There's Still Time to Apply to Universities in Ontario!

The University of Waterloo is ready and waiting for you to apply. Find key deadlines in this article!

Application deadlines for the University of Waterloo are fast approaching, but don't worry — you still have time to get everything in order!

To help you stay on track, here's a quick reminder of key dates and tips for applying to Waterloo.

Key deadlines

• January 15, 2026: Applications are due for Engineering programs (excluding Architecture)
• January 30, 2026: Applications are due for non-Engineering programs
• January 30, 2026: Documents are due for Engineering programs (excluding Architecture)
• February 13, 2026: Documents are due for non-Engineering programs

How applying works

If you plan to be a full-time student, you'll apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). The OUAC is the official platform for applying to universities in Ontario, Canada.

Once we receive your application from OUAC, you'll receive an email within 48 hours that will contain instructions for logging in to the Waterloo applicant portal, which will include your next steps in the application process.

Complete your DAE

One key step is the Declaration of Academic Experience (DAE), which takes less than five minutes to complete and is required for your application to be considered. We strongly recommend completing it as soon as you can after receiving your portal login.

Once that's submitted, your personalized checklist on the applicant portal will be updated with information on which documents (if any) we need from you!

Still have questions?

If you have more specific questions about applying, we recently held a webinar on that topic! You can access our Applying to Waterloo webinar recap for the recordings and answers to some of the most asked questions by attendees.

We'll also be hosting a live information session and Q&A on January 8, 2026, at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET. This is your chance to get answers directly from our admissions team, recruiters, and current students.