Why Engineering at Waterloo?

Challenge the status quo, collaborate, innovate, and learn to create. You might just change the world. Waterloo combines North America’s best engineering and architecture programs with a hands-on, immersive learning experience that will take you beyond the classroom.

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From first year to fourth, you’ll be given real-world problems inside the classroom, providing you with practical skills and developing your critical engineering judgment.

Engineering Design Days, Teamwork Training, co-op work experience, and stand-alone activities are uniquely integrated throughout your entire education.

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Waterloo Engineering is a global leader, attracting the most intelligent and curious students from around the globe. Waterloo engineers are known for launching top technology ventures.

Our policies, programs, funding opportunities, and culture all help support you throughout your journey.

 

A top 50 engineering school in the worldQS World University Rankings 2023

Engineering programs

Our programs are direct entry, which means you’ll be pursuing your passions from the beginning. You choose your engineering specialty when you apply, allowing you to gain tailored knowledge and a robust, field-specific skill set from day one. 

 

How to choose a program in the Faculty of Engineering →


Co-op and careers

100% of Waterloo Engineering and Architecture students participate in co-op. The jobs you complete through co-op will put you on the fast track to a great career after graduation. You’ll be able to try a variety of roles in different industries or, if you’ve already got a specific field in mind, you can focus your skills there and build expertise over multiple work terms – the experience is what you make it!

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Your first job

Presenting your knowledge and skills to an employer is an art. Before you jump into the hiring process, you’ll receive guidance on résumés, interviews, and our WaterlooWorks employment system through Co-op Fundamentals for Engineering.

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Learn to navigate the job market before you enter it

Grow your professional network, gain valuable experience, and move seamlessly into your career. Many co-op work terms result in immediate, full-time job opportunities after graduation.

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How co-op works

Alternate between school and work terms, supplementing academic study with high-quality, paid work. Your co-op schedule, also called your stream, depends on your program.

View co-op streams →

 

Real-world experiences

Jeriann, Nanotechnology Engineering student"On each co-op, I worked on cutting-edge technology, from 3D-printing circuits to at-home hormone detection. With each work term I applied my class and lab theory to design, build, and improve products that are now used by people every day."Jeriann, Nanotechnology Engineering student

Learn more about co-op at Waterloo →


Discover student life in the Faculty of Engineering

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Believe us, you’ll do more than study! Waterloo Engineering has a vibrant community of students who love to work hard and play hard.

 

Tour the Faculty of Engineering

The University of Waterloo houses a variety of labs and facilities to encourage and support a culture of innovation, as well as community-driven spaces that help enhance the student experience.

Explore some of the best features our campus has to offer.

Register for a tour →

 

Ready to learn more?

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Request a brochure

Want to learn more about our programs – including available specializations, the student experience, co-op, and careers?

Request a brochure →

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Learn how to apply

Not sure about next steps? We'll walk you through the process of applying.

Learn how to apply →

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Connect with us

Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

Please contact the Engineering Info Line or Architecture Info Line for any questions.

Connect with us →