University of Waterloo Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

The applicants looking to pursue undergraduate studies at the University of Waterloo need to apply and pay their application fee by OUAC. The base application fee while applying at OUAC is CAD 156 to apply for the initial three programme choices. To apply for a graduate programme at the University of Waterloo, the applicants are required to pay CAD 125 per program. 

The University of Waterloo IELTS requirement for undergraduate programs and graduate programs is given below:

The minimum requirements to take admission to University of Waterloo Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence are given below:

• The applicants must have an honors bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics or a related field, with a 78% minimum overall average
• Apart from the above requirement, the applicants must have experience at the senior level in at least one Computer Science or Statistics
• Proof of English Language proficiency
• Resume / CV
• Academic Transcripts
• Letter of Recommendation
• Supplementary Information Form

According to unofficial sources, the University of Waterloo acceptance rate is 53%. So, for every 100 applicants at the University of Waterloo, 53 are admitted. The acceptance rate proves that the University of Waterloo is moderately selective when it comes to admissions. So, if any applicant exceeds the eligibility requirements of a program, there is a high chance of getting into the university. The University of Waterloo admission averages range from the low 80s and mid-90s. Note that the admission averages can vary depending on the number of applications the University of Waterloo receives, the number of spaces available in each program, and the grades of the applicants. Smaller or highly competitive programs shall have higher admission ranges.

. Given below are the University of Waterloo requirements for Master of Mathematics – Computer Science.

• An Honors Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering (or equivalent degree) with 78%
• Resume
• Academic Transcripts
• Letter of Recommendation
• English Language Proficiency score
• Supplementary Information Form

The University of Waterloo application fee for Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is 125 CAD. This is a non-refundable application fee and can be paid via the following payment modes:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• Visa Debit
• American Express
• Debit Mastercard
• Union Pay

Some of the places to eat near the University of Waterloo are: 

• Taiwanese Home Garden
• Mozy's Shawrma
• Village 1 Cafeteria
• St. Jerome's Cafeteria 
• Jacks at St. Jacobs Market
• Fireside Grill 
• Cafe 1842

Yes, the University of Waterloo offers scholarships to international students. Some of the scholarships available to international undergraduate students are given below. It is advised to check the eligibility requirements of the scholarships.

• Merit Scholarship: CAD 1,000
• President’s Scholarship: CAD 2,000
• International Student Entrance Scholarships: CAD 10,000

Know more about the University of Waterloo scholarships from here. 

The table given below can be referred to know about the University of Waterloo fees for Indian students (first-year) for the popular courses along with their duration. 

The estimated study and living cost of the graduate and doctoral students of University of Waterloo are given below.

Also, in addition to the above study cost there will be some additional one-time costs applicable such as computer, security deposit, home decor, and winter clothing. 

Read: Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students

The University of Waterloo admission requirements for international students are given below:

Undergraduate Courses: For admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Waterloo, the applicants must meet the program-specific and general eligibility requirements. The general eligibility requirement is that the applicants must have a first or second division in any of the following:

• All India Senior School Certificate awarded by CBSE
• Indian School Certificate awarded by CISCE
• Other Pre-University Certificate awarded after 12 years of study

Note that the final grades shall be evaluated on board results

Graduate Courses

• Master’s Courses: For admission to graduate courses, international applicants must have at least 75% overall standing in the four-years honors bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Doctoral Courses: International applicants must have a minimum of 75% academic standing or equivalent in their previous degree

Besides the admission requirements, international applicants are required to meet the English language proficiency requirements in order to take admission to the University of Waterloo.

Some of the reasons as to why international students study at the University of Waterloo are:

• The University of Waterloo has been listed among the Top 10 universities in Canada. According to THE 2024 rank, the University of Waterloo has been placed at #7 place
• There is a sizeable international student community at the university. According to the facts of 2022/23, 19% undergraduate and 41% graduates are international
• High-quality programs are offered at the university such as Computer Science and Engineering
• The university has an excellent campus location as students can do a variety of things in Waterloo city such as nightlife, food joints, festivals and events
• Career success is also one of the factors why international students choose to study at the University of Waterloo. It is ranked No. 1 in Canada in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022

Also Read: Top 5 Reasons to Study in Canada 

Yes, pursuing a Master of Mathematics – Computer Science from the University of Waterloo is worth an investment. This is because after pursuing this course students will advance into senior industry roles quickly. Furthermore, students can command a larger salary. After pursuing this course, the graduates can go for industry work with advanced knowledge in Computer Science.

The University of Waterloo admission requirements for Master of Management Sciences are given below: 

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent with 75% overall
• The applicants are required to have a background in Quantitative Sciences
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume
• Any supplementary material 
• Academic references
• Two references
• Proof of English language proficiency: IELTS with overall 7.0 / TOEFL with 90

In order to apply to the University of Waterloo Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence program, follow the steps given below:

• Apply at least two to four weeks ahead of your programme deadline so that there is enough time to upload the supporting documents, and the referees have time to submit their reference forms
• Then, create an application account
• Next, select the programme and enter all the required application information
• Lastly, pay the application fee

According to input from an Indian graduate from the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering, the university is a good fit for students who are looking for a new experience, are looking for a solid start for their careers, and are not scared of change. As the undergraduate study is important in a student’s life, the University of Waterloo aims to be perfect for that. Indian students can bond with other people easily and comfortably at the University of Waterloo. According to the University of Waterloo’s facts of 2022/23, the total graduate international student population was 41% and 19% was the undergraduate population.

The International Work-Study programme at the University of Waterloo is designed to provide part-time on campus work experience for full-time international UG students with financial need. Work-study jobs pay minimum wage or higher. Students can work a maximum of 10 hours per week or earn up to CAD 2,000 per term including vacation pay and benefits.

Also Check: Best Part-Time Jobs in Canada for International Students 

Some of the tips for students starting their studies at Waterloo University are given below: 

• Get involved. Join any club or team at the university or go for Intramurals
• Keep a schedule and stay organized. Find a plan that keeps you motivated while studying and follow that. In short, keep a balance between social activities, extra-curriculars and academics 
• Find a way to de-stress amidst studies
• Get to know your faculty members