Because today, even your fridge is full of software
Whether you want to create a VR training program for surgeons, the next innovative OS, or tomorrow’s fleet of autonomous vehicles, software engineers have endless career options in today’s tech-enabled world.
At Waterloo, you won’t just write code. You’ll also analyze software architecture, apply algorithms, understand digital hardware systems, and design human/ computer interfaces. Plus, you’ll learn how to work in teams and manage projects, all while being taught within one of the best universities in the world for software engineering (ranked 19th in the world for research performance, EduRank 2023).
Then, during your co-op, you’ll put those skills to work at leading companies or hot new startups. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to create reliable, affordable, and faster software for all kinds of different purposes.
Why Waterloo Engineering?
Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Mathematics
Degree:
Bachelor of Software Engineering
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
No
Available as a minor?
No
Dream big. Use computer programming and engineering problem-solving to create usable, reliable, and efficient software. Apply your skills during co-op terms at some of the biggest tech companies in Canada and Silicon Valley, or create your own tech start-up.
Study in a high-tech hub. The Waterloo region is home to Google, Shopify, and more than 1,500 other technology companies, providing lots of co-op and career opportunities.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!
Sample co-op job titles
- Tools and automation engineering intern
- Data scientist
- Mobile developer
- Software developer
- iOS developer
- Production engineering
- Algorithms engineering
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in first year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
There are two options for co-op sequences. You can request your preference if you receive an offer of admission. Your first work term will be halfway through first year (January 2026) at the end of first year (May to August 2026).
Sequence one
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Second | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Third | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Fourth | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
Sequence two
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Co-op |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Fifth | Co-op | Study | - |
Admission requirements
Ontario students
Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Experience in developing well-structured, modular programs is required.
Grade 11 U Introduction to Computer Science and Grade 12 U Computer Science are recommended as helpful background for the program.
Admission averages: Individual selection from the low to mid-90s
Not studying in Ontario?
Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
Apply directly to this program on your application. Complete the Admission Information Form (AIF) once you've applied.
Participation in a programming contest, such as the Canadian Computing Competition, is helpful to include on your AIF. You’re also encouraged to write the Euclid Mathematics Contest as good background; however, this will not affect your application to Software Engineering.
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