Does Wilfrid Laurier University have an acceptance rate?

Laurier does not publish an overall acceptance rate - admission is decided per program, each with its own admission average. Overall averages around the mid-80s are competitive for most programs, with top programs requiring higher.

Wilfrid Laurier University

Q: What average do you need to get into Laurier?

Admission is program-by-program. Competitive programs like Business & Computing (BBA/CS) require high 80s-low 90s, while more accessible programs admit around mid 70s. A mid-80s overall average is competitive for most Laurier programs.

Business and music in the heart of Canada's tech corridor - smaller, tighter, and career-focused.

Wilfrid Laurier University shares the city of Waterloo with the University of Waterloo, which creates a unique dual-university ecosystem. Laurier is known for its Lazaridis School of Business, one of Ontario's more respected business programs, and for an excellent music program. The campus has a notably close-knit community feel and strong school spirit.

What average do you need to get into Laurier?

There is no single Laurier acceptance rate - admission is program-by-program. Top competitive programs like Business & Computing (BBA/CS) require high 80s-low 90s, while programs at the more accessible end admit students with averages around mid 70s. A competitive overall average for most Laurier programs is roughly the mid-80s and up. Check the per-program admission averages below to find your target.

Key Facts

Location: Waterloo, ON
Founded: 1911
Students: 21,000
Maclean's ranking: #11
QS World ranking: #1001
Approximate domestic tuition: $9000/year
Co-op available: Yes

Top Strengths

Business (Lazaridis)
Music
Social Work
Psychology
Education
Communication Studies

Admission Averages by Program

Real admission average ranges for Laurier programs, from most accessible to most competitive:

Business Administration (BBA) — admission average: high 80s (Lazaridis School is well-regarded - Waterloo tech corridor creates excellent co-op placement.)
Business & Computing (BBA/CS) — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (Double degree with Waterloo CS - one of the most respected dual degrees in Canada.)
Computer Science — admission average: high 80s (Growing program, benefits from Waterloo tech ecosystem proximity.)
Financial Mathematics — admission average: high 80s (Strong quantitative finance pathway, good for actuarial and banking careers.)
Music — admission average: Audition-based (Excellent BMus program, well-regarded Ontario music school.)
Psychology — admission average: high 80s (Large program, strong research and clinical tracks.)
Social Work (BSW) — admission average: high 70s-80s (Strong program with Waterloo region community connections.)
Communication Studies — admission average: high 70s-80s (Strong media and public relations track.)
Political Science — admission average: high 70s-80s (Good for law school and public policy careers.)
Criminology — admission average: high 70s-80s (Growing program with justice system connections.)
Kinesiology — admission average: high 80s (Strong sports science and rehabilitation pathway.)
Education (BEd) — admission average: mid 70s (Ontario teacher certification, Waterloo region placements.)

Things to Know

The Laurier/Waterloo Double Degree (BBA/BMath) is one of the most sought-after dual degrees in Canadian business - very competitive.
Laurier's tight community feel is a genuine differentiator from larger schools - students consistently cite belonging as a strength.
Being in Waterloo means co-op placements benefit from one of Canada's densest tech ecosystems.
School spirit at Laurier is notably strong - Homecoming and campus events are well-attended.

Notable Alumni

Justin Trudeau (LPC Leader's Debate participant)
Mike Weir
Don Cherry (attended)

← Browse all universities