2. Once I'm accepted

It is strongly suggested that students arrive in time for Orientation at the beginning of your exchange. You should not make any travel arrangements during the exam period until you have your exam schedule; travel plans are not considered an acceptable reason to have an exam rescheduled. For the full list of important dates, please see Undergrad Important Dates and Graduate Important Dates. 

Once you receive your offer letter, you will need to start your housing search. As with many cities in Canada, Waterloo Region is experiencing a housing shortage. Students need to start their search early and secure housing before you arrive in Waterloo.

There are two broad categories when it comes to housing: 

Off campus: 

As most exchange students live off campus students are strongly encouraged to actively search for off campus housing. There are options available through the Off-Campus Housing listing service and through the Waterloo Co-operative Residence Inc. (WCRI), which is conveniently located just across the street from campus. 

On campus: 

We cannot guarantee you an on-campus housing spot as housing reviews these applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that spots are extremely limited. In addition to your on-campus housing application, we strongly encourage that you also look for off-campus housing in case your on-campus application is unsuccessful. When Campus Housing applications open, exchange students can apply with their personal email.

Architecture students: 

The School of Architecture is located in the city of Cambridge, about 1 hour away from the Waterloo main campus using public transit. Exchange students studying there are advised to search for accommodation in Cambridge using the Off-Campus Housing listing service. The commute by public transportation would not be feasible to/from the Waterloo campus.

You require a valid passport or travel document issued by your country of citizenship in order to travel. 

After you have been admitted to the University of Waterloo, you will be provided with an official Offer of Admission and Letter of Acceptance form that can be downloaded from Quest.

Two-term exchange student 

Two term exchange is not an option for 2024-2025.  

The Government of Canada recently imposed a significant limit on the number of available international study permits for incoming students.  As a result, Waterloo has made the difficult decision to only accept exchange nominations for one term exchange students for the 2024-2025 academic year. We are unable to make any exceptions. 

One-term exchange student 

If you are an exchange student studying in Canada for less than six months, you may come to Canada and study with a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) depending on your country of citizenship.

Please note:

• One term students should not apply for a study permit. It will not be granted.  
• You will not be eligible to work during your exchange term.  

What is a TRV/eTA?

A TRV/eTA is an entry document which allows you to visit Canada for six months at a time, unless a Border Services Officer decides otherwise. As a visitor in Canada, you are not authorized to work. 

The majority of countries can apply for a TRV.  However, only certain countries may apply for an eTA.  The benefit of an eTA is that it is a low-cost application ($7 CAD) which usually takes less than 24 hours to be approved.  Apply for an eTA here. 

Review the list of eTA eligible countries. 

An additional list of eligible countries added under the eTA expansion program can be found here.  Applicants applying from one of these countries would still need to have a visitor visa if traveling to Canada by car, bus, train or boat and would have to: 

• have held a Canadian visitor visa (TRV) in the past 10 years, or 

• currently hold a valid United States nonimmigrant visa.   

Please note: citizens and permanent residents of the United States do not require a TRV or eTA.

For instructions on how to apply for a TRV, please visit the Immigration Consulting page. 

Please check out the immigration applications webpage for additional resources. 

Contact one of UWaterloo's immigration consultants for free if you have questions. 

Tuition fees for the majority of exchange programs are paid to your home university. You should confirm the tuition fee arrangement with your university's exchange coordinator.

Every term you study at Waterloo, you will be assessed for incidental fees, Fees cover mandatory health insurance, access to resources that help support and maintain your academic, physical and mental well-being, and unlimited access to the regional transit system. All fees are approximate in Canadian dollars and subject to change. Student Financial Services will post your fees on your Quest account approximately one month prior to the beginning of term, and you must pay your fees before arriving at Waterloo. 

You will be enrolled in two health insurance plans while on exchange in Canada.

• The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) covers basic health care services, such as medical doctor appointments, hospital visits, and most diagnostic tests.
  • As an exchange student traveling to Waterloo you must pay for UHIP. Applications for UHIP exemption are only considered if you meet the criteria outlined under "opt out/exemptions" on the UHIP website after you have paid.
• The Studentcare extended Health and Dental Plan covers extra costs like prescription drugs, paramedical practitioners, vision, and dental care.
  • You must first pay for Studentcare extended Health and Dental Plan and can opt out at a later date through Studentcare if you meet the criteria and can prove that you have equivalent coverage. 

The University of Waterloo is committed to ensuring all students can access and meaningfully participate in their education by removing barriers and building capacity for personal success.

AccessAbility Services offers academic accommodations for students with disabilities and disabling conditions (e.g., injuries, medical conditions, or impacts of trauma such as from violence, discrimination, or oppression). If you believe you may require academic accommodations during your studies at Waterloo, learn about the accommodation services and supports available and how to apply for them. If you have some questions, please call 519-888-4567, ext. 35082 or email AccessAbility Services.