University of Waterloo
Canada's co-op capital - the best place in the country to launch a STEM career.
The University of Waterloo is Canada's most respected technology and engineering university, and operates the world's largest post-secondary co-op program. It places more graduates at top global tech companies than any other Canadian school. Admission is highly selective, and the academic culture is intensely demanding - Waterloo attracts and produces some of Canada's sharpest technical minds. The AIF (Admission Information Form) is a critical part of every application and is read carefully.
What average do you need to get into Waterloo?
There is no single Waterloo acceptance rate - admission is program-by-program. Top competitive programs like Computer Science require high 90s (95-98%+), while programs at the more accessible end admit students with averages around low 90s. A competitive overall average for most Waterloo 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: 1957
- Students: 42,000
- Maclean's ranking: #3
- QS World ranking: #119
- Approximate domestic tuition: $13000/year
- Co-op available: Yes
Top Strengths
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Accounting & Finance
- Kinesiology
Admission Averages by Program
Real admission average ranges for Waterloo programs, from most accessible to most competitive:
- Computer Science — admission average: high 90s (95-98%+) (One of the hardest programs in Canada. CCC Senior score is a real factor.)
- Software Engineering — admission average: high 90s (94-97%+) (Combines CS and Engineering streams - extremely competitive.)
- Computer Engineering — admission average: low-to-mid 90s (Hardware-focused, strong co-op in chip design and embedded systems.)
- Electrical Engineering — admission average: low-to-mid 90s (Strong co-op outcomes in hardware, energy, and communications.)
- Mechanical Engineering — admission average: low 90s (Excellent co-op, particularly in automotive and aerospace.)
- Systems Design Engineering — admission average: low-to-mid 90s (Interdisciplinary engineering, design-focused. Very unique program.)
- Management Engineering — admission average: low 90s (Combines engineering and business - strong for consulting.)
- Biomedical Engineering — admission average: high 90s (Exceedingly competitive, combines tech and health. AIF is vital.)
- Nanotechnology Engineering — admission average: low-to-mid 90s (Advanced labs and excellent pathway to cutting edge graduate fields.)
- Mathematics — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (Euclid contest scores reviewed. Strong for finance and data science.)
- Computer & Financial Management — admission average: mid-to-high 90s (Interdisciplinary CS and finance dual-focus. Very competitive.)
- Actuarial Science — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (One of Canada's most respected actuarial programs.)
- Statistics — admission average: high 80s (Strong data science and quantitative finance outcomes.)
- Accounting & Financial Mgmt — admission average: low 90s (Canada's most respected accounting undergraduate program.)
- Honours Economics — admission average: high 80s (Strong quantitative focus, good for finance and grad school.)
- Kinesiology — admission average: high 80s (Strong research focus, different from McMaster's Health Sci.)
- Environmental Engineering — admission average: low 90s (Growing program with strong sustainability industry connections.)
- Architecture — admission average: high 80s (Portfolio and academics both required. Highly regarded nationally.)
Things to Know
- The AIF (Admission Information Form) is extremely important - Waterloo reads every word. Be specific and genuine.
- A strong CCC score (especially Senior) meaningfully improves CS/Math admission chances.
- Euclid contest scores are reviewed for Math and CS applicants.
- Waterloo does not use the Ontario Scholar or extracurricular awards - everything is AIF-based.
- Co-op means you graduate with 2 full years of paid work experience - starting salaries are significantly higher.
Notable Alumni
- Mike Lazaridis (BlackBerry)
- Jim Balsillie
- Samer Haddadin