Waterloo goes beyond the classroom, to a place where experience is the teacher. Beyond problems to solutions that address social, technical and economic needs. Beyond the laboratory, to the research that propels industries, organizations and society.
- #151 Ranking
- 91 Bachelors
- 1,412 Academic Staff
- 33,613 Students
- 7,395 Students (int'l)
- 15,798 Students (female)
- Public Institution Type
Bachelor's programmes
Natural Sciences & Mathematics (26)
- Bachelor Actuarial Science
- B.M.A.M. Applied Mathematics
- Bachelor Biochemistry
- B.Sc. Biology
- Bachelor Biomedical Sciences
- Bachelor Biostatistics
- B.A.Sc. Chemical Engineering
- B.Sc. Chemistry
- B.Math. Combinatorics and Optimization
- Bachelor Computational Mathematics
- Bachelor Life Physics
- Bachelor Materials and Nanosciences
- Bachelor Mathematical Economics
- Bachelor Mathematical Finance
- Bachelor Mathematical Optimization
- Bachelor Mathematical Physics
- B.Ed. Mathematics - Teaching
- B.A.Sc. Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor Medicinal Chemistry
- B.A.Sc. Nanotechnology Engineering
- Bachelor Physics
- B.Sc. Physics and Astronomy
- B.Math. Pure Mathematics
- B.Math. Statistics
Business & Management (18)
- B.A.F.M. Accounting and Financial Management
- Bachelor Actuarial Science
- B.M.A.M. Applied Mathematics
- Bachelor Communication Studies
- B.Comp.F.M. Computing and Financial Management
- B.A. Economics
- Bachelor Environment and Business
- B.G.B.D.A. Global Business and Digital Arts
- Bachelor Information Technology Management
- B.A.Sc. Management Engineering
- Bachelor Mathematical Finance
- B.Math. Pure Mathematics
- Bachelor Science and Business
Engineering & Technology (17)
- Bachelor Architectural Engineering
- B.A.Sc. Biomedical Engineering
- Bachelor Biomedical Sciences
- B.A.Sc. Chemical Engineering
- B.A.Sc. Civil Engineering
- Bachelor Computer Engineering
- Bachelor Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor Environment and Business
- Bachelor Environmental Engineering
- Bachelor Environmental Science
- Bachelor Materials and Nanosciences
- B.A.Sc. Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor Mechatronics Engineering
- B.A.Sc. Nanotechnology Engineering
- B.Sc. Science and Aviation
- B.A.Sc. Software Engineering
- B.A.Sc. Systems Design Engineering
Social Sciences (17)
- B.A. Anthropology
- B.A. Economics
- Bachelor Gender and Social Justice
- Bachelor Geography and Aviation
- Bachelor Geomatics
- Bachelor International Development
- Bachelor Mathematical Economics
- B.A. Political Science
- B.A. Psychology
- Bachelor Science and Business
- Bachelor Social Work
- B.A. Sociology
- Bachelor Therapeutic Recreation
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (11)
- Bachelor Climate and Environmental Change
- B.Sc. Earth Sciences
- Bachelor Environment and Business
- Bachelor Environmental Engineering
- Bachelor Environmental Science
- Bachelor Geological Engineering
- Bachelor International Development
- Bachelor Planning
Humanities (11)
- B.A. Anthropology
- B.A. Classical Studies
- B.A. English
- B.A. French
- B.A. German
- B.A. History
- Bachelor Liberal Studies
- Bachelor Medieval Studies
- B.A. Philosophy
- B.A. Religious Studies
- B.A. Spanish
Computer Science & IT (9)
- Bachelor Computational Mathematics
- Bachelor Computer Engineering
- B.Comp.Sc./B.Math. Computer Science
- B.Comp.F.M. Computing and Financial Management
- Bachelor Data Science
- Bachelor Geological Engineering
- Bachelor Geomatics
- B.A.Sc. Software Engineering
Arts, Design & Architecture (8)
- Bachelor Architectural Engineering
- B.Arch. Architecture
- B.A. Fine Arts
- B.G.B.D.A. Global Business and Digital Arts
- B.A. Music
- Bachelor Planning
- B.A.Sc. Systems Design Engineering
- Bachelor Theatre and Performance
Medicine & Health (8)
- B.A.Sc. Biomedical Engineering
- Bachelor Biomedical Sciences
- B.Sc. Health Studies
- B.Sc. Kinesiology
- Bachelor Medicinal Chemistry
- Bachelor Optometry
- Bachelor Pharmacy
- B.P.H. Public Health
Hospitality, Leisure & Sports (2)
- Bachelor Recreation and Sport Business
Applied Sciences & Professions (1)
- Bachelor Social Work
Education & Training (1)
- B.Ed. Mathematics - Teaching
Law (1)
- Bachelor Legal Studies
About
History
In 1957, innovation and entrepreneurship brought University of Waterloo into being, as a group of business leaders imagined a new university built to tackle some of the world’s most daunting challenges.
Education
Community and Professional Education (CAPE) is a collective of institutes, schools, and programs at Renison University College offering non-credit/non-degree programs, courses, and events in the areas of language, culture, and spirituality.
Research
The Office of Research is the university's central point connecting scientists on campus or those associated with Waterloo to opportunities for funding and a variety of services, including commercialization. Office of Research staff support researchers through the many phases of research including ethics review and managing funds.
Research is an integral and intensive area at Waterloo. In 2017-2018, Waterloo attracted more than $224 million from public and private sources to fund research across a spectrum of challenges. Waterloo's strength in research excellence is supported by partnerships with industry, creating opportunities that generate new knowledge and further Canada's economy.
Career
Career Advisors help all students, postdocs, alumni and employees learn about career management techniques, graduate/professional school preparation, work search methods and how to set meaningful and achievable goals, through:
- One-on-one appointments
- Drop-ins and co-op consults
- Workshops and events
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2021
GSSA 2021
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2021. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 8 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
University Ranking
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2022
151
2021
151
2020
151
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2023
154 -5
2022
149 17
2021
166
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2023
191 8
2022
199 11
2021
210
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2023
201
2022
201
2021
201
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Services
Student services
The Student Success Offices provides academic and personal development services, resources for international students, as well as study abroad and exchange support. We work closely with campus partners to create a vibrant experience for students from their first days at Waterloo, right to convocation.
Housing services
The SLC provides a casual atmosphere of recreation and relaxation for students, staff and faculty of the University of Waterloo. Come in, relax and take a break. It is the place to study, relax, do some banking, eat, visit Tim Hortons or just hang out with friends.
Library services
The University of Waterloo Library contributes to the achievement of the University's goals by collaborating with the community in teaching, learning, research and service.
The Library is committed to the values of:
- lifelong learning
- equitable access
- intellectual freedom
- confidentiality
- communication and cooperation
- continuous improvement
ICT services
In Information Systems & Technology (IST) we strive to provide effective information systems, technology and services in support of learning, teaching, research and administrative needs.
Medical services
Health Services aims to provide convenient, confidential and comprehensive medical care to registered students at Waterloo. We work in coordination with other health-related services on campus and in the Kitchener-Waterloo community.
Student Life
Campus life
Campus Wellness is here to help all students at the University of Waterloo. Our professionals provide primary medical care and mental health services using an inclusive, connected, and collaborative approach.
Sports facilities
If you're looking for a great way to keep in shape and have fun, join a Warrior recreation program or a varsity team. It's also a great way to make new friends, get involved on campus, and simply enjoy yourself.
Waterloo has 2 main athletic facilities on campus as well as gyms and recreational spaces in some residences.
Student clubs
The Associate Provost, Students is responsible for the effective direction and leadership of student services at Waterloo, including:
- Housing and Residences
- Student Success Office
- Campus Wellness
- Print + Retail Solutions
- Athletics and Recreational Services
- Food Services
- Student government: Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, Graduate Student Association
- Velocity
Student Reviews
Complicating
Anonymous rated 2 out of 5 stars
So far it’s been a wild roller coaster. When I first started, it was extremely difficult to find a place to live. Since I’m an upper year student, they wouldn’t allow upper year students to live on campus and finding a place off campus was just as difficult. I was one of the lucky few at least but Frick was it tough. As for studies, I ended up having to drop out of three...
Dual-Faculty Troubles (& Triumphs)
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed my experience at the University of Waterloo. However, because I am doing a double degree in two different faculties, I have had to facilitate finishing the requirements on my own which hasn’t always been the most straight forward. That said, I am thankful the University has allowed me to do a dual-faculty degree since this isn’t a readily available option.
The University of Waterloo: A fantastic place to study.
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
Waterloo had a lot of fantastic staff & students. They were a very challenging school which was very rewarding. There were many resources available to us students, and we had a beautiful campus with many amenities. The only dislike was some of the bureaucracy and structure of some of the courses.
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