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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students from India study at Waterloo (2024-25)
Waterloo alumni live in India
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.
Both sons chose to attend Waterloo. Harkanwal has remained in the city of Waterloo, working as a software engineer for an American engineering firm and buying his first home in 2023.
Jasmeet was offered a job at LinkedIn in New York City before he even completed his degree – he accepted that job and still works there today.
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 the world’s largest co-op program of its kind
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.
Safety, community, and supports for students from India
The co-op program is hands down one of the biggest reasons to come here — getting real-world experience while you’re still in school is something you won’t find everywhere.
For people from India, especially, this program gives you the chance to work with some of the biggest tech companies and that’s something that will definitely set you apart when you start looking for jobs.
There are tons of student clubs, including ones for the Indian and Sikh communities. Through other clubs, you can meet people from different backgrounds, which makes the whole experience even more enriching.
Waterloo also has great support for international students, from academic resources to career guidance, making it a great place to study and grow.
When studying abroad, preparing for the cultural and academic transition is crucial; familiarize yourself with Canadian customs, academic expectations, and student life at Waterloo.
Meeting other students and seeking support from international student services is the best way to settle into life in Canada.
Student groups
Here are some ways to connect with other students from India and other countries.
Scholarships and tuition fees
Start planning your finances with these helpful tips and resources.
Check out our list of international scholarships.
See what first year might cost.
Get answers on some commonly asked financing questions.
Admission requirements, how to apply, and more
Questions? Connect with us!
Questions about how to apply, programs, or next steps? Connect with our international team.
Wonder what it’s like to be a Waterloo student? Contact a student.
Questions about your current application? Email myapplication@uwaterloo.ca.