At Waterloo we use Quest the online student information system. You'll use Quest to
- view your application status,
- upload any documents we need as part of the admissions process,
- check that we’ve received your transcripts, and
- update changes to your personal information such as address and telephone number.
1. Create your username and password
The first step is to create your username and password (you only need to do this step once). If you have received a previous student ID# you do not need to repeat the process.
You'll need your eight-digit Waterloo student number, e.g., 20223456. You can find your student number in the email we sent to you - Subject: "Thank you for applying to Waterloo".
What's the difference between your student number and username?
- Your Waterloo student number is an 8-digit number and starts with a 2 and was emailed to you when we received your application.
- Your username will be up to 8 characters. For example, if your name is Alex Kai Student, your username would be akstuden.
- Use your username to log into Waterloo website and for your Waterloo email address (akstuden@uwaterloo.ca).
Once you "identify" yourself and create your Waterloo username, you'll be able to log in to Quest.
Notes: The majority of our communications to you will be via email. Please do NOT use any qq.com email addresses. Please ensure your email address is up-to-date on Quest.
2. Sign in to Quest
You should now be able to log in to Quest. When logging in to Quest, you'll enter your username followed by "@uwaterloo.ca"
You’ll find more instructions on the Quest Undergraduate Applicants page.
To check the status of your application in Quest click on Student Center and then Admissions. Click the program name(s) to see its status/decision. Visit our website to learn more about when we make offers of admission.
- You are NOT required to complete an Admission Information Form (AIF) for the Joint Academic Program that you have applied to.
Having trouble logging in?
-
Try a different computer or device to log in (hint: if you're using your phone, try a desktop computer).
- Be sure you are using the most recent versions of Chrome and Safari.
- If you're using a computer in a language other than English, you can select the English Quest login, which automatically changes your settings to read English.
- Delete your browser cache and restart your browser.
- Quest is not available on Wednesdays between 7 and 8 a.m. (Eastern Time).
- If the error continues, reset your password (next step).
Reset your password
To reset your password, provide your username (e.g., akstuden) and the personal email address you used to apply.
If this email matches what we have on file, we'll email you a link to reset your password. If you can't reset your password this way, you can email helpdesk@uwaterloo.ca for assistance.
Forgot your username?
If you have a username and have entered an email address, but forgot your username, you can request to have your username sent to you. If the email address you enter matches the email we have on file, the system will send your username to that email address.
If you have questions or continue to get an error, email askthecentre@uwaterloo.ca. Remember to include your name and Waterloo student ID number (8-digit number).
If you tried all the steps above please email askthecentre@uwaterloo.ca or call 519-888-4567, ext. 42268. Remember to always include your name and Waterloo student ID number (8-digit number).
3. Submit your documents
Required documents for your application must arrive to Waterloo no later than March 15, 2025. You are required to submit:
- A current official university transcript with a certified English language translation. If your transcript does NOT indicate your current course enrollment you will need to include a letter (preferably from your advisor) listing your current courses.
- A copy of your language test results: CET4 and 6 if available.
- You can upload unofficial documents to Quest. If your second-year grades are not available by the deadline, please submit them as soon as possible.
- French Studies students: A copy of your Test National du français enseigné à titre de spécialité level 4.
- A printed copy of your completed application form with your institution’s nomination signature.
How to submit your documents
You need to upload a copy of your transcript by March 15, 2025. A final official transcript, including all your courses, will also be required after your school year has ended in July 2025. Transcripts must come directly from your institution in a sealed envelope to be official.
Transcript(s) are required from all post-secondary schools attended. If you are currently attending a university, please ensure that an interim transcript indicating your fall and winter enrollment is forwarded to the Registrar’s Office (or uploaded to your Quest account) by March 15, 2025.
Registrar’s Office - Joint Academic Programs
University of Waterloo
200 University Ave. West
Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
Fax: 519-746-2882
Find out more about required documents and how to submit them to Waterloo, as well as a tutorial on uploading your transcripts to Quest.
Use Quest to see if we have received your documents by logging in to your Quest account. Click on Student Center and then Admissions to see the programs you applied to. Click on Documents and you will see the schools you have listed as your previous institutions. If you see the 'upload' link beside the school name, this means that we have not received documents from that school.
You can upload a pdf of your transcript so that we can review your application for admission. Transcripts will not be accepted via email.
- Your unofficial school transcripts must be saved as a PDF. The maximum file size is 3MB. The transcript must be legible when the document is viewed at 100% sizing.
- Keep the file name short and use letters and numbers only. Do not use brackets (), question marks (?), quotation marks ("), or any special characters (&, $, %) in the file name.
You can upload documents once a day. You may not upload documents between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. Eastern Time. Once a transcript has been added successfully to your file, the "date last received" field will be updated. After 24 hours, the upload link will reappear allowing you to submit new grade information, e.g., transcripts.
4. Check your application status
Admission decisions will be sent to you via email beginning in March to early April 2025. For questions about your application, email the Registrar’s Office at registrar.jointacademic@uwaterloo.ca
If you receive an offer of admission, you'll be able to use Quest to
- view and download your Offer of Admission,
- download a Letter of Acceptance (for international students, you need the document for your study permit application) and
- new requirements for Canadian study permits - Provincial Attestation letter (PAL),
- view any scholarship, bursary information, tuition fees, and more,
- if you receive and accept your offer, course selection will be available to you later in July
- You’ll find additional instructions on the Quest Undergraduate Applicants page.
5. Important dates
| Date | Deadline / event |
|---|---|
| October 2024 | Application is available at Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) |
| October - November | Renison English Language assessment |
| November 29 | OUAC application for NUFE 3+2 students closes |
| December 2024 - January 2025 | Renison English Language assessment results will be sent out |
| January - March | Students start uploading admissions required documents |
| March 1 | OUAC application closed – most programs closed |
| March 15 | Deadline for required documents except Environment students |
| March 25 | OUAC application for Environment student closes |
| March 25 | Deadline for required documents for NUFE students starting in September 2025 |
| March - April | Most Waterloo offer of admission for Joint Academic Programs are sent at this time |
| March 15 | Deadline for the required documents. |
| May 17 | Admitted students will receive email about the Renison University College intensive English for Academic Success (iEFAS) program. |
|
May 31 |
Deadline to pay for iEFAS tuition in order to reserve your spot. |
| June 1 | Deadline to accept an offer of admission in Quest (except for BJTU, CUGW, NUFE students - please confirm directly with your program advisor) |
| July | Fall 2025 (Term 1259 = fall 2025) course enrollment starts (see your faculty specific academic advisor) |
| July (to be confirmed) | Airport pick up dates |
| July 12 - 13 | Residence move in dates |
| July 14 | iEFAS program start date. During orientation, you will receive important program information, class schedules, UHIP, and your Waterloo student card. There will also be workshops, a shopping trip and the opportunity to open a Canadian bank account. |
| July 15 | iEFAS - in-person classes begin |
| August (to be confirmed) | Fall tuition to University of Waterloo is due |
| August 22 | iEFAS program ends |
| August 23 | Residence move out |
| September 4, 2025 | Classes begin |
6. Information about the program you applied to
For questions about your application, email registrar.jointacademic@uwaterloo.ca. For questions regarding a specific program at Waterloo, please contact the following.
Faculty of Arts
Economics / Mathematical Economics
Dr. Pierre Chaussé
Email: pierre.chausse@uwaterloo.ca
Telephone: 519-888-4567 ext. 42422
Social Development Studies (SDS)
Grant Leach
Email: grant.leach@uwaterloo.ca
Telephone: 519-884-4404 ext. 28718
French Studies
Dr. Elise Lepage
Email: frenchundergrad@uwaterloo.ca
Telephone: 519-888-4567 ext. 43593
Faculty of Environment
Fulu Mao
Email: fmao@uwaterloo.ca
Telephone: 519-888-4567 ext. 43871/ Fax: 519-746-2031
Faculty of Science programs
Dr. Jonathan Witt & Dr. Changcheng Li
Email: science2plus2@uwaterloo.ca