International student admission
With more than 25,000 students from 120 countries at Waterloo, you'll join a community of students, professors, and researchers from across Canada and around the globe.
Discover Waterloo
Webinars for students in India and the UAE
Learn how you can get paid Canadian work experience while earning your university degree! Hear from Waterloo experts and a current student.
- Students in India – November 26
- Students in the UAE – December 4 (registration coming soon!)
Why international students choose Waterloo
Outstanding reputation
International and national rankings place Waterloo among the world's top universities for many of our programs.
Co-op (paid internship)
North America's largest co-op (paid internship) program is open to Canadian and international students.
Waterloo is ranked among the top universities in Canada for graduate employability.
Contact a recruiter
Have questions about programs or applying to Waterloo? Contact our international recruitment team.
Join our mailing list
Have tips and articles emailed to you once a month, including information specifically for international students.
Connect with a student
Have questions about what it's like to study at Waterloo? Ask a current student.
Looking for safety, excellence, and career opportunities
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.
Your community is calling
It's great to meet new friends, but sometimes it's nice to connect with students from home. Among our 250+ clubs are the African Student Association, Indian Cultural Association, Muslim Students' Association, and more.
Where is Waterloo?
Distances to nearby cities
- 118 km (73 miles) to Toronto
- 150 km (110 miles) to Niagara Falls
- 290 km (180 miles) to Detroit
- 640 km (400 miles) to Montreal
Flights from Toronto to
- Boston or New York City: 90 minutes
- Vancouver or San Francisco: 5 hours
- London: 7 hours
- Dubai: 13 hours
- Delhi: 16 hours
- Singapore: 21 hours
Frequently asked questions
What programs does Waterloo offer?
Waterloo offers 100+ programs across our six faculties. There's something to fit everyone's interests.
Not sure what to study? Check out our tips on how to choose a university program.
Where will I call home?
Waterloo offers various on-campus residence options that comes with perks such as social opportunities, study spaces, and more!
Get answers to frequently asked questions by international students
If you have questions that aren't answered, please feel free to contact our international recruitment team.
From the Missing Manual
Visit our Missing Manual website for tips and advice from Waterloo students and staff. Topics include
Attending university in Canada
Are you wondering what uni in Canada is like for international students? We’ve got all the information you might need.
Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program
Are you concerned you might not meet our English language requirements? The Bridge to Academic Success in English program might be for you.
Your essential guide to international student resources
Travelling to a new country might seem intimidating at first, but don’t worry — we’re here to support you in all the steps you’ll take.