Written by Naomi (she/her), student
Are you wondering what university in Canada is like for international students?
Canadian universities are known for their world-class education and welcoming environment, making them a top destination for international students. Studying in Canada gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant and multicultural society and create unforgettable experiences. Plus, the diverse population, high quality of life, and reputation for safety and security makes Canada a fantastic choice for newcomers. If that’s still not enough to convince you, don’t worry — we’ve got all the information you might need.
Applying to university in Canada
Applying to university in Canada can feel daunting at first, but we’re here to answer your questions! To start, hop on over to the website of your top choice university and see how they want you to apply. Make note of all the admission requirements, such as grade averages and English language test requirements, and pay attention to the deadlines for your programs of interest. Remember that you’ll also need to arrange for your transcripts to be sent to us!
Once you create an OUAC account, just follow all the steps laid out to successfully complete your Canadian university application. There are also some required documents that you’ll need to get before coming to Canada. All international students need a valid study permit, and at Waterloo, we recommend that you apply as soon as you receive your Offer of Admission and Letter of Acceptance and have collected all of the required documents.
I feel like this experience of moving across the world was my biggest opportunity for growth.
Tuition for international students
We know that paying tuition is a large factor in deciding where to go to university. Canada offers low tuition rates for international students compared to countries such as the U.S. and the U.K. Finding the cheapest uni in Canada for international students, however, is dependent on your major, as tuition rates differ between most programs. You can check out Waterloo’s tuition fees to see how much you’d be paying in all of your programs of interest!
Scholarships and financial aid in Canada
Financing your education requires some planning, and students pay their tuition from a range of sources, including saving up from jobs, getting help from family, or applying to scholarships and financial aid. Waterloo has scholarship resources for international students — as an incoming student, you qualify for entrance scholarships, most of which don’t require an application. Scholarships are mainly based on outstanding academic merit, with an average of 80% or greater. There are also various undergraduate awards that are open to current students to apply to. Awards are based on a combination of criteria like academic performance, leadership or involvement in extracurricular activities at the university or in the community, work-related experience, and more. Bursaries, another type of assistance, are also awarded based on financial need.
What is Canadian culture like?
You might be wondering about the classroom culture at the University of Waterloo — after all, Waterloo is one of the leading universities in Canada, making it a fantastic place to study. Aside from the academic excellence that makes Canadian universities so great, Canada is also well known for its welcoming and diverse culture.
I really enjoy the diversity in culture. After coming to Canada, I’ve been exposed to so many new people, from all different parts of the world, all the different cultures intermingling… It feels like I learned more in my first year here about different cultures than I have all my life.
Outside of the classroom, students can experience the unique and vibrant Canadian lifestyle, including the friendly locals, multicultural communities, and beautiful natural landscapes! Canada also offers various activities such as winter sports, festivals, and community events that students can participate in and enjoy. Waterloo has a lot of great attractions as well, such as unique food places, and fun activities. Overall, by studying in Canada, you can gain a world-class education while immersing yourself in a welcoming and enriching cultural experience.
Living on campus in Canada
Have you ever dreamed of moving away from home for university and living on campus? The University of Waterloo provides the perfect opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the Canadian campus lifestyle and experience living on your own. Living on campus is convenient for a lot of reasons! To start off, you’d only be a short walk away from your classes, libraries, and other academic resources, making it easy to stay focused on your studies and get to lectures quickly. Campus life also comes with a great community experience — you’ll be surrounded by your classmates and friends and have the chance to connect with a diverse group of students to create lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories.
When you meet other friends who have just started this journey, you end up taking all those steps together, helping build stronger, lasting bonds.
Plus, you’re also able to easily enjoy everything else campus has to offer, like social events and activities, top-notch facilities, and various support services! When it comes to choosing a place to live at the University of Waterloo, you'll have several residence options to consider. Each residence offers its own unique features and amenities, and you'll also have the choice of various meal plan options for convenient on-campus dining. Overall, living on campus is a great way to make the most out of your university experience.
How safe is Canada?
Canada is a great country to consider for living and studying, with its reputation for safety, peacefulness, and political stability. The high quality of life in Canada makes it an attractive option for students seeking a comfortable and secure environment while pursuing their academic goals. In fact, its cities consistently rank high in global safety rankings, and Waterloo is often ranked as one of the top cities, especially for young adults!
The University of Waterloo is situated in a closed campus, providing a safe and secure living environment for students. Campus is also patrolled by the UW Special Constable Service, who work to maintain a safe and welcoming campus for all students. With their 24/7 presence, you can be sure that you’re in good hands. Choosing Canada as your destination for higher education, and specifically, the University of Waterloo as your home away from home, means not only a top-notch academic experience, but also a stable environment for you to thrive in.
Work opportunities in Canada
Aside from the world-recognized degree that will set you apart from others and help you stand out to future employers; Waterloo also provides a variety of work opportunities! As an international student, the first step to working in Canada is obtaining a Social Insurance Number (SIN), after which you can explore various job opportunities. Waterloo offers an International Work Study Program, which are part-time jobs on campus for full-time international students, and there are other part-time job options as well!
What attracted me to Waterloo was the co-op program. I really needed some co-op and work experience, and as an international student, getting some extra work really helped. They’re also helping me cruise through my study terms. It’s definitely a relief when it comes to international fees.
You can also enrol in a co-op program and gain paid work experience while completing your degree. Waterloo has the largest co-op program in North America, and our co-op students can earn between $45,000 to $85,000 CAD by the time they graduate. Plus, co-op offers invaluable experience — Waterloo is ranked number one in Canada for graduate employment, and around 96% of our co-op graduates secure employment within six months of graduation. No matter the work opportunity that you choose to pursue, remember that gaining work experience is key to setting yourself up for a bright future career-wise. Plus, let's not forget about the added bonus of earning some extra cash!
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