University of Waterloo Admission: Applications & Acceptance rate

200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1
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Updated on - May 06th, 2022 | 10:49 AM By Venushree Agarwal

The University of Waterloo, located in Ontario, Canada, accepts applications every year in their intakes from applicants from over 150 countries. The admission process is competitive and right, with guidelines, requirements, and eligibility criteria laid out generally and course-wise. Only good grades won't do the trick. You must have a good language test score, GMAT/GRE scores, and an impressive statement of purpose. Every student who applies at UWaterloo wants to be a part of this world-class university, and you must ensure you have put your best foot forward. The application process will last for 3-4 months. You must be patient throughout the end. The university receives many applications every year, and the responsibility to cut entirely depends on you.

University of Waterloo Admission Requirement

The University of Waterloo provides a wide array of courses to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral candidates. The admission requirements for all the courses differ for domestic and international students. The eligibility criteria and other details are made available on the university website. The applications are accepted in three seasons- Fall, Spring, and Summer. 

Undergraduate Admission at the University of Waterloo

Undergraduate students' admission at UWaterloo is very competitive, and students must meet all the selection criteria to have a chance at securing a seat. The requirements for admissions differ for domestic and international students. Given below are some of the eligibility criteria set up by the university.

Eligibility Criteria for International Students

  1. Official high school transcripts in English
  2. Complete admission information form
  3. English language test scores not more than 24 months old
  4. Letter of recommendation
  5. Statement of Purpose
  6. A valid passport
  7. Financial document showing enough funds to study at UWaterloo
  8. Valid visa 

Post Graduate Admission at the University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo offers various graduate programs. Some of the most famous departments that receive more applications are Engineering, Hospitality, Leisure Studies, Computer Science, Mathematics, Information System, and more. Given below are the eligibility criteria for the graduate students.

Eligibility Criteria for International Students

  1. An undergraduate degree with a grade of above 70-75% from a recognized university.
  2. Two academic letters of recommendations
  3. A valid passport
  4. A statement of interest
  5. GMAT/GRE scores
  6. CV/Resume
  7. English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, and equivalent)
  8. Work experience for M.B.A. programs

University of Waterloo Application Process for International Students

Every university admission process has certain steps that need to be followed, and therefore, UWaterloo also has such a process that needs to be adhered to by the candidates. Every applicant needs to use the OUAC application portal to submit their applications. They are required to apply as early as possible. International students should not delay the application process if they wish to apply for scholarships as well.

Required Documents

  • High school transcripts with 85% mark and bachelor degree with above 75% mark
  • English proficiency 
  • Valid passport
  • Letter of recommendations
  • CV/Resume
  • Statement of Interest
  • GMAT/GRE scores
  • Work experience letter
  • Financial declaration certificate
  • Study permit
  • Health declaration certificate

How to Apply?

  • Every student wanting to study at UWaterloo can apply online through the online application at OUAC
  • Undergraduate students need to pay a refundable fee of 125 CAD, and graduate students need to pay 125 CAD.
  • Select your course of choice and apply on the website and pay the application fees
  • Upload all your necessary documents like transcripts, pictures, passport copy, letter of interest, and others
  • Once you upload all your documents and all the steps are completed, your application will take 4-5 weeks for review

University of Waterloo Application Deadlines

University of Waterloo application can be accessed through the OUAC portal, and you can apply to the course you like after checking the requirement and eligibility criteria. Although the university provides sufficient time to finish your applications, you should never wait until the deadline. The deadline to submit applications for a few of the courses at UWaterloo is given below.

Courses Deadline
Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence February 1, 2022 (Closed)
M.Eng Civil Engineering February 1, 2022 (Closed)
M.A. Economics February 1, 2022 (Closed)
Master (Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology) April 1, 2022 (Closed)
B.C.S. Data Science February 1, 2022 (Closed)
B.ASc Software Engineering January 31, 2022 (Closed)
B.ASc Electrical Engineering January 31, 2022 (Closed)

Admission Procedure of University of Waterloo

The admission process is similar for undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants should apply as soon as possible due to high competition for admissions:

  • The acceptance letter from the university is the document that needs to be attached for the visa application
  • Apply for scholarships or financial aid if you would require one
  • Apply for your visa or travel document 
  • Arrange the declaration of finance certificate, which will ensure if you have the fund to study in Canada
  • Provide your biometrics after you apply for the travel document/Visa

Acceptance Rate at the University of Waterloo

With a 53% acceptance rate, the University of Waterloo is a university that accepts a huge number of applications every year from students worldwide. Along with a good G.P.A., you would also need good GMAT/GRE scores, a stellar letter of interest, and a good recommendation letter from your academic teachers.