Imagine a place where you spend your days discussing, challenging, developing, and sharing ideas. Ideas Start Here.
More Canadian high-tech companies have their roots at Waterloo than any other university. Waterloo ranks as Canada’s most innovative university for the 25th year in a row.
What sets Waterloo apart is hands-on learning. Through the world’s largest co-op program, you can alternate 4-month school and paid co-op work terms – gaining up to 2 years of work experience and earning $45,000 to $85,000.
With more than 100 programs to choose from, a Waterloo education goes beyond the classroom. Our Student Success Office provides support for student entrepreneurs through Velocity, which provides workshops, mentors, and even a special residence. And, we have more than 200 clubs and teams.
Our intellectual property policy means that students and professors retain ownership of their ideas. More than 300 start-up companies have been created by Waterloo students, professors, and alumni. Waterloo graduates succeed.
Waterloo is known for excellence in engineering, mathematics, computer science, accounting, architecture, optometry, and pharmacy. In fact, the New York Times calls us “one of the world’s best technology schools.” But we're also recognized for outstanding teaching and research in health, science, the humanities and social sciences, the environment, and business with 17 business-related programs available.
| | # Beds | Lowest | Highest |
| Co-ed: | 4,873 beds | Lowest: $5,700 | Highest: $11,200 |
First-year students are guaranteed residence.
Find more information on the website: uwaterloo.ca/off-campus-housing.
- Orientation Week - uwaterloo.ca/orientation/
Each faculty and residence has many programs to enhance the first year experience and help you make the transition to university life. Some of the services on campus include academic advice, personal counseling, and computer support. The International Student Experience team also provides support to international students studying at Waterloo including orientation, English conversation classes, and social activities that help you learn about Waterloo. More information is available at uwaterloo.ca/international-students.
Our Centre for Career Action department provides opportunities to help you prepare for your future. Résumé writing workshops, career fairs, and grad school information are just a few of the resources available to all students.
Co-op = Paid Work Experience
Co-op at Waterloo
More than 50 years of experience goes a long way! The University of Waterloo set the standard for co-operative education when it was founded in 1957 and continues to be a world leader today.
As a co-op student at Waterloo, you'll have 4 to 6 different career areas and you can earn $45,000 to $85,000 by the time you graduate.
Co-op is offered in nearly all programs – more than 100 areas of study to choose from – and over half of our undergraduate students are enrolled in the co-op system of study.
Learn about intramural sports and campus recreation opportunities at www.athletics.uwaterloo.ca.
Spend a co-op term working for one of the world's top employers. Be part of the team designing the next generation of solar car. Study with classmates who might be from across town or across the globe. Consistently ranked as one of Canada's best overall universities, Waterloo will provide you with an outstanding education and a vibrant student experience.
Joining one of our 200+ student clubs is the perfect way to find something you love and surround yourself with others who share that same passion. We have clubs that cater to all kinds of interests and if there isn't a club already that matches your interests, you can gather a group of friends and start your own with the help of our student government.
Waterloo’s campus is wireless. Details about computing services for Waterloo students is available on the Information Systems & Technology department website.
- Wireless network
- Email account
- Computer labs, some for specific programs and others open to all students
A large fine arts area and studio, architecture studios, 4 museums, an art gallery, an observatory, a rare book collection, student pubs, student clubs, and many social activities and special events, such as Oktoberfest and Canada Day celebrations.
Centre for Career Action, chaplains, counselling services, health services, international student office, legal resource office, mature student services, off-campus dons, office for persons with disabilities, ombudsperson, sexual harassment counsellor, and women's centre. Detailed information is available on our website.
Students can register for academic programs through Renison and St. Jerome's, and all 4 institutions offer specialized programs and residence facilities in the atmosphere of smaller colleges within the university setting.
Tours are available Monday through Saturday. Book online today!