About the university
The University of Waterloo opened in 1957 with an unusual idea for the time: students would alternate between study terms and paid work terms with employers. That co-operative education model is still the heart of the university. Most undergraduate students graduate with up to two years of paid work experience, which is a big reason Indian students and employers rate Waterloo highly.
Waterloo is best known for computer science, software engineering, mathematics and engineering. Its Faculty of Mathematics is one of the largest in the world and houses the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science. The university also offers programmes in science, health, environment, arts and architecture, and runs double degrees with neighbouring Wilfrid Laurier University in business.
The campus is in the city of Waterloo, which together with Kitchener forms a technology hub sometimes called Canada's 'Silicon Valley North', with many start-ups and offices of global tech firms. Living costs are lower than in Toronto or Vancouver, though rents have risen in recent years.
Co-op programmes run year-round, so an engineering or computer science degree usually takes about five years including work terms. International students on co-op need a co-op work permit, which is issued alongside the study permit when the co-op is a required part of the programme.
- Founded
- 1957, as a university built around co-operative (co-op) education
- Type
- Public research university in Ontario, member of the U15
- Co-op
- One of the world's largest post-secondary co-op programmes: paid work terms alternate with study terms
- Main intake
- September for undergraduate degrees; graduate programmes also admit in January and May
- Residence guarantee
- First-year students who accept their offer and apply for residence by the June deadlines
- Location
- Waterloo, Ontario, about 1 hour 15 minutes by road west of Toronto
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2027
=113 in the world
THE World University Rankings 2027
178 in the world, 7th in Canada
Popular courses with Indian students
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS)
- Fee / year
- C$73,000
- Duration
- 4 years (about 5 with co-op)
- Intakes
- September (OUAC deadline 15 January)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (6.5 writing and speaking, 6.0 reading and listening) or TOEFL iBT 90
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Software Engineering
- Fee / year
- C$75,000
- Duration
- 5 years including co-op
- Intakes
- September (OUAC deadline 15 January)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (6.5 writing and speaking, 6.0 reading and listening) or TOEFL iBT 90
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- C$75,000
- Duration
- 5 years including co-op
- Intakes
- September (OUAC deadline 15 January)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (6.5 writing and speaking, 6.0 reading and listening) or TOEFL iBT 90
- Postgraduate
Master of Engineering (Electrical and Computer Engineering)
- Fee / year
- C$52,200
- Duration
- 1 year (3 terms) full time
- Intakes
- September, January and May
- English
- IELTS 7.0 (6.5 in writing and speaking) is the usual graduate minimum
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Mathematics in Data Science
- Fee / year
- C$62,000
- Duration
- 4 years (about 5 with co-op)
- Intakes
- September (OUAC deadline 15 January)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (6.5 writing and speaking, 6.0 reading and listening) or TOEFL iBT 90
- Undergraduate
Accounting and Financial Management (BAFM)
- Fee / year
- C$58,000
- Duration
- 4 years (about 5 with co-op)
- Intakes
- September (OUAC deadline 15 January)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (6.5 writing and speaking, 6.0 reading and listening) or TOEFL iBT 90
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- C$75,000
- Duration
- 5 years including co-op
- Intakes
- September (OUAC deadline 15 January)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (6.5 writing and speaking, 6.0 reading and listening) or TOEFL iBT 90
- Postgraduate
Master of Management Sciences (MMSc)
- Fee / year
- C$52,200
- Duration
- 1 year (3 terms) full time
- Intakes
- September and January
- English
- IELTS 7.0 (6.5 in writing and speaking) is the usual graduate minimum
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (CAD) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) | 4 years (about 5 with co-op) | C$73,000 | ≈ ₹48.9 lakh |
| Bachelor of Software Engineering | 5 years including co-op | C$75,000 | ≈ ₹50.3 lakh |
| BASc Computer Engineering | 5 years including co-op | C$75,000 | ≈ ₹50.3 lakh |
| Master of Engineering (Electrical and Computer Engineering) | 1 year (3 terms) full time | C$52,200 | ≈ ₹35 lakh |
| Bachelor of Mathematics in Data Science | 4 years (about 5 with co-op) | C$62,000 | ≈ ₹41.5 lakh |
| Accounting and Financial Management (BAFM) | 4 years (about 5 with co-op) | C$58,000 | ≈ ₹38.9 lakh |
| BASc Mechanical Engineering | 5 years including co-op | C$75,000 | ≈ ₹50.3 lakh |
| Master of Management Sciences (MMSc) | 1 year (3 terms) full time | C$52,200 | ≈ ₹35 lakh |
Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at University of Waterloo with similar universities in Canada.
Scholarships
- Undergraduate, first year
International Student Entrance Scholarship
Value: CAD 10,000
Eligibility: Open to international students applying to most Waterloo programmes. Apply through the Awards and financial aid tab of the applicant portal after you apply for admission.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Undergraduate, Mathematics and Computer Science
Faculty of Mathematics international scholarships
Value: Up to CAD 80,000
Eligibility: International fee-paying students admitted to Faculty of Mathematics programmes; competitive, by application.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Undergraduate, most Science programmes
Faculty of Science International Student Scholarships
Value: CAD 25,000 to 80,000 (up to 15 awards)
Eligibility: International fee-paying students in most Science programmes (not Medical Sciences, Optometry or Pharmacy). Apply through the Science scholarships page.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Undergraduate, first year
President's Scholarship of Distinction
Value: CAD 2,000, plus optional CAD 1,500 international experience and CAD 1,500 research awards in upper years
Eligibility: Admission average of 95% or above; automatic, no application. Check that it applies to your programme on Waterloo's scholarships page.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- Class 12 from CBSE, CISCE (ISC) or a state board with the required subjects. Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering ask for strong Mathematics (and Physics and Chemistry for Engineering).
- Apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC 105). The deadline for September 2027 is 15 January 2027.
- Most programmes also need the Admission Information Form (AIF). Engineering may invite you to an online interview; Architecture needs a portfolio and interview.
- Mathematics and Computer Science applicants are encouraged to write a University of Waterloo mathematics contest (such as the Euclid), which the Faculty of Mathematics may consider.
Postgraduate
- A four-year bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with at least a 75% average in the last two years is Waterloo's general graduate minimum; competitive programmes ask for more.
- Course-based degrees such as the MEng and MMSc do not need a supervisor. Research degrees (MASc, MMath, MSc) usually do.
- Apply online through Waterloo's graduate application. Many programmes admit in September, January and May, with deadlines several months before each term.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets (undergraduate)
- Admission Information Form (most undergraduate programmes)
- Degree transcripts and certificate (postgraduate)
- English test score unless exempt
- Two or three references and a statement of interest (graduate)
- Résumé (graduate)
- Proof of funds for the study permit: tuition plus at least CAD 22,895 a year for living costs for a single student (IRCC)
Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.
English language requirements
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (undergraduate) | 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and speaking and 6.0 in reading and listening. |
| TOEFL iBT (undergraduate) | 90 overall with 25 in writing and speaking and 21 in reading and listening. |
| Graduate programmes | Usually IELTS 7.0 with 6.5 in writing and speaking, or TOEFL iBT 90 with 25 in writing and speaking. Check your programme. |
| Other tests | Waterloo also lists CAEL, Duolingo and Pearson PTE for some levels; confirm on the English language requirements page. |
Accommodation and living costs
First-year students are guaranteed residence if they accept their offer and send the residence application with a CAD 500 deposit by the June deadlines. Contracts cover two terms (eight months). The ranges below are Waterloo's 2025-26 prices as published on OUInfo; 2026-27 prices are similar or slightly higher.
| Item | In CAD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Residence room (all styles)2025-26; includes internet and utilities; some fees include meals | C$8,000–18,250per 8-month year | ≈ ₹5.4 lakh – ₹12.2 lakh |
| Required meal plan in traditional-style residenceStarting price, 2025-26 | C$6,720per 8-month year | ≈ ₹4.5 lakh |
| Residence depositNon-refundable | C$500one-off | ≈ ₹33,500 |
| Books and suppliesWaterloo's estimate for most programmes (Architecture about $8,100) | C$1,500per year | ≈ ₹1 lakh |
Campus and location
Waterloo's main campus is a large, walkable site on the edge of uptown Waterloo, with the ION light rail linking it to Kitchener. The Kitchener–Waterloo region is a growing tech hub.
- Satellite campuses include the School of Pharmacy in downtown Kitchener and the School of Architecture in Cambridge.
- The Velocity incubator on campus has helped hundreds of student start-ups.
- Co-op students work in Toronto, Waterloo, the US and elsewhere during work terms, so you will move several times during your degree.
- Toronto Pearson Airport is about 1 hour 15 minutes away by road; GO Transit buses and trains connect Waterloo to Toronto.
- Kitchener–Waterloo has a sizeable Indian community, with Indian groceries and restaurants near campus.
Careers and graduate outcomes
Co-op is Waterloo's biggest advantage: students graduate with Canadian and international work experience, and many receive job offers from co-op employers. After graduation, university degree holders can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Co-op fee | CAD 836 per work term (no tuition during work terms) | University of Waterloo tuition page |
| Off-campus work allowed during study terms | Up to 24 hours a week | IRCC |
| PGWP length after a master's of at least 8 months | Up to 3 years | IRCC |
| PGWP language requirement for university graduates | CLB 7 in all four skills | IRCC |
Studying in Canada
Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in Canada. Our country guide covers them in detail:
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FAQs
How much does Waterloo Computer Science cost for an international student?
Waterloo estimates first-year tuition and incidental fees at about CAD 73,000 for Computer Science and CAD 75,000 for Software Engineering and other Engineering programmes (September 2026). Add residence, a meal plan and books.
Is co-op compulsory?
Co-op is required in Engineering and Software Engineering and optional in most other programmes. Co-op terms are paid and you do not pay tuition during them, only a co-op fee.
What is the Admission Information Form?
A short online form most Waterloo programmes ask for after you apply through OUAC. It lets you describe your interests, activities and experience beyond marks.
Can I start a master's in January?
Yes, several course-based programmes such as the MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering admit students in September, January and May. Check the deadline for your term.
Are there scholarships for Indian students?
Yes. Waterloo offers a CAD 10,000 international entrance scholarship for most programmes, plus larger competitive awards in Mathematics and Science (up to CAD 80,000). Apply through the applicant portal.
How long is a Waterloo engineering degree?
About five years, because study terms alternate with paid co-op work terms.
Sources
- University of Waterloo tuition page: first-year tuition estimates (opens in a new tab)
- University of Waterloo: master's and PhD tuition, Fall 2026 (international) (opens in a new tab)
- University of Waterloo: scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- OUInfo: University of Waterloo residences (opens in a new tab)
- University of Waterloo: compare residences (opens in a new tab)
- University of Waterloo: Computer Science programme (opens in a new tab)
- THE World University Rankings 2027 (Canada results, Academica summary) (opens in a new tab)
- QS World University Rankings: University of Waterloo (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Post-Graduation Work Permit (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: work off campus as a student (opens in a new tab)
Official website: uwaterloo.ca (opens in a new tab)
Check the latest details