The Waterloo experience goes far beyond traditional classroom learning. With long-standing industry partnerships, a focus on real-world solutions, and our relentless spirit of entrepreneurship, Waterloo will empower you to make your mark on the world.
Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings, 2025
Earn your degree from one of Canada's top universities
Year after year, international and Canadian rankings place Waterloo among the best universities in Canada – and in the world for many of our programs. A degree from Waterloo can open doors for your career or further education.
Home to the world's leading co-op program
Gain access to over 8,000 employers in more than 70 countries and graduate ready to step into your career. Test out jobs, build your résumé, and explore your interests in up to six co-op work terms. Plus, you can earn between $38,000 and $137,000 over the course of your degree.
Study your interests
One of Waterloo's strengths is the ability for students to combine their interests. In many Waterloo programs, you can include minors and certificates that add expertise to your degree and make you more marketable upon graduation.
National Survey of Student Engagement
Pitchbook University Rankings 2024
Canada's innovation and entrepreneurship university
Surrounded by game-changing ideas and people, it's easy to feel inspired at Waterloo. We're the number one university in Canada for founders and entrepreneurs, with 478 companies launched and $20 billion USD raised in capital over the last decade (Pitchbook 2024). At Waterloo, learning and innovation go hand in hand.
Exceptional success rates
- Higher graduation rate than the Ontario average (84% vs 78%, 2023)
- Better at paying off student loans than other Ontario grads (default rate of 0.6% vs 1.8%, 2023)
- Within two years of graduating, 94% of graduates are employed in jobs related to the skills they gained at Waterloo and earn more than other Ontario grads (OUGS 2021).
One of the most actively engaged student communities
University is not just about academics; it's also about personal growth. With 200+ clubs, dozens of student associations, and 250 fitness programs at Waterloo, you're bound to have fun and make unforgettable memories.
Choosing a university is a big decision. We hope you'll join Waterloo for our supportive community, outstanding academic programs, and the opportunity to gain valuable skills for your career.
From the Missing Manual
Visit our Missing Manual website for tips and advice from Waterloo students and staff. Topics include
Why you should choose Waterloo over your other options
Sometimes even when you think you know where you want to go, making the final call is tough to do. So here are five key reasons why Waterloo beats out the competition.
What makes Waterloo different?
Choosing which university to go to isn’t easy. But we’ve got you covered – to help get you started, here are some things that make Waterloo different from other universities.
The Waterloo experience: Exploring careers and building skills for your future
Coming to Waterloo is the start of a journey filled with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Discover all the ways you can explore careers and build skills at Waterloo to set yourself up for success.