University profile

University of Waterloo

Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Founded in 1956, University of Waterloo is a university in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. It enrols approximately 40,859 students. The institution is ranked #119 globally by QS and #163 by Times Higher Education.

Admission rate
53%
Founded
1956
QS World Rank
#119
QS 2026 · Score 65.7
THE World Rank
#163
Times Higher Education

Official data

Figures from government statistics, national graduate surveys and the university's own published fees. Each shows its source and the period it covers.

Undergraduate tuition — home students
Arts Regular programs, all terms: maximum tuition per term $3,125.00 (charged for more than 2.0 units; five 0.5-unit courses = 2.5 units) x 2 terms = $6,250. Tuition only; incidentals ($827.94 FT per term) excluded. Assumes Winter 2027 matches Fall 2026. [Universities Canada/StatCan 2025-26 arts & humanities range for comparison: $6,128-$8,728.]
C$6,250 / year
Undergraduate tuition — international students
Arts programs, Regular Year 1: maximum tuition per term $27,010.00 (charged for more than 2.5 units; $5,402 per 0.5-unit course) x 2 terms = $54,020. Two terms of five courses each is the full-time year stated on https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/financing/tuition. Tuition only; incidentals ($1,143.94 FT per term) excluded. Assumes Winter 2027 matches Fall 2026. [Universities Canada/StatCan 2025-26 arts & humanities range for comparison: $48,616-$55,654.]
C$54,020 / year
Students enrolled
Total headcount = sum of full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate fall enrolment (FT undergrad 33,652, FT graduate 4,591, PT undergrad 1,094, PT graduate 1,522).
Source: Enrolment by university · as of Fall 2025
40,859
Graduates in work (or further study)
Ontario University Graduate Survey 2022-23 (Ministry of Colleges and Universities): 2020 bachelor's (undergraduate) graduates, employment rate two years after graduation = graduates employed or offered employment / graduates in the labour force.
Source: Ontario University Graduate Survey 2022-23 · as of 2020 graduates, surveyed Dec 2022-Jul 2023
96.3%

Upcoming deadlines

For 2027 entry. Dates can change, so confirm on the source before you apply.

Typical for this route

The usual date for this admissions route, not specific to this university. Check its own admissions page too.

  • Target date for universities to receive midterm/final 4U/M grades · in 44 days
    OUAC Undergraduate — Group A (Ontario high school; formerly '101'), fall 2027 entry · Group A applicants to Ontario universities: currently taking 1 or more Ontario high school courses, under 21 on or before 31 December 2026, and holding or working toward an OSSD with six 4U/M courses. NOTE: OUAC now runs a single 'Undergraduate application' that sorts applicants into Group A (ex-101) and Group B (ex-105); Group B has no OUAC-wide deadline. · Source ↗ · checked 2026-09-27
  • Group A application deadline (equal consideration) · in 94 days
    OUAC Undergraduate — Group A (Ontario high school; formerly '101'), fall 2027 entry · Group A applicants to Ontario universities: currently taking 1 or more Ontario high school courses, under 21 on or before 31 December 2026, and holding or working toward an OSSD with six 4U/M courses. NOTE: OUAC now runs a single 'Undergraduate application' that sorts applicants into Group A (ex-101) and Group B (ex-105); Group B has no OUAC-wide deadline. · Source ↗ · checked 2026-09-27
  • Target date for universities to receive final/current full-year 4U/M grades · in 128 days
    OUAC Undergraduate — Group A (Ontario high school; formerly '101'), fall 2027 entry · Group A applicants to Ontario universities: currently taking 1 or more Ontario high school courses, under 21 on or before 31 December 2026, and holding or working toward an OSSD with six 4U/M courses. NOTE: OUAC now runs a single 'Undergraduate application' that sorts applicants into Group A (ex-101) and Group B (ex-105); Group B has no OUAC-wide deadline. · Source ↗ · checked 2026-09-27
  • Latest date Group A applicants (applied by the January deadline) can expect a university response · in 227 days
    OUAC Undergraduate — Group A (Ontario high school; formerly '101'), fall 2027 entry · Group A applicants to Ontario universities: currently taking 1 or more Ontario high school courses, under 21 on or before 31 December 2026, and holding or working toward an OSSD with six 4U/M courses. NOTE: OUAC now runs a single 'Undergraduate application' that sorts applicants into Group A (ex-101) and Group B (ex-105); Group B has no OUAC-wide deadline. · Source ↗ · checked 2026-09-27

+2 more in the Admissions Pipeline

Track this and get reminders Email reminders before each date, with the Admissions Pipeline.

About the institution

  • Motto: In harmony with truth
  • Affiliations: Association of Commonwealth Universities, Association of Research Libraries, Canadian Association of Research Libraries, Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, Canadian Research Knowledge Network (+8 more)
Official website ↗ Wikipedia ↗

Outcomes

Frequently asked questions

What is the admission rate at University of Waterloo?

University of Waterloo has an admission rate of approximately 53.0%. This figure reflects the overall proportion of applicants who receive an offer of admission.

When was University of Waterloo founded?

University of Waterloo was founded in 1956.

How many students attend University of Waterloo?

University of Waterloo enrols approximately 40,859 students.

How much is tuition at University of Waterloo for international students?

Undergraduate tuition for international students at University of Waterloo is about C$54,020 a year (2026-27, University of Waterloo Finance, Fee Schedule for International Undergraduate Students Fall 2026). Fees vary by programme; home students pay a different rate.

What is the QS World Ranking of University of Waterloo?

University of Waterloo is ranked #119 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

Where does University of Waterloo rank in the Times Higher Education rankings?

University of Waterloo is ranked #163 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

What is the official website of University of Waterloo?

The official website of University of Waterloo is uwaterloo.ca.

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