As one of Canada’s top innovation universities, the University of Waterloo is home to 100+ programs in business, health, engineering, math, science, the arts, environment, and more.Through the world's largest co-op (paid internship) program, you can include up to two years of relevant work experience as part of your degree, giving you an advantage in your future career. Our network of over 7,100 employers includes many of the world’s leading companies.
Waterloo ranks among the world’s top 175 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2021 and top 250 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021. We’re also home to Physics and Astronomy professor Donna Strickland, winner of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics (only the third woman in history to do so).
Waterloo was a pioneer in experiential learning and we continue to partner with industry to create co-operative education that tools our students to become change makers and leaders in their chosen field.
| | # Beds | Lowest | Highest |
| Co-ed: | 5,700 beds | Lowest: $6,693 | Highest: $15,131 |
First-year and transfer students are guaranteed residence. Visit the Waterloo housing website for more info.
Find more information on the website: uwaterloo.ca/off-campus-housing.
Orientation at UWaterloo
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, counselling services, health services, accessibility service, and Technical support and more.
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/student-success/international-student-resources.
Our Centre for Career Action department provides opportunities to help you prepare for your future. Resumé writing workshops, career fairs, and grad school information are just a few of the resources available. Through North America's largest co-op/internship program, you can try out 4 to 6 different career areas and earn $42,000 to $90,000 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 athletics.uwaterloo.ca.
Success comes easier when you have a community of people cheering you on. Through clubs, teams, events, and even your classes, you’ll form a social network that connects you to fun, new experiences, and support throughout your time at Waterloo. Visit our website for more information on activities and clubs.
Whether you're interested in food, politics, dance, business, gaming, or the environment, your Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) offers more than 200 student clubs: the perfect way to meet others who share your interests. As well, there are nearly 30 athletic clubs, ranging from archery and dragon boat to Quidditch and Ultimate.
And if there isn't a club that matches your interests, gather a group of friends and start your own club with the help of WUSA. Check out the clubs website for more.
Details about computing services for Waterloo students is available on the Information Systems & Technology department website.
A large fine arts area and studio, architecture studios, four museums, two art galleries, an observatory, a rare book collection, student clubs, and many social activities and special events.
At Waterloo, we're dedicated to your success. Hundreds of people across campus are ready to help you define and achieve your goals.
Check out student services at Waterloo.
Students can register for academic programs through Renison and St. Jerome's, and all four institutions offer specialized programs and residence facilities in the atmosphere of smaller colleges within the university setting.
- 35 cultural groups that are active on campus
- 140 exchange and study abroad programs
- Over 1,000 students have an international co-op work term each year.
Waterloo International (WI) is a full-service resource center for international students. You’ll find answers to your academic, social, cultural, legal, or financial questions. WI also leads an orientation session, offers programming to help you meet other international students, can help you improve your English skills, and organizes on- and off-campus activities.