (e.g., "Individual Education Plan" (IEP), informal accommodation by your teachers).
This category is appropriate if you have or had a significant circumstance or event that affected your grades and for which you did not receive academic support or accommodation.
This information is most relevant if your grades are slightly below the range we require for admission to your program(s) of interest. Our staff may consider this information (along with your overall academic record) when reviewing your application.
If you had a known disability or circumstances that you were accommodated for (e.g., you received an "Individual Education Plan" (IEP) or were informally accommodated by your teachers with additional time/extended deadlines etc.), you’re not eligible for this process and will be considered for admission through our standard application process.
If your circumstances were/are disability, illness, or trauma related, you must complete the Unaccommodated disability, illness, or trauma form.
Request an accommodation for other unaccommodated circumstances.