Applying

Admission requirements

Admission requirements can change each year. For the most up-to-date information on academic and documentation requirements, please vist the links below.

Applicants to the University of Waterloo graduate programs must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Students that qualify for an exemption do not need to submit their test results. 

Admission Resources

You may also find the following resources helpful:

International degree equivalencies: our MMath programs require a four-year Bachelor's degree from a Canadian institution with a minimum average of 78%, or the international equivalent. This page explains what degrees we will accept from international countries for admission to our Master's programs.

Application document requirements: this resource outlines exactly what is required for the documents you may need to provide at time of application. If there are issues with your documentation it can delay the review of your application. Please ensure you review the requirements carefully.

Finding a supervisor: you are not required to find a supervisor before submitting an application to our programs. Students in our MMath programs will arrange supervision 4-6 months after starting the program. Doctoral applicants may find it helpful to speak with prospective supervisors prior to applying as acceptance is conditional on arranging a supervisor.

Request for disability-based graduate admission: if you require accommodation for a specific part of the application process or had an unaccommodated disability or medical condition during your post-secondary studies at your previous institution you can request assistance by following this process.

Application FAQs

What is the priority application deadline?
Our priority application deadline is December 15th. Your application must be complete with all documents uploaded by this date to be considered for early admission offers, invitation to our Grad Visit Day in March, and our entrance awards. The Master of Actuarial Science (MActSc) program does not have a priority application deadline. 

Do I need a GRE to apply?
No, none of our programs require a GRE test. If you have taken one you are welcome to submit it along with the required documentation. You can find the specific requirements for each program here.

Do I have to submit TOEFL/IELTS exam results?
Yes, unless you qualify for an exemption as listed on the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs website.

It says a four-year honours degree is required for your MMath programs, can I still apply with a three year degree?
We do not accept three year degrees for domestic students, if you are an international student please review the international admission equivalencies to determine if a three year degree is accepted from your country.

Do you offer any scholarships?
Students in our research-based programs are funded through a combination of Teaching Assistantships, scholarships/awards, and supervisor grants. Please review our funding your education page for additional information.

When will I receive a decision on my application?
As our application deadline is January 15th most students will not receive a decision until after this date. We aim to have all applications reviewed by the middle of March, however this is not guaranteed as it is dependent on the volume of applications we receive.

How do I get a study permit?
The Student Success office has detailed information about applying for study permits as well as additional international student resources.  

How much does your program cost?
Review the student fee estimator for your program. Keep in mind that this estimator does not take into account any funding you may receive. Review our funding  your graduate studies page for more information.

Can I get my application fee waived?
No, we do not provide fee waivers. The current application fee is $125 CAD

How can I check the status of my application?
You can view the status of your application in Quest.

I made a mistake in my application; how can I update it?
Please follow these instructions on how to update your application.

How can I apply for the co-op option?
We do not accept students directly into the co-op option. You must be admitted to our regular program and once enrolled you may apply to switch after the first term provided you meet the requirements.

How can I apply for the Thesis option?
We do not accept students directly into the thesis option. You must be admitted to our regular program and once you have located a supervisor you can discuss the possibility of switching, provided the requirements are met.

Can the program be completed remotely?
No, all of our programs must be completed in person. 

Can I attend part time? 
Our MMath and PhD programs can be taken part time on an exception basis subject to department approval. Students are still required to be present on campus if attending part time. 

Do I need to find a supervisor before applying?
You can apply to any of our programs without a supervisor. Master's students will be accepted to our programs without a supervisor. PhD students will normally require a supervisor before they can be accepted to the program. 

How to apply

Applications are processed through Waterloo’s online portal. You can find detailed instructions on how to apply on the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs webpage. If you are experiencing issues with the online portal please email gradapply@uwaterloo.ca for assistance.

Important things to keep in mind:

  • Make sure your application is submitted at least 2 – 4 weeks prior to our application deadline of January 15th.
  • After you have submitted your application you will receive an email to register for Quest, the University of Waterloo’s student information system, which is where you will upload your documentation and monitor your application status.

Have more questions about applying? Try chatting with the Centre Bot or contact us for more information.