Mechanical Engineering at Waterloo: Admission Average
University of Waterloo · Waterloo, ON
What average do you need for Mechanical Engineering at Waterloo?
Mechanical Engineering at University of Waterloo typically admits students with averages in the low 90s, roughly 88–92%. It ranks #7 of 18 Waterloo programs by admission average.
Excellent co-op, particularly in automotive and aerospace.
How competitive is it?
Of the 18 universities we track that offer it, none ask for a higher average and 15 ask for a lower average.
As a rough guide, 92% or higher is above the typical range, 88% up to 92% is inside it, and 84% up to 88% is a reach. Cut-offs move every year, so apply to a mix of schools.
Ontario applicants are assessed on their top six Grade 12 U/M courses, including the program's prerequisites. Work out yours with the Best 6 calculator.
Mechanical Engineering at other universities
- University of British Columbia – high 80s (BC) / low 90s (OOP)
- McGill University – high 80s-low 90s
- McMaster University – high 80s
- Western University – high 80s
- University of Ottawa – high 80s
- Carleton University – high 80s
- Ontario Tech University – high 80s
- University of Windsor – high 80s
- Toronto Metropolitan University – high 80s
- University of Victoria – high 80s
- Concordia University – high 80s
- University of Alberta – high 80s
- University of Calgary – high 80s
- University of Manitoba – high 80s
- University of Saskatchewan – high 80s
- University of New Brunswick – high 80s
- Memorial University of Newfoundland – high 80s
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- Advanced Functions
- Calculus & Vectors
- Physics
- Chemistry
First-year courses
- Calculus I & II
- Physics (Mechanics)
- Engineering Drawing
- Statics
- Chemistry
These are typical for Mechanical Engineering programs across Canada. About the Mechanical Engineering degree
After a Mechanical Engineering degree
Mechanical Engineering usually takes 4 years.
- Mechanical Engineer – $70,000 to $140,000
- Aerospace Engineer – $75,000 to $175,000
- Civil Engineer – $70,000 to $140,000
- Mechanical engineering is sometimes called the most employable degree in Canada - employers span every sector.
- Strong physics is absolutely required - G12 physics is a prerequisite at most schools.
- Robotics (VEX, FIRST) is the best extracurricular for mechanical engineering applicants.
Applying to Waterloo
What Mechanical Engineering asks for besides your marks
- Admission Information Form (AIF), Engineering: due February 1, 2027. Required; five questions of up to 150 words each, completed once in the Waterloo applicant portal after you apply through OUAC. Official page
- Engineering online video interview: due February 1, 2027. Waterloo's admissions pages list it as required for all Engineering programs; the link appears in your portal checklist within 24 hours of first logging in. Official page
From Waterloo's admissions pages, checked October 2026.
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.
University of Waterloo is in Waterloo, ON, was founded in 1957 and has about 42,000 students. Domestic tuition is about $6,300 a year, co-op is available and first-year residence is guaranteed.
Deadlines: OUAC (Ontario) January 15.
- 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.
Other Waterloo programs
- Computer Science – high 90s (95-98%+)
- Software Engineering – high 90s (94-97%+)
- Computer Engineering – low-to-mid 90s
- Electrical Engineering – low-to-mid 90s
- Systems Design Engineering – low-to-mid 90s
- Management Engineering – low 90s
- Biomedical Engineering – high 90s
- Nanotechnology Engineering – low-to-mid 90s
- Mathematics – high 80s-low 90s
- Computing & Financial Management – mid-to-high 90s
- Actuarial Science – high 80s-low 90s
- Statistics – high 80s
- Accounting & Financial Mgmt – low 90s
- Honours Economics – high 80s
- Kinesiology – high 80s
- Environmental Engineering – low 90s
- Architecture – high 80s