Waterloo applicant portal and Quest for undergraduate applicants

University of Waterloo sign

Quick links: Applying | Accepting your offer | Becoming an active student: matriculation | Incoming exchange students 

Applying

You’ll first apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). After submitting your application, you’ll receive a personalized link to access your Waterloo application portal. 

In the portal, you can find important information such as: 

  • The programs you’ve applied to, including a checklist of requirements 

  • Key dates in Waterloo’s application process 

  • A place to upload required documents 

  • Admission decision updates 

  • Awards and scholarship details, including ways to finance your education 

  • For international students: information about the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), English language test scores, and study permit applications 

If you have questions, visit the Frequently asked questions (admissions) web page or email myapplication@uwaterloo.ca. 

Accepting your offer

After confirming your offer of admission, you will receive instructions on how to claim your Waterloo identity. This identity gives you access to Quest, the University of Waterloo’s student information system. 

If you are an international student:

Once you can log in to Quest:

Becoming an active student: matriculation

Before your first term begins, once you’ve claimed your Waterloo identity, your status in Quest will change to active (matriculated). This means you’ll be able to manage many important tasks, such as: 

  • Enroling in courses 

  • Updating your personal information 

  • Viewing and paying tuition and fees 

  • Accessing financial aid information 

  • Managing your student records 

Visit Quest for undergraduates for more information. 

Incoming exchange students

Exchange students will first apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). Within five business days of submitting your application, you will receive a welcome email with instructions on how to claim your identity and create your Quest account —Waterloo's student information system where you will upload your required documents. 

Applying and accepting your offer

To make changes to your personal information (e.g., name, address, phone number) before becoming an active (matriculated) student, contact studyabroad@uwaterloo.ca.

Becoming an active student: matriculation

Before your first term begins, once you’ve claimed your Waterloo identity, your status in Quest will change to active (matriculated). This means you’ll be able to manage many important tasks, such as: 

  • Enrolling in courses (you will receive specific instructions for course enrolment once you have been admitted)

  • Updating your personal information 

  • Viewing and paying incidental fees 

  • Managing your student records 

Visit Quest for undergraduates for more information.