The University of Waterloo prioritizes equitable admissions practices at the core of our application process.
We understand that every applicant is unique and may have experienced exceptional circumstances or challenges that affected their academics.
Exceptional circumstances are circumstances that are beyond your control and unavoidable. Being granted special consideration means we’ll apply a form of adjustment to support your application and make sure you receive fair and equal academic treatment in the application process.
The deadline for 2026 has passed
The forms are now closed since the deadline has passed. If you have questions, please email specialconsideration@uwaterloo.ca
Process
- Apply for admission to Waterloo through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). Please be aware of our application deadlines.
- Once you've logged in to the Waterloo applicant portal, submit any required application documents such as transcripts.
- Request special consideration by completing the appropriate form listed below based on your personal circumstances.
- Be sure to submit your request by the document deadline for the program(s) you've applied to.
- In your submission, you'll be required to provide us with contact information for an academic reference (teacher, guidance counsellor, principal) that can confirm the difficulties you describe in your submission and can verify if any accommodations were in place.
Applying to online learning, part-time studies, or Social Work?
Please email specialconsideration@uwaterloo.ca and follow the deadlines listed on our part-time and online degrees page.
Types of admission accommodations or considerations
There are four types of possible accommodations. Please ensure you select the one that best reflects your circumstances.
- Accommodation for an unaccommodated (or suspected) disability, illness, or trauma
- Other unaccommodated circumstances
- Accommodation for a component of Waterloo's application process
- Prior learning assessment and recognition
If you're unsure which form to use, email specialconsideration@uwaterloo.ca and we'd be happy to help.
1. Accommodation for an unaccommodated (or suspected) disability, illness, or trauma
You're eligible if you
- have had significant circumstances that affected your grades AND
- were not accommodated through your school or relevant services (e.g., Individual Education Plan (IEP), informal accommodation by your teachers).
This category is appropriate if you were not accommodated during your studies at your previous institution for a disability, illness, or trauma and/or you were unaware that you had a disability during the time your academics were impacted.
The term 'disability’ covers a broad range and degree of conditions that can be permanent, temporary, episodic, and suspected, including temporary disabilities, chronic conditions, disabling illness, as well as the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of a trauma (e.g., sexual violence).
The request form is now closed as the deadline has passed.
2. Other unaccommodated circumstances
You're eligible if
- you've had significant circumstances that affected your grades AND
- you were not accommodated through your school or relevant services (e.g., Individual Education Plan (IEP), informal accommodation by your teachers).
This category is appropriate if you have or had a significant circumstance or event that affected your grades and for which you did not receive academic support or accommodation.
This information is most relevant if your grades are slightly below the range we require for admission to your program(s) of interest. Our staff may consider this information (along with your overall academic record) when reviewing your application.
If you had a known disability or circumstances that you were accommodated for (e.g., you received an "Individual Education Plan" (IEP) or were informally accommodated by your teachers with additional time/extended deadlines etc.), you’re not eligible for this process and will be considered for admission through our standard application process.
If your circumstances were/are disability, illness, or trauma related, you must complete the unaccommodated disability, illness, or trauma form.
The request form is now closed as the deadline has passed.
3. Accommodation for a specific component of Waterloo's application process due to your disability, illness, or trauma
This category is appropriate if you currently have a disability, illness or medical condition, and/or are experiencing trauma and require accommodation to participate in a specific component of Waterloo’s application process (e.g., supplementary assessments such as the Admission Information Form, or interview).
The request form is now closed as the deadline has passed.
4. Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR)
PLAR is a process that Waterloo uses to assess the admissibility of mature applicants (age 21 or older) who do not meet our published admission requirements due to an unaccommodated (or suspected) disability, illness, trauma, or other unaccommodated circumstance.
If you believe you have the equivalent skills and knowledge gained through employment, formal and informal education, or through other life experiences, the PLAR process may also be for you. Examples of previous learning include work experience, volunteering, military service, training, previous studies, and hobbies.