Students from more than 120 countries choose to study at Waterloo each year. Through your classes and our many experiences outside the classroom, you'll meet students from across Canada and around the world.
Waterloo is home to the world’s largest co-op program of its kind. What does co-op mean for you? It means you get up to two years of relevant work experience built into your degree - testing careers, making money, building your résumé, and accessing our network of 8,000+ employers (including many of the world’s leading companies) before you even graduate.
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Lucy chose the University of Waterloo for its strong engineering program and renowned co-op opportunities.
Coming from Guangzhou, she initially worried about adjusting to life in a smaller city and a new academic environment. But she quickly found her place in Waterloo, discovering a vibrant student life, supportive friends, and resources to help her navigate the challenges of first-year university.
Lucy learned to find balance, stay connected with family, and focus on her own pace. Her experience reflects the growth, challenges, and rewards of being an international student at Waterloo.
Why international students choose Waterloo
Outstanding reputation
Research Infosource Canada's Top 50 Research Universities 2024
Career success
Co-op (paid internship)
Earn while you learn in North America's largest co-op program
If you're in a co-op program, you'll earn money during each of your four to six co-op terms to help pay for school. Students earn $9,600 to $22,500 per four-month work term while gaining valuable career experience! This can total up to $135,000 CAD earned over the course of your degree.
Benefits of co-op
- Earn up to $135,000 CAD over the course of your degree.
- Apply to jobs with over 8,000 employers in 75+ countries.
- Gain valuable Canadian work experience and build your résumé before you even graduate.
- Use your co-op terms to try different careers. See what you're good at and what you love to do.
Waterloo is great because of the hands-on learning you get in class, through co-op, and the wide variety of volunteer options. The supportive faculty and community were also essential to my university experience!
Safety, community, and supports for students from China
Connections for students from China
Here are some ways for you to connect with students from China or with other international students.
- Chinese Students Association
- WeChat - 加拿大滑铁卢大学教育
- Ximalaya Podcast - 加拿大滑铁卢大学
- International and Canadian Student Network
- International Peer Community
Embrace the once-in-a-lifetime experience of your college life, learn to utilize the resources provided by the university, and seek help promptly when faced with challenges. Waterloo will always stand by your side.
Scholarships and tuition fees
Start planning your finances with these helpful tips and resources.
Check out our list of international scholarships.
Use our cost calculator to estimate your first-year expenses and resources.
Get answers on some commonly asked financing questions.
Admission requirements, how to apply, and more
Download our brochures in Mandarin and English! There are two to choose from: General Waterloo overview brochure and Faculty of Mathematics brochure.
Questions? Connect with us!
Questions about how to apply, our programs, next steps? Email china.recruiter@uwaterloo.ca.
Wonder what it’s like to be a Waterloo student? Ask a current student!
Questions about your application? Email myapplication@uwaterloo.ca.