International student admission
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With more than 25,000 students from 120 countries at Waterloo, you'll join a community of students, professors, and researchers from across Canada and around the globe.
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Planning to apply for September?
If you're planning to start university in September, a number of our programs are accepting applications beyond the published deadline.
From India or China?
Visit our page for Indian students or for students from China to discover articles, tips, and resources specifically for you!
Co-op (paid internship)
North America's largest co-op (paid internship) program is open to Canadian and international students.
One of Canada's top universities
International and national rankings place Waterloo among the world's top universities for many of our programs.
70% of Waterloo’s international students gain Permanent Resident status in Canada – double the average for universities across the country.
Waterloo has one of the highest study permit approval rates in Canada, approximately 87%
Waterloo's international students earn more after graduation than Canadian-born graduates from Waterloo and across Canada.
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Contact a recruiter
Have questions about programs or applying to Waterloo? Contact our international recruitment team.
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Join our mailing list
Have tips and articles emailed to you once a month, including information specifically for international students.
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Connect with a student
Have questions about what it's like to study at Waterloo? Ask a current student.
Looking for safety, excellence, and career opportunities
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When Dr. Narinder Paul Singh visited Canada to research universities for his two sons, he started in British Columbia and worked his way east. He was looking for three things: a safe campus, academic excellence, and strong career prospects.
Your community is calling
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It's great to meet new friends, but sometimes it's nice to connect with students from home. Among our 250+ clubs are the African Student Association, Indian Cultural Association, Muslim Students' Association, and more.
View our information session for international students
Sign up to view our 25-minute information session specifically for international students. Learn about programs, co-operative education, the application process, and what makes Waterloo special!
Where is Waterloo?
Distances to nearby cities
- 118 km (73 miles) to Toronto
- 150 km (110 miles) to Niagara Falls
- 290 km (180 miles) to Detroit
- 640 km (400 miles) to Montreal
Flights from Toronto to
- Boston or New York City: 90 minutes
- Vancouver or San Francisco: 5 hours
- London: 7 hours
- Dubai: 13 hours
- Delhi: 16 hours
- Singapore: 21 hours
Frequently asked questions
What programs does Waterloo offer?
Waterloo offers 100+ programs across our six faculties. There's something to fit everyone's interests.
Not sure what to study? Check out our tips on how to choose a university program.
Where will I call home?
Waterloo offers various on-campus residence options that comes with perks such as social opportunities, study spaces, and more!
Get answers to frequently asked questions by international students
If you have questions that aren't answered, please feel free to contact our international recruitment team.
From the Missing Manual
Visit our Missing Manual articles for valuable tips and advice from Waterloo students and staff.
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Attending university in Canada
Are you wondering what uni in Canada is like for international students? We’ve got all the information you might need.
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Bridge to Academic Success in English
Are you concerned you might not meet our English language requirements? The Bridge to Academic Success in English program might be for you.
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Your guide to international student resources
Travelling to a new country might seem intimidating at first, but don’t worry — we’re here to support you in all the steps you’ll take.