Whether you're looking to make new friends, celebrate culture, or simply find people who understand your experience, Waterloo will make you feel at home.
The Black community at Waterloo is way larger than many people think. It's easy to feel like you might not fit in at first, but there's something for everyone — and the people are great!
Find your community
With hundreds of clubs, including Black-led communities and student societies, who host Black student orientation week every September, there are countless ways for you to get involved, develop friendships, and create change.
University of Waterloo Black Association for Student Expression (UW BASE)
UW BASE is committed to community outreach and fostering a better understanding of Black people and culture.
Racial Advocacy for Inclusion, Solidarity, and Equity (RAISE)
RAISE is a student-led service which seeks to address racism and xenophobia through education, advocacy, peer-to-peer support, and community-building.
Black Science
Black Science is a community for Black students in Science to share a sense of belonging. Enjoy everything from game nights and study halls to information panels.
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
NSBE connects and creates spaces for Black students in STEM by hosting events, workshops, and mentorship programs.
Association of Caribbean Students (ACS)
ACS teaches about the unique homeland and culture of the Caribbean and promotes cultural unity and community.
African Student Association (ASA)
Founded by students of African origin, ASA is a rich environment for socialization and the exploration of Africa's many diverse cultures.
Scholarships and bursaries
In addition to the financial aid available to all students, Waterloo offers scholarships ranging from $1,200 to $40,000 for incoming Black students.
Supporting your success
With hundreds of staff and numerous supports and services available to you, Waterloo is dedicated to helping you succeed. As a Black student, you'll have access to additional services to enhance your academic journey.
Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI-R)
EDI-R advances equity across campus through policies, practices, and programs.
Black Collective
This group of Black professors, staff, and students is committed to supporting the well-being and success of all Black students.
President's Anti-Racism Taskforce (PART)
PART works to amplify the voices of Black, First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and other Peoples of Colour and address racism.
Enhance your learning
With 100+ programs, minors, and specializations to choose from, Waterloo is full of academic opportunities. Customize your degree with courses in Black Studies — no matter your program. Take courses in Black Flourishing, earn a diploma in Black Studies or in Fundamentals of Anti-Racist Communication, or both!
Explore careers and entrepreneurship
Environmentalism and equity
Celine is passionate about environmental justice and Black liberation. In her co-op role as the equity project lead at the University, her efforts to dismantle barriers reshaped Waterloo's equity, diversity, and inclusion framework and helped to build sustainable and diverse communities on campus.
Addressing vulnerable patients' needs
During her work terms in a palliative care centre, Mariam used her knowledge from Health Sciences to help create a tool to screen patients for social determinants of health that are difficult to discuss. By piloting the tool, they're helping vulnerable patients be heard and properly supported.
Creating spaces for Black creators and artists
After realizing that the sterile labs of his co-op terms weren't for him, Chris toured as a DJ. Realizing the struggles of Black artists in mainly white spaces, he returned to school as a Master of Design student to advance change by exploring Black futures and supporting activists and community organizers.
Connect with us
Questions about studying at Waterloo as a Black student?
Sign up for insider advice on topics including how to choose a program, what it's like to be a Waterloo student, information for Black students, and more.
From the Missing Manual
Check out our Missing Manual website for tips and advice from Waterloo students and staff.
Black-led student clubs and activities
Being part of a club at Waterloo is about more than just picking an extracurricular to slap on your résumé. It’s about finding a community that allows you to create meaningful connections with like-minded people.
Life outside your comfort zone
After graduating from International Development in the Faculty of Environment, Akua used the skills she gained from her program to help recruit future Waterloo students
Equity diversity, and inclusivity resources for the BIPOC community
Equity. Diversity. Inclusivity. These are words we hear all the time, but what do they look like in action? What is Waterloo doing to achieve them?