International student admission
Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/international-students
With more than 25,000 students from 120 countries at Waterloo, you'll join a community of students, professors, and researchers from across Canada and around the globe.
From India, Pakistan, China, or the US?
Discover resources specifically for you!
New! $10,000 scholarships
International fee-paying students admitted to full-time, first-year degree studies starting in September 2026 will receive a $10,000 scholarship for their first-year studies.
No application is required. Students who are eligible will be automatically granted the scholarship. See full details about these new scholarships.
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Where is Waterloo?
The University of Waterloo is conveniently located in the northwest corner of the city of Waterloo, less than 120 km west of Toronto.
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Distances to nearby cities
- 118 km (73 miles) to Toronto
- 150 km (110 miles) to Niagara Falls
- 290 km (180 miles) to Detroit
- 640 km (400 miles) to Montreal
Flights from Toronto to
- Boston or New York City: 90 minutes
- Vancouver or San Francisco: 5 hours
- London: 7 hours
- Dubai: 13 hours
- Delhi: 16 hours
- Singapore: 21 hours
Waterloo: a city for students
With 50,000 students, two universities and a college, and one of the youngest populations in Canada, the area has tons of restaurants, shops, and services geared toward students.
If you love the energy of a big urban centre – transportation, culture, and nightlife – with the charm and familiarity of a small town, the city of Waterloo is the place for you!\
Remote video URL
View "Explore the City of Waterloo" on YouTube
Frequently asked questions
What programs does Waterloo offer?
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View "What programs does Waterloo offer?" on YouTube
Waterloo offers 100+ programs across our six faculties. There's something to fit everyone's interests.
Not sure what to study? Check out our tips on how to choose a university program.
Where will I call home?
Remote video URL
View "Where will I call home on campus?" on YouTube
Waterloo offers various on-campus residence options that comes with perks such as social opportunities, study spaces, and more!
Get answers to frequently asked questions by international students
If you have questions that aren't answered, please feel free to contact our international recruitment team.
View our information session for international students
Sign up to view our 25-minute information session specifically for international students. Learn about programs, co-operative education, the application process, and what makes Waterloo special!
We'll send you a link for the information session (hosted on YouTube).
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Date of birth
Your date of birth is collected to confirm your identity and to match your information with an application record, if applicable. This information will be used solely for these purposes.
When will you/your student begin university? - Select -September 2026 (if you're in Grade 12 or equivalent)September 2027 (if you're in Grade 11 or equivalent)September 2028 (if you're in Grade 10 or equivalent)September 2029 (if you're in Grade 9 or equivalent)September 2025 (if you're in Grade 8 or equivalent)
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70% of Waterloo’s international students gain Permanent Resident status in Canada – double the average for universities across the country.
Waterloo has one of the highest study permit approval rates in Canada, approximately 81%
Waterloo's international students earn more after graduation than Canadian-born graduates from Waterloo and across Canada.
Contact a recruiter
Have questions about programs or applying to Waterloo? Contact our international recruitment team.
Join our mailing list
Have tips and articles emailed to you once a month, including information specifically for international students.
Connect with a student
Have questions about what it's like to study at Waterloo? Ask a current student.
[Services to help you succeed
From immigration consultants and academic advisors to residence life assistants and fellow international students, there are hundreds of people ready to help you get the most out of your Waterloo experience.](https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/international-students/support-services)
Looking for safety, excellence, and career opportunities
When Dr. Narinder Paul Singh visited Canada to research universities for his two sons, he started in British Columbia and worked his way east. He was looking for three things: a safe campus, academic excellence, and strong career prospects.
Discover one family's path from India to Waterloo →
Your community is calling
It's great to meet new friends, but sometimes it's nice to connect with students from home. Among our 250+ clubs are the African Student Association, Indian Cultural Association, Muslim Students' Association, and more.
From the Missing Manual
Visit our Missing Manual articles for valuable tips and advice from Waterloo students and staff.
Attending university in Canada
Are you wondering what uni in Canada is like for international students? We’ve got all the information you might need.
Bridge to Academic Success in English
Are you concerned you might not meet our English language requirements? The Bridge to Academic Success in English program might be for you.
Your guide to international student resources
Travelling to a new country might seem intimidating at first, but don’t worry — we’re here to support you in all the steps you’ll take.