Welcome to Waterloo

We're so pleased that you're planning to join us in September!

Your next steps

1. Accept your deferred Offer of Admission by April 1, 2026

Your new Offer of Admission has been posted to Quest, Waterloo's student information system. If there are any conditions you need to meet, they'll be listed on your Offer of Admission (most students will not have conditions).

How to accept your Offer of Admission in Quest

If you haven't previously logged in to Quest, Waterloo's student information system, there are two steps you need to take first.

Claim your Waterloo username

You'll need your eight-digit Waterloo ID number for this step. This was emailed to you.
Claim your WatIAM ID using the New User Registration link.
You'll use your WatIAM userid and password extensively as a student so be sure to have those accessible!
The list of common WatIAM questions may be helpful if you encounter any issues.

Protect your Waterloo account

Like many online services, Waterloo uses two-factor authentication to protect student accounts from hacking and abuse.
Once you have your WatIAM ID, you'll log in and set up two-factor authentication.
To log in, use your WatIAM ID followed by @uwaterloo.ca as your email address along with the WatIAM password.

Accept your Offer of Admission

Sign in to Quest using your WatIAM ID userid and password.
In your Student Center, click the following: (a) the Admissions tile, (b) the program link, and (c) the Accept/Decline button.
Complete your online acceptance by clicking the final ACCEPT button. Alternatively, if you are declining your offer, click the final DECLINE button.

2. Reserve your spot in residence

If you plan to live in an on-campus residence, submit your residence application AND your $500 residence deposit by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 8, 2026.

Before you apply for residence, you'll need to set up two-factor authentication (2FA). The University uses 2FA to ensure the safety of student accounts. You'll use 2FA extensively as a Waterloo student.

Scholarships and bursaries

Any President’s and Merit Scholarships you received last year as well as scholarships from the faculty you were admitted to (if applicable) will be automatically deferred to this year. You'll also be considered for any new entrance scholarships along with all other students starting in September. Entrance bursaries and most other entrance scholarships will not be deferred.

If you're an Ontario students starting university or college for the first time, you must apply or re-apply for the entrance bursary, which can range up to $5,000.

Helpful tips

Money matters

See what first year might cost using our cost calculator.
Tips on using scholarships, co-op earnings, and more to help pay for your university education.

A place to call home

Learn about Waterloo's residences and the next steps in the residence process.

Get set for school

Get tips from current Waterloo students about making the most of your university experience.
Learn how to prepare for co-op.
In June, we'll email you about your fall term class schedule.
Participate in Waterloo Ready during the summer. If you can't attend, there are sessions during Orientation for students from outside Ontario.

Show your Warrior pride

Join us for a campus tour and get to know your new home!
Shop online for your Waterloo gear and souvenirs.
Start thinking about clubs, teams, or activities you'd like to join.

Students cheering at outdoor Waterloo Orientation week event.

Join some of our 250+ student-run clubs to meet new people, have fun, and explore your interests.

International students

The International Student Guide offers tips on preparing for Waterloo.
Monitor our updates about changes to the student permit process. If you've been admitted to co-op, apply for a work permit at the same time you apply for a study permit.
If you're under 18, visit the Government of Canada website to learn about custodians.
If you've received an offer of admission and need to prepay your tuition as part of your study permit application, please use our fee estimator.

Transfer students

Submit documents such as final transcripts and course syllabi for possible transfer credit. A transfer credit assessment will be emailed to you.
Contact your academic advisor for help with selecting courses.
Take advantage of our residence guarantee for transfer students.