Graduate Frequently Asked Questions

You can register for ALL Grad Ready events at once in Portal. We've created one convenient registration space.

1. Log into Portal using your WatIAM credentials. Make sure to add "@uwaterloo.ca" at the end of your WatIAM username.

2. Select all the sessions that interest you.

3. After choosing the workshops that suit you best, click "Next."

4. Complete the registration questions and click "Submit Registration."

If you are unable to log into Portal, don't worry! You can still join a webinar if you have not registered. Grad Ready webinars include a link to "Join the webinar in Microsoft Teams." Just click that link at the time and date of the event to join.

After finishing registration on Portal, there are two ways to access a virtual event: 

• To find the event link in your email inbox, check the confirmation email from Portal (prtladmn@uwaterloo.ca) for the session link. The confirmation email will be sent to your Waterloo student email address. Click on the session link to join the event. Note that if you have registered for multiple events, the event link will be different every time.
• To find the event link on Portal, follow these steps: 
  1. Navigate to the Calendar function 
  2. Select My Calendar 
  3. Choose the date of the event (e.g. Jan. 1) 
  4. Click on the event (e.g. Welcome to Graduate Studies Webinar) 
  5. The event link will be displayed in a pop-up window 

Log into LEARN with your WatIAM username and password to start exploring Grad Ready modules. You must claim your WatIAM username to access LEARN.

If you accepted your offer after March 3, you may not be able to access LEARN immediately. New students are added to the course every two weeks.

If you’re unable to log in right away, try again in two weeks. If you’re still unable to access LEARN, email gradready@uwaterloo.ca for help.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your University accounts by requiring you to verify your identity using a second factor (like your phone or other mobile device). You are encouraged to enroll in this service using the Duo Mobile App for the most secure and convenient 2FA experience. 

Your @uwaterloo.ca email account is a Microsoft 365 account. You will be able to access it in early March, unless you have not yet fulfilled your admission conditions.

To access your account, you must: 

1. Enroll in Duo  two-factor authentication (2FA); 
2. Log into WatIAM  to enter a password recovery email address.  
3. Log into your Microsoft 365 account  by entering your email as username@uwaterloo.ca and your WatIAM password. 

Fees arranged  means you have shown the University how you intend to cover your fees for the term and have made a commitment to pay all fees charged to your student account, even if financial aid is denied or reduced. To become fees arranged, you must: 

1. Pay the entirety of your term balance  by the tuition deadline; or, 
2. Pay all or part of your term balance at a later point by using the Promissory Note process. 

Your  WatCard  is your official student identification card. It offers you access to services both on and off-campus. Apply online to pick it up when you arrive on campus. Please bring a piece of physical government-issued photo ID (not a photo copy or photo) during pick up. 

Please note: before applying for your WatCard, you must activate your @uwaterloo email account.

Visit the Graduate Student Association website to learn about your health and dental plan.

Please note: during the change-of-coverage period at the beginning of the term, you'll have an opportunity to opt-out of the plan (if you’re already covered by an equivalent health plan) or enrol your spouse/dependent children. Learn more on the Graduate Student Association website.

Accommodation consultants at  AccessAbility Services will work with you, your instructors and others to ensure your accommodation plan is successfully implemented. 

Complete your online application to get started.

Please note: before applying, you must activate your @uwaterloo email account. If you're not yet able to activate your @uwaterloo email, contact access@uwaterloo.ca.

This is a conversation to have with your supervisor; they are in the best position to provide guidance on which courses will set you up for success. You can also review the graduate studies academic calendar to find more information about required and elective courses for your program.