How to Research Your RIGHT University

By Kristin, Waterloo Arts and Business co-op student

With so universities and colleges available to choose from, you are bound to find one that fits your personality and goals. Here are a few key factors to consider when researching universities.

If you’re interested in exploring careers before you graduate, co-op provides an opportunity to earn money and gain experience as part of your degree. In co-op, you alternate 4-month school terms with 4-month paid co-op work terms.

With a network of 4,500 employers, Waterloo has the largest co-op program in the world and you can graduate with up to 2 years of paid work experience.

Financing your education is also important so be sure to research all of your scholarship options. Waterloo has many different scholarships for international students and is #1 in Canada for the percentage of our budget dedicated to scholarships and bursaries.

Size and location can be a key factor. Some people prefer a larger, bustling campus while others prefer smaller campuses. Waterloo offers the best of both worlds with a medium-sized main campus along with 4 University Colleges, which are like mini-universities within the overall University of Waterloo. Larger universities generally offer more programs than smaller universities. At Waterloo, you have more than 100 programs to choose from.

Reputation is also important to consider, as a school with a greater reputation can open doors for your career and offer valuable networking opportunities. For example, Waterloo has been ranked as Canada’s most innovative university for 21 years in a row.

So as you are thinking about searching for your right university, consider the University of Waterloo, as it just might end up being the right fit for YOU.