Application info session: Ask us anything webinar recap

I am a post-secondary student that applied to transfer to Waterloo. My only missing document is my official high school transcript, so I have uploaded an unofficial one. Could I still get accepted without an official transcript?

The unofficial uploaded transcript can be used to review your application. If an offer is granted, one of the conditions will be to submit the official final transcript.

Who can I email about the Architecture portfolio and interview?

Please send any emails about the Architecture portfolio and interview process to archinfo@uwaterloo.ca. View more information about the application process.

Do I need to get my unofficial transcripts (that are in French) translated before uploading them?

Any document that is not in English must be accompanied by an English translation and an affidavit stating the contents of the translation are a true representation of the contents of the original document.

Translated and notarized documents must be sent directly to Waterloo from a notary public in a signed/sealed envelope to be considered official.

The affidavit must come from the person who translated the document(s). We can accept only translations produced by a certified translator whose certification can be confirmed by a stamp or a membership number of a professional translation association. Translations by family members or friends are not acceptable.

Transcripts issued by institutions within Canada do not require a translation.

Regarding the supplementary information form I am unsure as to whether I should answer yes or no for the first question, as an IB student we have irregular Saturday classes to complete the subjects we have chosen, does that count?

If the Saturday classes are a regular part of your full-time day-school program, you don't have to list them as special classes outside of regular day school.

If my AIF has answers that mention one program, will it be decrease chances for the second?

The AIF has been formatted so that the scoring would not be impacted when also used to consider your alternate choice.

How do I enter number of hours in AIF for activities like CEMC contests?

If you were part of a school club that met regularly you could note those hours. If you wrote the contest without additional dedicated time, you could note the contests and scores with the time taken to write.

When listing awards for question five on the AIF, do you list the start and end date as the date you won the award? Or do you not list the date at all?

You list a start date, end date, and number of hours. You can add more rows for other activities or awards.

If we already have AP exam results, should we submit the AP scores before the documents deadline (February 13), or should we submit the AP scores only after an admission has been offered?

If you have the results, you should upload them, if your program specifically requires the AP results to make a decision, submit them before the deadline, if not, you can submit them after admission has been offered.

How long do we have to record our answer for the video interview?

There is a 90-second response limit for the recorded portion of the interview.

For the online video interview is there only one video question asked? And is it the same question on the website be asked or will be similar such questions?

The question that we have posted on the information page about the interview is the same question that will be asked in the live recording. There are just additional written questions for Software Engineering applicants. You can log into the system and initiate your recorded session once you are familiar with the interview platform in whatever time is convenient for you in your time zone.

Can I copy and paste my answer for the Software Engineering programming experience answer if I have prewritten it? Is it preferred to write my programming experience in paragraph form or point form?

You can copy and paste the answer if you like. You're limited to 600 characters so whatever makes your answer meaningful, but brief is preferred.

Would I be able to include work hours from a summer co-op course taken last summer as part of the fifth question in the AIF?

If you feel it is relevant to your application, you can but we would prefer you limit your experiences to the last 12 months.

I saw two different limits for the Engineering AIF, 150 words and 900 characters. Which should be followed?

Each question from 1-4 has a 150-word limit.

Throughout my application some of my completed sections like the video interview are not showing check marks or completion dates. Do I need to do anything to fix this and if it isn't an issue what should I do after completing my AIF and all complimentary sections.

Once your online interview has been reviewed and scored, the checklist status will be updated as received. It can take a few weeks for the received status to be updated for this checklist item.

Please remind who completes AIF?

The AIF is required for all programs in the Faculty of Mathematics, Faculty of Engineering, Science and Aviation, Geography and Aviation, Pharmacy, and Optometry.

Does Systems Design Engineering review/consider the online video interview differently than other engineering programs? Do they put a stronger emphasis on AIF over grades or in a different manner than other engineering programs?

Systems Design Engineering considers their specific question on the online interview for consideration for the Kish Hahn Memorial Award. They do not put stronger emphasis on any other portion of an application.

I have already submitted my AIF. I had not realized that we could submit more than one activity for the fifth question. As a result, I only put my most prominent activity.

Unfortunately, once the AIF is submitted, there is not an option to edit or add additional information onto it.

Do any English major programs require an AIF? Asking because now that you are talking about AIFs, I worry I missed something in my application process thus far!

No, English does not use the AIF. It’s just a few select programs that require it. Everything you’ll need to complete will appear in your Waterloo applicant portal, so as long as you complete everything there, you’re all set!

If I applied to multiple programs at Waterloo, and one program requires the AIF. Will the AIF also be used to assess me for my other programs that didn’t require AIF?

No. The AIF will only be viewed by programs who require it. Programs that do not require it will not be able to view your AIF.

Can a certification be put into the extracurricular section of the AIF?

Yes of course!

How is AI used in grading the AIF?

The Admission Information Form (AIF) is reviewed both by people who have been trained on reviewing supplementary information forms and by artificial intelligence (AI). An AI system is used alongside human scorers and if the AIF scores differ significantly, a second human scorer reviews the submission.

To ensure fairness and to reduce potential bias, identifying information (e.g., your name, applicant number) is removed before submissions are reviewed. The AI system and its data are securely managed by the University of Waterloo and data is not sent to any third-party AI services.

This process helps manage high volumes of applications in a timely manner while maintaining consistent, holistic evaluations in Waterloo's application process.

Is there a way you can preview the AIF application even though you're applying in the fall of 2026?

Yes, our AIF questions are available online. 

How should someone prepare for their video interview for Engineering?

The Engineering website provides details on the video interview. Ensure you have a reliable internet connection to avoid tech glitches.

Is the application deadline different for Math and AFM?

No. The application deadline is the same for both programs. Math will have additional supplemental pieces that will need to be completed by the document deadline.

Is the deadline for the video interview and the AIF the same date for Engineering and what is the deadline?

Yes, it's the same. View our deadlines.

Is a portfolio required for Architecture, and if so, what is the deadline?

Architecture does require a portfolio. It is the second stage of the application process. Based on grades, students will be invited to an interview where they will present their portfolio. About half of the applicants that apply to Architecture are invited to the interview stage.

I understand that an English language test is required for the University of Waterloo. I saw on your website that the final deadline is February 14. If I miss this deadline, can I submit my test results later?

The English language test results are due February 13, 2026 for most programs and January 30, 2026 for Engineering programs. If you have a test score, you must submit it before the deadline.

I was planning on taking a Waterloo math test, but the next one seems to be during late February/March. Would it still be possible to include it on my application since I believe it will be past the deadline? Or would that not benefit me at all?

You should take math contests. You can mention in your AIF that you are taking math contests (EUCLID) in March, and we will tie up your score with your application from backend.

What is the deadline to submit the video interview for the Engineering program?

January 30 is the deadline to submit the Engineering video interview. It is required for Software Engineering and strongly recommended for other Engineering programs. It can take up to a few weeks for the checklist to appear as complete in your applicant portal after you have completed it.

Can Waterloo give an offer for program that the university thinks the student will fit in? Are offers conditional or are they final?

Most offers are conditional on meeting a specific grade requirement unless you have already graduated where we have final grades for the program in which you have applied to. You will receive a decision for every program you apply to. If you aren't admitted to the program you applied to, you may be automatically considered for programs for which you meet the admission requirements.

I'm an international applicant from the US applying for CFM, do you think I'll get my offer letter before mid-May?

The Faculty of Mathematics makes admission decisions between January and May, with most decisions being made in May. While many offers are released later in the cycle, timing can vary depending on the review process.

For application submissions, if we submit early, will we receive our offers earlier (after semester 1)? If I'm applying to Engineering, do offers only come out after second semester midterms and no earlier?

The Engineering Admissions Committee will start to make admission decisions in December. All decisions will be finalized by mid-May. Only a small number of decisions will be made in December. The majority will be made between February and May allowing for AIF and interview reviews to be completed and to evaluate all grade information received before making the bulk of the decisions.

If I haven't achieved the IELTS required efficiency, can I get conditional admission offer?

If you meet all our grade requirements but your English language scores are slightly lower than required, you’ll be automatically considered for our Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) pathway program where applicable. Learn more about BASE.

Will there be another round of offers in January for less competitive programs like within the Faculty of Science?

We make offers in Science on an on-going basis, once we have enough grade information depending on the system of study with available grades.

What can you do after applications to boost your chances of acceptance?

Completing all aspects of your applications even if they are optional would boost your chances. Grades are an important aspect to all applications but for some programs, completing the Admissions Information Form thoroughly and thoughtfully would be a great way to boost your chances in addition to your grades.

When do students that applied to the Architecture program hear back if they've advanced to stage 2? When is the portfolio due?

Students will find out in early to mid-March whether they’ll be asked to submit or present a portfolio. Learn more about the Architecture application process.

What's a good score on the CSMC and Euclid for math admissions? At what point would it benefit your application?

There’s no good or bad score. You try your best. If you score well, you get scholarships. A low score on contests does not hurt your chances.

Is an engineering applicant allowed to submit Waterloo math contest results?

Math and computing contest scores are not used as part of the applicant review process. You can discuss participation on your AIF to highlight your interests in this area which can be part of you showing how you are good fit for the program you have applied to.

For applying to a computer related program, should a student take all three contests, CSMF, Euclid, and CCC, or is it sufficient to take just CSMF and Euclid? Regarding contest scores, will a low score, even zero, affect admission?

As the CEMC contest results are used primarily to award scholarships for the Faculty of Mathematics, a missing score or bad score will not be used. Participation, or non-participation, in the contests will not hurt chances of admissions as they are NOT required for admission consideration.

I was wondering if listing Systems Design Engineering as an alternate choice for Engineering still allows me to get access to their specific online interview link?

If you are listing Systems Design as your alternate Engineering choice, there is just one interview to complete. You do not need to answer questions specific to alternate choices.

How do I apply for scholarships or any other kinds of financial support that are applicable for international students?

For most of our scholarships, you’ll be automatically considered. There are some which require an application though, and most of those requiring an application will have a unique application to complete. View a snapshot of scholarships specifically for international students.

When do we apply for scholarships and bursaries?

Some scholarship applications are open now, depending on which program/faculty you have applied to. Waterloo has automatic entrance scholarships that do not require application and come with an offer of admission. 

What information do I need to submit to register for a scholarship. And where would I submit this information?

Depends upon the program you apply to. Most scholarships do not require applications. However, please reach out to myapplication@uwaterloo.ca with program you applied to, and they can guide you.

What per cent of Waterloo students receive financial assistance?

I don't know the exact percentage, but recently it's been over 85%. This can be in the form of scholarships or bursaries. Many of our incoming students receive automatic admission scholarships. 

How easy would it be to switch out of Software Engineering into Computer Engineering? What about the opposite?

Switching between engineering programs as a Waterloo student is challenging and may not be possible. A successful transfer depends on space availability, strong academic performance, and evidence that a student is a good fit for the new program. When possible, a transfer can delay graduation by a year or more. If you receive an offer of admission to a program, you should only accept if you understand that a future transfer may not be possible, and you will remain in the program that you have been admitted to for its duration.

Is it easy to switch from Computing and Financial Management (CFM) to Computer Science (CS) or Accounting and Financial Management (AFM)?

It is theoretically possible to switch from CFM to AFM and possibly to CS. However, it depends upon the competition and your grades in CFM. It is never guaranteed.

How and when do you add a minor to your program?

In first year, you can meet with your academic advisor to discuss what minor(s) you want to add and the best path to complete that.

Is it possible to get an application fee waiver?

Unfortunately, we do not offer application fee waivers for students to access. Learn more about how to finance your education.

Is there a fee for the Architecture portfolio submission?

Not to submit a portfolio, but when you apply there is a $60 document assessment fee in addition to the base applicant fee.