Welcome to the University of Waterloo
In 1957, the University of Waterloo opened its doors to 74 engineering students with co-operative education as its cornerstone.
Today, with more than 41,000+ students attending annually, Waterloo is #1 in Canada for experiential learning and employer-student connections.
With a global network spanning more than 263,000 alumni in 160 countries, Waterloo attracts world-class scholars including a Nobel Laureate, leads in providing work-integrated learning opportunities with 8,000+ active co-op employers and fosters an entrepreneurial spirit that’s created 10,000+ jobs through Velocity alone, Canada’s most productive startup incubator by private investment.
Guided by our Waterloo at 100 strategic vision, the University of Waterloo continues to spur innovation to solve problems on a global scale. Together, with the help of our partners and community, we can accomplish even more.
Who we are
We are a leading global research-intensive university, renowned for entrepreneurship and innovation, providing co-op and work-integrated learning at scale with impact.
What we envision
A community of curious, collaborative, innovative and entrepreneurial problem-solvers and leaders who seek to understand and identify equitable and sustainable solutions for the future of humanity and our planet.
1. You'll graduate with experience, confidence, and direction
When you’re choosing a university, it’s important to think about how you’ll grow during your time there. Waterloo is a school that helps you explore your interests, try new paths, and gain relevant experience as you discover what feels right for you.
At Waterloo, your experience goes beyond the classroom — from our world-leading co-op program to certificate programs, international exchanges, student clubs, lab work, field studies, hackathons, and more, all of which allow you to explore your passions and build skills that carry into your future.
2. A student environment you'll love
Another reason Waterloo stands out is its environment, both on and off campus. The City of Waterloo is built around student life. With two universities, a college, and over 50,000 students, the city feels lively and welcoming.
Everything you need is close by. Restaurants, cafés, shops, and green spaces are all easy to access, and public transit makes getting around simple - and free with your student card! With different events and active nightlife, there’s always something to do.
Waterloo’s campus adds to that experience in its own way. It’s a vibrant, expansive campus with lots of character, yet easy to navigate. Even though the campus is big, everything is close together, so there’s no need to worry about being late for your lecture!
3. You're supported every step of the way
University is a big transition, and it’s normal to feel unsure at times. While this isn’t always top of mind when choosing a school, strong, high-quality student support can make all the difference.
At Waterloo, you’re never expected to figure everything out on your own. Whether you’re adjusting to classes, navigating co-op and career decisions, or taking care of your well-being, support is built into the student experience.
4. Even the most structured programs can be customized
It’s easy to think your path is fixed once you choose a program, but at Waterloo there are plenty of opportunities to enhance or shape your degree around your interests. Whether it's through a minor, an option, a specialization, or a certificate, with a bit of research and planning, you can make your degree your own!
In many cases, you can even take it a step further by doing a double major or a double minor, giving you the flexibility to pursue even more interests!
5. A reputation that sets you apart
Let's be honest, reputation matters. Not in a superficial way, but in how it shapes opportunities, opens doors, and enhances your degree and overall experience, especially when stepping into the job market.
At the end of the day, it shouldn’t be a top deciding factor, but it’s definitely something worth considering. A degree from a well-respected university can carry weight in the real world.
5. Exceptional success rates
- 86% graduation rate compared to the Ontario average of 78%.
- 94% employment rate within six months of graduating.
Source: Key performance indicators - University of Waterloo 2024
Students from across Canada and around the world choose Waterloo each year because of our reputation as one of North America's top universities.
Many of our undergraduate programs (for high school and transfer students) and our graduate programs rank among the best in the world.
Most innovative
university in Canada for 30 of the last 32 years
Maclean's 2024 university rankings
3rd
for best overall university in the country
Maclean's 2024 university rankings
4th
in Canada (tie)
Times Higher Education World University Reputation Rankings 2024
#2 in Canada for connecting students with employers
Meet employers and explore careers before you graduate through co-op work terms, career fairs, job search workshops, and one-on-one support.
QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022
#1
in Canada for environmental science and engineering
Academic Ranking of World Universities 2023
#1
in Canada for physics
Academic Ranking of World Universities 2023
#1
in Canada for hospitality and tourism management
Academic Ranking of World Universities 2023
#1
in Canada for computer science and engineering
Academic Ranking of World Universities 2022
#1
in Canada for remote sensing
Academic Ranking of World Universities 2023
#1
in Canada for mechanical engineering
Academic Ranking of World Universities 2023
#2 in Canada for graduate employment rate
QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022
Canada's #1
comprehensive research university for the past 16 years in a row
Research Infosource Canada's Top 50 Research Universities 2023
#1 in Canada
for hands-on experiential learning
Maclean's Student Voices Survey 2022
