Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA)
Needles Hall, second floor, room 2201
Graduate students from around the world are welcome to enhance their research opportunities at the University of Waterloo, by participating in the International Visiting Graduate Student (IVGS) program.
Through the program, students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees on a full-time basis at an international institution are invited to continue their related research, under the guidance of a supervising Waterloo faculty member. International students benefit by collaborating with Waterloo’s top innovative researchers, gaining access to state of the art facilities, libraries and other campus resources. Through international collaboration, visiting students enrich their academic and scholarly development, often making beneficial research contributions to both their home and host institutions.
International Visiting Graduate Students (IVGS) are essential to advancing connections with outstanding academic institutions world-wide. Building mutually beneficial international partnerships, expanding graduate student experience, and accomplishing impactful research.
If you are applying for the IVGS program, we encourage you to begin your visit at the start of an academic term if possible (winter term - January to April; spring term - May to August; fall term - September to December). In addition, it is recommended that the approval process begin at least 4 to 5 months before the intended start date of the visit.
In order to be an International Visiting Graduate Student, you must:
We encourage you to begin your visit at the start of an academic term if possible (winter term - January to April; spring term - May to August; fall term - September to December).
Once a Waterloo faculty member has agreed to serve as your host supervisor, approval for the arrangements of your visit may begin.
A formal Letter of Invitation (LOI) will be issued and signed by the Waterloo supervisor confirming their willingness to supervise and outlining terms of the visit, including start and end dates, purpose of visit, access to equipment, supplies, research ethics and space, and intellectual property rights etc. The Waterloo supervisor or delegate will then make arrangements to obtain the approval on the LOI of the department chair of the host academic unit.
Once all completed and fully signed documents have been submitted to the host supervisor, you are required to apply online. A non-refundable application fee of $125 CAD is required as part of the application process.
To help walk you through the steps in applying to the International Visiting Graduate Student (IVGS) program review the apply online instructions. Following the submission of your online application, follow these steps:
Before proceeding, note that you will be using the University of Waterloo online application to graduate studies; not all sections/questions apply to International Visiting Graduate Students. To ensure that the completion of your online application is successful, take the following actions within the application process:
Application Section |
Action to be taken |
Select Your Programs |
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Expected date of Enrolment |
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Personal and contact information |
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Other Information |
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Academic Background |
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Test Scores (English proficiency, GMAT, GRE etc.) |
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Referees |
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To view your LOA and accept your offer of admission follow these steps:
You can view and print the electronic letter of acceptance on Quest. Note that a paper letter of acceptance will not be sent.
Task | Action |
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Review access to campus information, including COVID-19 guidelines |
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Find a place to live |
On-Campus Housing On-Campus housing may be available by contacting United College. United College offers various accommodation styles for graduate students, post-graduate scholars, visiting professors, and upper-year students in their Grad Apartments Building. Off-Campus Housing The Off-Campus Housing rental listing options can help you find a place to live during your stay. |
Explore the Region of Waterloo |
The Region of Waterloo is a mid-sized community offering the amenities of a large urban centre, while maintaining the charm and character of a smaller rural community. Explore all three cities in the Region:
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Explore Waterloo campus |
Familiarize yourself with campus by taking a 30 minute Graduate Student Self-Guided Tour |
Task |
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Connect with your supervisor |
Make arrangements to meet with your Waterloo host supervisor who will discuss provisions made for access to resources necessary for your research; provide instruction on relevant safety training, guide you through research ethics and protocols, intellectual property rights and Waterloo rules, regulations and policies. Your host supervisor will assist you to participate in the research life of the department. |
Let us know you have arrived |
Inform GSPA of arrival to campus by emailing gradadmissions@uwaterloo.ca with your full name, confirming that you are on campus as part of the IVGS program. |
Immigration documents |
Provide GSPA with a copy of your immigration permission that you entered Canada with issued by IRCC (i.e. work permit, eTA etc.) by emailing gradadmissions@uwaterloo.ca |
Enrol in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) |
You are required to enrol in this plan as soon as you arrive on campus. Appointments to obtain and purchase UHIP coverage can be arranged through the Human Resources department. UHIP premiums are assessed and are pro-rated based on the duration of the visit by the Human Resources department. Supplemental Health and Dental coverage may be available on an exception basis (at an additional cost) through the Graduate Student Association by contacting gsagm@uwaterloo.ca if done so during the Change of Coverage Period at the beginning of your first term at Waterloo. |
Update your mailing address |
Provide a Canadian mailing address. This can be updated in Quest under Personal Information (remember to change the country code to Canada). |
Pick up your WatCard |
Visit the WatCard office where you will be issued a Waterloo identification card as a visiting researcher. |
Canadian Bank Account |
Consider opening a Canadian bank account while in Canada. Find out more by reviewing the International Student Guide. If you will receive payments from the University of Waterloo during your research placement, you must open a Canadian bank account once in Canada. |
Waterloo Libraries |
Visit the Library for information for visiting scholars. |
Transportation and parking options |
Public transit: Grand River Transit (GRT) is our local bus service and includes the ION light rail. Learn more about fares & passes and where to buy them. Walking and Cycling: Waterloo’s South Campus is located along the Laurel Trail, and is in a great location for many cycling and walking routes. The Bike Centre on campus also offers a “do-it-yourself” bike repair shop. |
Social Insurance Number |
If you are receiving payment from Waterloo, you will need to apply for a Social Insurance Number. Visit Service Canada for more information. |
Athletics and Recreation |
To access facilities offered through Athletics and Recreation at Waterloo, you will need to purchase a membership. |
International Visiting Graduate Students:
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.