The University of Waterloo is one of the prestigious public research institutions in Ontario, and here, we have discussed its admission process and acceptance rate.
UWaterloo is an institution dedicated to educating young minds fresh out of high school and graduates eager to further their studies. Academic programs are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels at this public research university.
The University of Waterloo was established in the mid-20th century. Despite being established more than 60 years ago, UWaterloo has built a reputable background comparable to universities existing for over 150 years.
If you are seeking admission to the University of Waterloo, yet you know little or nothing about its acceptance rate and admission process. The information in this article discusses the admit rate and application process at UWaterloo.
About the University of Waterloo
Established in 1959, the University of Waterloo is a public research institution in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Before 1959, UWaterlo held its first class two years earlier with 74 engineering students in attendance. Presently, the University of Waterloo is one of Canada’s top public universities, with a large student enrolment. Its overall enrolment comprises more than 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
The University of Waterloo’s main campus spans 998 acres in Waterloo, with other satellite campuses in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Stratford. Across these campuses, UWaterloo offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in different areas of study.
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Faculties at the University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo houses several faculties through which it educates the multitude at the university. Faculties at UWaterloo include the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Environment, and Faculty of Health.
The Faculty of Mathematics and the Faculty of Sciences complete the list.
The University of Waterloo Ranking
According to U.S. News and World Report, the University of Waterloo is ranked 8th in Best Global Universities in Canada.
The Canadian university is also ranked #154 on the list of the world’s top universities according to QS World University Rankings.
Maclean’s Recent University Rankings
The University of Waterloo tops the chart in Canada for most innovative university, 3rd for best overall university in Canada, and 4th in the country for the highest quality.
Campus Life at the University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo has a diverse community and the perfect environment for the best college life experience.
UWaterloo provides housing options for students to live on campus. Whether you want to live in a traditional or suite-style residence on campus, UWaterloo got you covered.
A vibrant and active community need healthy and nutritious meals to keep the vibe going. UW Food Services operates several food locations on campus. With the university’s meal plan, students can eat at several dining halls across campus.
Over 250 student clubs and various intramural leagues are made available at this university. Perhaps you will find something you are interested in and socialize with other students.
At the University of Waterloo, there are various student societies such as the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association and other faculty societies. This student society support, and advocates for students to ensure the community on campus enjoy the benefit of attending a world-class university.
The University of Waterloo Admissions
The University of Waterloo uses a holistic approach to review every application.
Firstly, all first-year applicants must satisfy the university’s general admission requirement as well as the program-specific requirement.
Your academic record obtained from high school must meet the standard at UWaterloo, and one of the requirements for admission at the university includes an English proficiency exam score.
Meeting the admission requirement of UWaterloo does not guarantee admission to the university. Besides the good grades in your application, UWaterloo is also interested in your experiences and achievement outside the classroom.
High schoolers who have been successful at this university presented something more in their application than numbers showing their academic performances in school. To be competitive for admission at UWaterloo, your extracurricular activities should be found somewhere in your application.
Show the application readers at UWaterloo that you are a worthy candidate for admission and you have what it takes to make a positive impact on the community on campus.
The Acceptance Rate at the University of Waterloo
The acceptance rate at the University of Waterloo is estimated at 58%, which is considered selective. With an acceptance rate of 58%, it means that the University of Waterloo rejects up to 42% of applicants.
Admission at UWaterloo is competitive and challenging for most applicants. The university demands that all applicants meet its admission requirement and also present an average academic record.
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First-Year Application Process
As a first-year applicant to UWaterloo, you must have graduated from high school and earned a diploma or its equivalent.
How to Apply to the University of Waterloo as a First-Year Student
Before you start the application, make sure you have the necessary application material. Meet the university’s admission requirements and program-specific requirements.
If you intend to enrol full-time at UWaterloo, apply via the Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC). Once you have applied through the Ontario University Application Centre, it means that you have also submitted your grades to OUAC.
All first-year applicants registered in Ontario high school should apply through the OUAC 101 application.
Your high school transcript will also be sent automatically to the university by your school. If you have attended high school outside Ontario, you will be required to submit your transcript.
If you are applying to UWaterloo from outside the province of Ontario, you will need to apply through OUAC 105 application. Applying through the OUAC 105 application means that you intend to study full-time at the university.
Send your high school transcript to the University of Waterloo.
Please note that the University of Waterloo does not require a recommendation letter, non-academic certificate or letter of achievement.
Application Process for International Students and Admissions
To be eligible for admission as an international student, you must have graduated from secondary/high school and earned a certificate appropriate for university admission in your home country.
As an international student, if your secondary/high school academic documents are written in a different language, you will be required to submit a certified English-translated version. Once your academic documents are available, make sure you upload them before the university’s deadline to submit documents.
The admission requirement at UWaterloo varies based on the academic program you intend to study. If you are applying to a program where mathematics is needed, you are required to submit your senior mathematics course description.
You don’t need to submit a senior mathematics course description if you graduated from high school in any of these countries or educational systems.
- American system
- A-Levels Cambridge Pre-U
- Chinese system
- French Baccalaureate
- CAPE
- HKDSE
- Indian system
- IB
- Ecuador
- Colombia
- Malaysia
- Russia
- Thailand
- Vietnam
How to Apply to the University of Waterloo as an International Student
The dream to study at UWaterloo begins with an application.
International students will have to apply through the OUAC 105 application. The application fee to apply to UWaterloo is $125 CAD, with an additional $8 CAD as an international student fee.
The University of Waterloo will send more instructions to you through the email you provide during the application. You will receive this notification within 14 days of receiving your application.
You will need to use the information you received from the university to create a Guest Account and also monitor your application status. To increase your admission chances to this university, fill out an Application Information Form.
Next, upload your official school transcript and submit your English proficiency test scores. If you were admitted in the process, you will receive an admission offer and you have till the deadline to accept the offer.
Lastly, submit your tuition fee and apply for the university’s undergraduate residency as well as the study permit.
What Is the Acceptance Rate for International Students at the University of Waterloo?
Regarding the acceptance rate for international students at the University of Waterloo, there is no statistic showing the admit rate for international students.
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Admission Requirement for Graduate Students
Graduate students seeking admission to UWaterloo must meet the admission requirement at the university. The university’s Senate Graduate and Research Council established the average academic admission requirement and all graduate students are expected to meet the standard.
If you are applying to a Master’s program with domestic credentials, you must possess at least a 75% overall standing in the previous two years of a four-year Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
International students applying to the university’s Master’s program are required to have at least a 75% overall standing in a four-year Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent.
The University of Waterloo uses English as its official language of instruction. Student applying to the university is expected to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
The University of Waterloo will accept these English proficiency test scores.
- TOEFL Internet-Based
- IELTS Academic
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)
- Pearson Test of English
- English for Academic Success (EFAS)
The university’s school code to submit TOEFL test scores from the Education Testing Service is 00996 (University of Waterloo). Department code: 01 (graduate studies)
How to Apply to the University of Waterloo as a Graduate Student
To have a successful application to UWaterloo, kindly follow this application process.
Apply to your desired academic programs 14 to 28 days before the program application deadline. Doing this will save you the time you need to upload your supporting documents and your referees will have enough time to submit their reference forms.
Next, you will have to create an online application account. Creating just one graduate online application is enough and if you have any questions about the online application account process, contact the university’s graduate application team. gradapply@uwaterloo.ca.
Select the program you intend to study. Chose if you want to enrol on a full-time or part-time study.
Lastly, enter the all information required on the application and pay the application fee of $125, which is non-refundable.
What Is the Acceptance Rate for Graduate Students at the University of Waterloo?
From what we know so far, the University of Waterloo has no official acceptance rate for graduate students. The university’s overall admission rate is estimated at 58%, which is a bit selective.
Important Dates at UWaterloo
The University of Waterloo’s application deadline for most academic programs is February 1. The university’s deadline to submit the Admission Information Form, official English language results and required documents is February 18.
All Ontario students who intend to apply for an entrance bursary must do so before the April 15 deadline. By mid-March, all applicant should expect their admission offers.
The University of Waterloo’s deadline to accept an admission offer and guaranteed residence is scheduled for June 1.
The University of Waterloo Tuition and Fees
Tuition at UWarterloo varies based on the academic program you are applying to. If you are applying to programs in the university faculty of Arts, Environmental, Health and Sciences, the tuition is estimated at $9,000. Students applying to programs in the Faculty of Engineering will pay $18,000 as tuition.
Lastly, if you are applying to academic programs in the Faculty of Mathematics, the tuition is estimated at $10,000.
UWaterloo Contact Address
- School Address: 200 University Avenue West Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1
- Phone: +1 519 888 456
Visit the official website of the University of Waterloo for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions regarding the acceptance rate at the University of Waterloo.
Can I get into the University of Waterloo with an average of 95?
With an average of 95%, you have a better chance of getting into the University of Waterloo. The University of Waterloo admits students to its engineering programs with an average of 80%.
Which program is the hardest to get into at the University of Waterloo?
The most selective academic program at the University of Waterloo is software engineering. Students applying to this program must present an excellent academic record. If you have an average of 90-95%, you have a 10% chance of admission. Across Canada, software engineering is among the most competitive undergraduate program.
Conclusion
The University of Waterloo is a renowned research institution in Ontario. At UWaterloo, students are given the opportunity to explore new possibilities in academics and research. The community on campus is fun-loving and accommodating to assist college beginners to adapt to a new environment.
If you intend to join the next freshman class at UWaterloo, then you should have a convincing application.
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Reference
- U.S. News & World Report: University of Waterloo
- UWaterloo: About UWaterloo
- Times Higher Education: University of Waterloo
- Top Universities: University of Waterloo
