Contents
University of Waterloo admission at a glance
Applications for first-year entry close on February 1, 2027 for most programs and on January 15, 2027 for Engineering (other than Architecture), and international students have the same deadlines; Waterloo admits first-year students for the term starting in September only.
Everything on this page is according to the pages as of October 2026. Requirements depend on the program, so the report follows five programs: Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics and Honours Arts and Business, with Accounting and Financial Management added in the fee tables.
Full-time applicants apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), and applicants from outside Canada can email or book an online meeting with an international student recruiter. Most programs ask for the Admission Information Form, and Engineering adds an online interview.
For the IB, Computer Science asks for HL Analysis and Approaches at 6 and a total of 32, and Software Engineering and Computer Engineering for a total of 31. An international Computer Science year is estimated at $73,000 for two terms (the estimate for students starting in September 2026, the latest published).
How to apply to Waterloo from abroad
Full-time applicants apply to Waterloo through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), and within 24 to 48 hours of receiving your information from the OUAC Waterloo emails the next steps.
To apply to a co-op program, you must check the co-op box on your OUAC application, and co-op programs are available to Canadian and international students.
How many programs you can choose
You can apply to a maximum of three programs at Waterloo. You can apply to only one Engineering program, and one Engineering program and up to two non-Engineering Waterloo programs is the combination the page describes. Software Engineering and Biomedical Engineering are not available as alternate choices, so select them on the application itself if you want them.
Questions about applying from outside Canada go to an international student recruiter.
Waterloo admission requirements by program
Waterloo sets requirements program by program: for the IB, Computer Science asks for a total of 32, Software Engineering for 31, Mathematics for 30 and Honours Arts and Business for 27.
The table gives the IB rule of each program, according to the pages as of October 2026. The A-level, American-system and national-diploma rules follow in their own chapters.
A published minimum is a gate, not the level of admitted students: for Engineering, admission is not guaranteed based on a specific average. The Engineering chapter gives the ranges the faculty publishes.
IB requirements for Waterloo
Waterloo asks for the IB diploma with six total IB courses, at least three at HL, and the program totals exclude diploma points.
Subjects required for admission to specific programs should be HL whenever possible; where a program requires more than three subjects, SL courses are accepted, and HL English B with a minimum of 5 is accepted where HL or SL English A is required.
Computer Science
Computer Science needs HL Analysis and Approaches, minimum 6; HL or SL English A, with a total of 32, and the Admission Information Form is required. An English language test score is needed if your four most recent years of full-time education have not been in an English language school system.
Software Engineering and Computer Engineering
Both ask for Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Physics (HL recommended), minimum 4 in each, Chemistry and English A, minimum 4 in each, one other HL or SL course, minimum 4, total 31, with 6s and 7s recommended. The Engineering faculty summarises the same rule as a minimum of 4 per course with a minimum total of 31, excluding diploma points.
For Software Engineering, students are selected on an individual basis, and an online Software Engineering interview is required for admission. Applicants need experience in a programming course or self-study and a demonstrated interest in solving open problems, debugging code, testing code, and learning new software languages.
Mathematics and Honours Arts and Business
Mathematics asks for HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, minimum 6, HL or SL English A, total 30, and the Admission Information Form is required. Honours Arts and Business asks for HL or SL English A with a minimum of 4 or HL English B with a minimum of 5, total 27.
Required courses completed more than three years ago may need to be updated, and for Engineering courses that are two to three years old may need updating.
A-level requirements for Waterloo
Computer Science asks for A Level Mathematics with a minimum final grade of A and two other academic A Level courses with a minimum final grade of A in each, and Software Engineering for A Level Mathematics and A Level Physics with a minimum final grade of A in each.
The two program pages differ in the third subject and in the rule for English and Chemistry, according to the pages as of October 2026.
| Subject | Computer Science | Software Engineering |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | A Level, minimum final grade of A | A Level, minimum final grade of A |
| Physics | Not named | A Level, minimum final grade of A |
| Further A Levels | Two other academic A Levels, minimum final grade of A in each | One additional A Level, minimum final grade of B |
| Chemistry | Not named | GCSE-level required, A Level recommended, minimum final grade of B |
| English | GCSE, AS or A Level | GCSE-level, minimum final grade of B/5 |
The general certificate rule is passes in at least five unique subjects, three of which must be at the Advanced Level. IGCSE and GCE (O-level) courses are assessed as equivalent for programs that require courses at the GCSE level, and GCSE-level English as a Second Language is accepted if an acceptable English language proficiency test is submitted directly from the testing centre.
Software Engineering selects on an individual basis, and the page says A's and A*'s are recommended. Computer Science also requires the Admission Information Form.
American system and AP requirements
US applicants to Computer Science need AP Calculus with a minimum final grade of 4 and a minimum overall Grade 12 average of 90%, and SAT and ACT test scores are not required for admission.
The diploma needs prerequisite courses at the AP level and/or Grade 12 senior academic level, and the school must hold current accreditation from a recognized American regional education body. College Board results are required for AP Calculus.
Subscores as a substitute for the AB or BC Calculus examination results are not accepted, and the program also requires Algebra (Pre-Calculus) and Grade 12 English.
Software Engineering
Software Engineering asks for AP Calculus (or equivalent), AP Physics (or equivalent), Algebra (Pre-Calculus), Chemistry, Grade 12 English and one other Grade 12 academic course, minimum final grade of 75% in each, with a minimum average of at least 88% in the 6 required courses; SAT and ACT test scores are not required.
The Computer Science page also requires the Admission Information Form.
Requirements for French, German, Italian and other national diplomas
For Computer Science, Waterloo lists the French Baccalauréat with a minimum overall average of 16 and, for Germany, Italy, Poland, Brazil, Spain, Turkey, Egypt and the Netherlands, senior-level Mathematics including algebra (pre-calculus) and calculus, senior-level English, and one other senior-level course.
The table shows the diploma each page names, according to the pages as of October 2026. It covers the Computer Science pages only.
On the page for Germany, details about required courses go to myapplication@uwaterloo.ca, detailed course descriptions may be requested for subjects which are required for admission and you must have competitive grades in your senior level of high school. For the French Baccalauréat, the admission average includes the courses listed under program requirements.
Diplomas that are not in the table may have their own page on the Waterloo site, so check yours before relying on this chapter.
Engineering admission and competitive averages
Admission to Waterloo Engineering is not guaranteed based on a specific average, so the ranges the faculty publishes are a guide: Software Engineering low to mid-90s and Computer Engineering high 80s to low 90s.
The faculty states that there is no absolute grade cut-off for each engineering program, and the probability of admission varies from year to year, depending on the number of applications.
| Program | Predicted first-year class | Minimum competitive average |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineering | 130 | Low to mid-90s |
| Computer Engineering | 240 | High 80s to low 90s |
| Electrical Engineering | 120 | Low to mid-90s |
The faculty calls these figures the minimum competitive average, not a guarantee, and they are not the level of the students it admits. Engineering also sets a course count by system: 6 IB courses at the Higher or Standard Level, 6 4U/4M courses for Ontario and 6 senior academic courses for the American system.
Software Engineering adds a programming condition: experience in a programming course or self-study and a demonstrated interest in solving open problems, debugging code, testing code, and learning new software languages.
Admission Information Form and online interview
The Admission Information Form is required for Computer Science and Mathematics, Engineering applicants complete the online interview, and without the AIF and other required supplementary forms the application will not be reviewed.
In highly competitive programs, such as Engineering and Mathematics, supplementary application requirements allow Waterloo to be more selective beyond just grades. The AIF is reviewed both by trained people and by artificial intelligence, and a second human scorer reviews it if the scores differ significantly.
You can't edit or add information once you've submitted the AIF, so write it carefully. Submissions will not be reviewed after the deadline.
Engineering: forms and interview
Instead of the AIF, Engineering applicants complete a series of short supplementary forms. the AIF and video interview are used in the application process for Engineering programs, and all applicants to Engineering programs are required to complete the online interview. For Software Engineering, an online Software Engineering interview is required for admission.
The AIF page says Waterloo is not looking for specific extracurricular activities and does not expect engineering-related experience. A part-time or summer job, or a volunteer position that resembles a work environment, can enhance your application.
If you apply to Engineering and a Faculty of Mathematics program, you must submit the AIF, online interview and supplementary forms by the Engineering document deadline, February 1, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time; applications to Engineering programs other than Architecture close on January 15, 2027.
English language requirements for Waterloo
an English test score is needed if your four most recent years of full-time education have not been in an English-language school system; the minimums are IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, TOEFL iBT 4.5 overall for tests completed as of January 21, 2026 and Duolingo 120 overall.
Applicants find out whether they need a score by completing the Declaration of Academic Experience in the applicant portal once they have applied. The table lists each accepted test, according to the pages as of October 2026.
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT, current scale | 4.5 overall, 5 in writing, 5 in speaking |
| TOEFL iBT, older scale | 90 overall, 25 in writing, 25 in speaking |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall, 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening |
| PTE Academic | 63 overall, 65 writing, 65 speaking |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency | 180 overall, 176 in writing, reading, speaking and listening |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 overall, Literacy and Production 125 |
| English for Academic Success (EFAS) | 75% overall in level 400, at least 70% in EFAS 420, 440 and 460 |
Waterloo accepts English language scores completed on or after May 1, 2025, and earlier tests do not fulfill the requirements. TOEFL MyBest Scores and TOEFL Essentials will not be used, tests that do not appear on the chart are not accepted, and official scores must be sent by the testing agency directly to Waterloo's Office of the Registrar.
Waterloo's TOEFL institution code is 0996 and the department code is 00, and IELTS One Skill Retake results are accepted. For Duolingo, the page adds that results will not be accepted without subscores.
English test exemptions and the BASE program
You do not need a test if your four most recent years of full-time education were taught in an entirely English-language school system, in Canada or in another country, and you prove it with official transcripts which indicate the language of instruction for all classes or an official hardcopy letter from your previous schools.
Four most recent years of full-time education in Canada also remove the requirement. emailed letters will not be accepted, full-time ESL programs do not qualify for the exemption and are not counted, and required academic English courses cannot be used in place of a test.
Test results must be received by the document deadline for the program. Exemptions will not be granted if you are unable to take a test by the deadline.
The BASE program
If your score is short, apply to your preferred Waterloo program and, if you qualify, you receive an offer of admission to BASE. The program runs at a fraction of the normal tuition for international students. Waterloo reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission if you fail to meet the minimum English language requirements for the program.
Waterloo deadlines and application steps for 2027 entry
Most programs close on February 1, 2027 with documents due February 15, 2027; Engineering (other than Architecture) closes on January 15, 2027 with documents due February 1, 2027.
International students have the same deadlines. A deadline may be extended if a program is not yet full, and later applications are reviewed only if spaces are available. English test results must be received by the document deadline for the program.
Steps in order
- Check the admission requirements of your program in the IB, A-level, American-system or national-diploma chapter.
- Apply through the OUAC and check the co-op box if you want co-op.
- Complete the AIF and any other required supplementary forms, and for Engineering the online interview.
- Send an official English test score if you need one by the document deadline.
Writing the Euclid Contest or the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest is not required for admission, though writing one of these contests is required for some Faculty of Mathematics scholarships.
Programs in this report
The report covers Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics and Honours Arts and Business, and each has its own entry rule and its own fee line.
- Computer Science. The Admission Information Form is required; the international estimate is $73,000 for two terms.
- Software Engineering. The predicted first-year class is 130, with a low to mid-90s minimum competitive average.
- Computer Engineering. The predicted first-year class is 240.
- Mathematics. The IB rule is HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches at 6 with a total of 30.
- Honours Arts and Business. The IB total is 27, with HL or SL English A at 4 or HL English B at 5.
Accounting and Financial Management appears in the fee chapter: the international estimate is $58,000 for two terms.
Tuition and fees at Waterloo for international students
Waterloo estimates the first-year cost for international students at $73,000 for Computer Science and $75,000 for the Faculty of Engineering and Software Engineering for two terms, in Canadian dollars, plus $1,500 for books and supplies.
The figures are estimates for two terms (eight months) and a full course load, for students starting in September 2026. These are the latest published figures, not a 2027 price list.
| Program | Tuition and incidental fees | Books and supplies |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $73,000 | $1,500 |
| Faculty of Engineering, Software Engineering | $75,000 | $1,500 |
| Architecture | $75,000 | $8,100 |
| Mathematics (all majors) | $62,000 | $1,500 |
| Mathematics/Financial Analysis and Risk Management | $63,000 | $1,500 |
| Accounting and Financial Management | $58,000 | $1,500 |
| Faculty of Arts | $58,000 | $1,500 |
| Faculty of Science | $54,000 | $1,500 |
For accounting and finance programs, tuition is significantly higher in your upper years. Native American students from the continental United States are eligible to pay Ontario tuition rates.
Incidental fees include health and dental plans, a transit pass, recreation facilities, student clubs and career and counselling support, so they are part of the estimate rather than an extra.
Co-op fee, billing and what is included
co-op students pay a fee of $836 per school term, and you pay fees one school term at a time.
If you are in a co-op program, you do not pay tuition during your co-op work terms. Your exact fees are posted to your student account approximately a month before the start of each term.
The fee schedule for international undergraduates gives the 2026/2027 co-op fee of $836.00, and Engineering and Optometry students are charged a program fee equal to the maximum tuition charge. For the Fall 2026 term, the schedule covers the Fall 2026 term only, incidental fees are subject to change, and the due date is August 25, 2026.
Any course load of more than 2.5 units is charged the maximum tuition fee indicated for that program.
Who is Waterloo for? Summary
Waterloo suits applicants with a strong mathematics and science record who will complete the supplementary forms and, for Engineering, the online interview.
- Deadlines: February 1, 2027 for most programs and January 15, 2027 for Engineering.
- IB: total 32 for Computer Science, total 31 for Software Engineering and Computer Engineering.
- English: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, or TOEFL iBT 4.5 overall on the current scale.
- Cost: $73,000 for two terms for Computer Science, $836 per school term for co-op.
No admission is guaranteed: Waterloo Engineering does not admit on a specific average.
Waterloo: frequently asked questions
Can international students apply to the University of Waterloo?
Yes. Full-time applicants apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), co-op programs are available to Canadian and international students, and international students have the same deadlines as domestic applicants.
What is the Waterloo application deadline for 2027 entry?
Most programs close on February 1, 2027 with documents due February 15, 2027. Engineering (other than Architecture) closes on January 15, 2027 with documents due February 1, 2027.
What IB score does Waterloo require?
Computer Science needs a total of 32, Software Engineering and Computer Engineering 31, Mathematics 30 and Honours Arts and Business 27. Totals exclude diploma points.
What IELTS score does Waterloo require?
IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and speaking and 6.0 in reading and listening. You do not need a test if your four most recent years of full-time education were taught in an entirely English-language school system.
What TOEFL score does Waterloo accept?
Tests completed as of January 21, 2026 need 4.5 overall with 5 in writing and 5 in speaking. older tests need 90 overall with 25 in writing and 25 in speaking, and TOEFL MyBest Scores and TOEFL Essentials are not used.
How much does Waterloo cost for international students?
Computer Science is estimated at $73,000 for two terms, $75,000 for Engineering and Software Engineering, in Canadian dollars; these are estimates for September 2026 starters, the latest published.
What average do I need for Waterloo Engineering?
There is no absolute grade cut-off for each engineering program. Software Engineering lists a low to mid-90s minimum competitive average, and Computer Engineering a high 80s to low 90s one.
Do I need the SAT or ACT for Waterloo?
SAT and ACT test scores are not required for Computer Science and for Software Engineering, but College Board results are required for AP Calculus.
What is the Admission Information Form?
It is reviewed by trained people and by artificial intelligence. without it and any other required supplementary forms the application will not be reviewed, and you can't edit it once submitted.
How many programs can I apply to at Waterloo?
You can apply to a maximum of three programs. You can apply to only one Engineering program.
Where these numbers come from
Official pages of University of Waterloo, UCAS, gov.uk and the ranking publishers. Applicant reports, where shown, are self-reported and labelled.
https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/deadlines · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/how-to-apply · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/computer-science/high-school/international-system/ib · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/software-eng/high-school/international-system/ib · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/english-language-requirements · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-information-form · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/financing/tuition · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/mathematics/high-school/international-system/ib · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/honours-arts-business/high-school/international-system/ib · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/computer-eng/high-school/international-system/ib · https://uwaterloo.ca/engineering/future-students/applying/admission-requirements · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/computer-science/high-school/international-system/british-system · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/software-eng/high-school/international-system/british-system · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/computer-science/high-school/international-system/american-system · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/software-eng/high-school/international-system/american-system · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/computer-science/high-school/international-system/french-baccalaureate · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/computer-science/high-school/international/germany · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/computer-science/high-school/international/italy · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/computer-science/high-school/international/poland · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/computer-science/high-school/international/brazil · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/computer-science/high-school/international/spain · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/computer-science/high-school/international/turkey · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/computer-science/high-school/international/egypt · https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/computer-science/high-school/international/netherlands · https://uwaterloo.ca/finance/fee-schedule-international-undergraduate-students-fall-2026
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