Make the most of your graduate experience.
From participating in workshops to doing a co-op placement, there are many ways that you can make the most of your graduate degree.
Workshops and development
Tailored exclusively for graduate students, our workshops, resources, and events are designed to boost your skills and competencies that are essential for academic and career success.
Whether you're pursuing an academic or non-academic path, these resources from across campus are curated to meet your unique professional development needs.
Graduate work-integrated learning
Graduate work-integrated learning (WIL) is a form of curricular experiential education that formally integrates a student’s academic studies with quality experiences within a workplace or practice setting.
Work-integrated learning includes experiences like co-operative education, internships, professional practicums, applied research, and field placements.
Campus resources and services
There are many campus resources and services available to you to provide information or support for your academic, professional, financial, and personal needs.
Start of term reminders and resources
Stay on top of the new term with important information and reminders to support your academic progression. As you prepare for the start of a new term, you may be engaging in similar activities to your last term or be starting a new phase of your graduate program, such as transitioning from coursework to research, starting a work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunity, or preparing for your defence. From enrolling in coursework to preparing for your defence, we've got you covered.
Graduate Student Association
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is the official representative of graduate students at Waterloo and provides a number of supports and services, including:
- Academic support
- Mental and physical health supports
- Legal aid
- Advocacy and representation
- Community and social events
Additionally, GSA promotes and represents graduate student interests to the university administration and all levels of government, and overall enhances the academic and social experience of graduate students at Waterloo through their work and social community.
Graduate research studies
Conducting research is an integral part of a graduate degree.
Support your fellow graduate students by participating in a research study. Research studies may be online or in-person, are often a single session, and provide immeasurable value to the graduate students conducting the research.
GRADstory
GRADstory is a platform for graduate students to share their experiences and address relevant topics to provide guidance based on their successes, struggles, and what they've learned.
Enhancing the student experience
- Maintaining a work/life balance
- Participating in co-op and professional development
- Traveling abroad as a graduate student
International student experience
- Attending graduate school as an international student
- Completing the English language proficiency test
Post-grad life
Funding your graduate initiatives
Do you have an idea that would improve the experience of graduate students at the University of Waterloo? Did you know there are funds to help turn your idea into a reality?
The Graduate Student Endowment Fund (GSEF) provides funding to support initiatives that provide improvements to the overall graduate student experience. Examples of past and current funded projects include:
- Professional Skills Foundations program
- Department social bonfires
- Curling events
- Balsillie School Community Garden
- Waterloo Nanotehcnology Conference
Check out the GSEF website to learn more about this fund, tips for writing your application, and how to apply.