Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA)
Needles Hall, second floor, room 2201
Graduate studies is an exciting step forward in your education and life – one that gives you the opportunity to further your research, develop your skills, positively impact your career path, and increase your earning potential. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the costs and expenses associated with graduate studies so that you’re ready to make the commitment.
Waterloo Region is one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada and is a vibrant place to live and learn. Rapid transit makes it easy to get around, and the City of Waterloo maintains over 230 km of trails, bike lanes and signed bike routes for active transportation. Along with the wide array of startups and tech giants, Waterloo has a vibrant food and restaurant scene, and fun events and festivals happening year-round. Take a virtual tour.
Tuition and incidental fees
Tuition and incidental fees vary by program and student type (domestic or international).
To determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program, visit the Graduate program tuition page on the Finance website. Once you are on the page:
Student Financial Services also has an Interactive Tuition Fee Estimator that will allow you to receive an estimate of your future tuition, incidental and residence fees. Use the Student Fee Estimator if:
Study and living costs
The amounts in the chart below are approximate and should be used only as a guide. The amounts reflect estimated living costs for a single person living in Waterloo (lower amount is based on shared accommodation), and show the amounts by month, academic term (4 months), and year (3 academic terms).
Expense | Estimated costs (monthly) | Estimated cost (one term) | Estimated cost (one year) |
---|---|---|---|
Off campus housing (shared), including utilities* | $800-$1,800* | $3,200-$7,200* | $9,600-$21,600* |
Food (groceries) | $365 | $1,460 | $4,380 |
Telephone | $100 | $400 | $1200 |
Entertainment / Recreation (doing fun stuff!) | $140 | $560 | $1680 |
Personal care (think hair cuts) | $75 | $300 | $900 |
Clothing | $125 | $500 | $1,500 |
Laundry (typically not part of housing costs) | $40 | $160 | $480 |
Transportation (additional costs over and above free UPass) | $30 | $120 | $360 |
Books and supplies | $235 | $935 |
$2,820 |
*This represents the wide range of rental costs depending on the type of housing (e.g., a room in a shared house vs. a one-bedroom condo/apartment) and the proximity to campus.
Expense | Cost |
---|---|
Computer | $2,000 |
Security deposit for housing/rental unit (last month's rent) | $800 - $1,800 |
Home décor/furniture | $500 |
Winter clothing (winter coat, boots, etc.) | $250 |
Living costs vary depending on several factors:
With the information on study and living costs from the chart above you can now use the Student budget calculator to estimate your total costs/expenses and your resources to fund them. These resources could include your minimum funding, awards (internal or external), financial need funding, graduate student employment, or your own personal funding.
Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA)
Needles Hall, second floor, room 2201
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Office of Indigenous Relations.