Applying to GBDA

Please use our Admission Requirement Table to determine equivalencies and admission requirements for other systems of study (i.e., international or out-of-province high school, college/university).  

If English is not your first language, you may be required to demonstrate proof of English language proficiency. For information, please visit English language requirements.

For application instructions, visit applying to Waterloo. You’ll also need to ensure that you meet the necessary application deadlines.

You are:  

• Currently taking 1 or more courses at an Ontario high school and 

• You are under 21 on or before December 31st. 2024 and 

• You have an OSSD OR are working toward an OSSD with 6 4U/M courses

You are:  

• Not currently taking a course at an Ontario high school 

• A Canadian outside of Ontario 

• An international applicant 

• A transfer student 

• A mature applicant 

• 21 or over on or before December 31st, 2024  

• And taking a course at an Ontario high school.  

Your application documents are due! 

• English Language test results: If your first language is not English or if requested by the admissions office, you may need to submit English language scores. 

• Transcripts

• Requests for special consideration – if you had significant circumstances that affected your grades and you did not receive an accommodation, you can request special consideration in the application process  

• If you're not currently registered in an Ontario high school or if requested by the admissions office, you'll need to submit transcripts. 

You’ll apply to Global Business and Digital Arts through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC)  

• OUAC will send your application information to each Ontario University you apply to  

• To apply to co-op, check the co-op box on your application  

• Within two weeks of receiving your application from OUAC, you’ll receive an email from us with your Waterloo student number and any actions you might need to take

We are so excited you have applied to the Global Business and Digital Arts program! While you wait for an admission decision, you should:  

• Create your Quest Account 

  • Quest is the University of Waterloo’s online student information system.  

  • You’ll use it to submit documents and check your application status over the next few months! 

• Keep an eye on the email associated with your UW application  

  • We will send important updates about your application, documents and deadlines. 

• Interested in receiving an update about your application, or have questions?  

  • Contact our centralized Admissions Team at myapplication@uwaterloo.ca  

  • Please ensure to include your name and your University of Waterloo Student ID Number  

• When can I expect an admissions decision?  

  • Applicants can receive an admission decision as early as December, with all final decisions sent out in May.  

Do you require supplementary information/portfolio to apply?  

• No, we do not. Currently, we only look at student’s grades.

Do you provide early acceptances?  

• No, we don’t, but we do have rolling admissions. This means we start sending out admission decisions as early as December for those who apply early, and students will receive decisions up until May 

Does applying early guarantee an admission decision early?  

• No – sometimes, we must wait to see additional grades/information before making an admission decision, so it’s possible you may receive an admission decision later even if you apply early! 

Who do I contact if I have questions about my application?

• If you have questions regarding admission requirements, grades, class equivalencies, or your application, you can contact our centralized Admissions team at myapplication@uwaterloo.ca
  • Please make sure to include your name and University of Waterloo Student ID number.
• If you have questions about the GBDA program, please contact the Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator at stratfordprograms@uwaterloo.ca. 

How much does it cost to apply to the GBDA program?  

• The base application fee is $156.00 CAD, including 3 program choices.  
• You pay for your application via the OUAC website when you create it.  
• There may be supplementary costs, including but not limited to additional program choices, supplementary document fees, transcript fees, and international fees.  

Can I apply to other programs at the University of Waterloo and GBDA?  

• Yes, you can choose up to 3 programs!  

Are GBDA applicants eligible for any entrance bursaries/awards?  

• Yes, GBDA applicants are eligible for several entrance bursaries/awards.  

• You can learn more on our Costs and Funding Webpage