Graduate Studies Application and Quest

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The graduate online application and portal is the system used by graduate applicants to the University of Waterloo. 

Applying

Through the graduate online application system, you’ll create an account and then begin your application. Here you will: 

  • Create an online application account or log in to a previously created account 

  • Start a new application or access a saved one 

  • Enter the required program information, personal information, academic background information, professional background information and referee information  

  • Pay the non-refundable application fee of $150 per program 

  • Upload your application materials through your applicant portal, following the requirements listed under the application checklist 

Read more about how to apply to graduate studies.  

Accepting your offer

After you’ve applied, you can update your application, if necessary, through the graduate student applicant portal. Here you can also:  

  • View your admission decision 

  • Accept your offer of admission 

  • Review your next steps (conditions of admissions), if any exist 

  • These will be visible in your applicant portal once you have opened your offer of admission 

Learn more about accepting your offer of admission.  

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 in Quest, 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 graduates for more information.