Studying in Canada can be a very interesting experience. However, scholars are always torn between making a choice of University. This piece explains in details all you need to know about one of Canada’s prestigious university: The University of Waterloo. We have compiled both the cost, ranking, and the requirements for application.
Interestingly, Waterloo is open to International Students and residents. Although not as ancient as other universities in Canada, in excellence and style, the University of Waterloo stays. Also, the University of Waterloo is an elite institution to do your master’s program in Canada.
We hope you find all you need to make a choice. Welcome Aboard Scholar!!!
Overview
Formerly Known As: Waterloo College Associate Faculties (1956–1959)
Motto as Translated in English: In harmony with truth
School Type: Public research university
Research Output: Very High
Year of Establishment: 1959
Strength of Staff: Academic staff 1,233, Administrative staff 2,377
Number of Students: Undergraduates 41,000, Postgraduates 6,900
Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Affiliations: ACU, ATS, CARL, CBIE, CIS, COU, CUP, CUSID, Fields Institute, IAU, U15, UC.I
School Website: UWaterloo.ca
Having stood the test of time for 62 years, the University of Waterloo is one of Canada’s most prestigious school. The University is a public research university with a main campus in Waterloo, Canada. However, the university also operates three other satellite campuses: Cambridge, Kitchener and Stratford and four affiliated university colleges.
Talking about its academic programs, Waterloo offers academic programs administered by six faculties and thirteen faculty-based schools. The University has over 40,000 undergraduate students. Known for research, Waterloo is a registered member of the U15, a group of research-intensive universities in Canada. Being consistent in its research tendencies, Waterloo is the only university in the world to receive 5+ stars in research, teaching, employability, and facilities.
The University of Waterloo Ranking in 2021
- 210th in Best Global Universities (tie)
- 9th in Best Global Universities in Canada
- 151-200th in ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) 2020
- 166th in World University Ranking 2021
- 201-250th in THE (Times Higher Education) 2021
Standing at the forefront in each rankings, Waterloo individual courses are also ranked in subject rankings. This consistency attracts both International Students and residents.
Does Waterloo Offer Scholarships?
Yes, the University grants scholarships and other fundings to students who are financially incapable. Some of its Scholarships include;
- Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS)
- Who can Apply: Engineering, Computers, Business
- Waterloo Merit Scholarship
- Who can Apply: Engineering, Computers, Science
- University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship
- Who Can Apply: Engineering, Computers, Science
- Merit Scholarship- Engineering
- Who can Apply: Engineering, and Computers
What are the Requirements Needed to Get Into Waterloo?
Here are the documents needed to apply to Waterloo undergraduate program
- Proof of English proficiency
- Official high school transcripts
- May require portfolios, interviews, or more may be required
- Completed Admission Information Form (AIF) (This form is excellent for those who wish to explain their reasons for low/below average grades or highlight their strengths to help the office better assess their applications.)
You should do all applications at the OUAC Application portal. Application Fee: 125 CAD.
However, Waterloo Graduate Admission requirement include;
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or it’s equivalent.
- Minimum 2 letters of reference (preferably academic).
Apply online at the official website using the OUAC application with an application Fee of 125 CAD
Frequently Asked Questions About The University of Waterloo
What Kind of Programs do they run in Waterloo?
The University of Waterloo is all-encompassing. It offers over 49 undergraduate, 19 postgraduate, and 4 Doctoral programs.
What Kind of Courses do they offer in Waterloo?
The University offers a thousand and one courses. However, in order to streamline your search, we have outlined its six main academic division. These divisions house many courses, they include;
- Arts
- Science
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Environment
- Applied health sciences
Peculiar to Waterloo is the provision for students to pursue their degree in a smaller academic community. To that stead, the university has four affiliated university colleges–Conrad Grebel University College, Renison University College, St. Jerome’s University and St. Paul’s University College
What’s the Language Instruction in Waterloo?
The language of instruction at the University of Waterloo is English for all courses.
What’s the Acceptance Rate for the University of Waterloo?
Though highly prestigious, the University of Waterloo accepts many students from all works of life. The acceptance rate at the University of Waterloo is 53%. What this means is that for every 100 applicants, they admit 53.
Suggestively, this doesn’t mean they accept any student. You have to be an A-Grade student to make it to Waterloo.
What’s the Cost of Studying in the University of Waterloo?
Tuition fees at the University of Waterloo are considerably high. But for the quality of education, we say it’s okay. Depending on your program and course of study, the tuition fees might vary. To that stead, we have outlined below the average tuition fee for each program at Waterloo.
- Average Tuition Fees for Undergraduate program is 45975 USD
- Average Tuition Fees for Postgraduate program is 10881 USD
Do I Need IELTS to get into Waterloo?
Yes, Waterloo uses English as the only language instruction. Therefore, if you’re going to study in Waterloo, you need to prove your English language proficiency via any of the acceptable proficiency tests.
The acceptable IELTS score is 6.5 whereas TOEFL is 90. For countries that use PTE, the acceptable score is 63 with a GMAT of 550.
When is the Application Deadline for the University of Waterloo?
Depending on the course and program of study, the application deadline vary. The University accepts students throughout the year. However, you need to apply within the application opening.
The application deadline for most programs at Waterloo is usually February 1st each year. However, for pharmacy students it’s on January 11th and Optometry it’s on October 2nd.
Also check out the university of Calgary and the university of Toronto.