International Students Thriving At University Of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo is a hub of innovation and research, attracting students from across the globe. With a total student population of 42,000, the university boasts a diverse and vibrant community, including a significant number of international students. In 2022/23, 19% of undergraduate and 41% of graduate students at the University of Waterloo were international, representing 84 countries. The university's reputation for excellence and its ranking as Canada's top innovation university have contributed to its appeal to international students seeking a world-class education.

International student percentage: 19% undergraduate, 41% graduate (2022/23)

The University of Waterloo is a hub of academic excellence, attracting students from across the globe. In the 2022/23 academic year, international students constituted a significant 19% of the undergraduate student body. This percentage translates to a large number of students, considering the university's total undergraduate population. The University of Waterloo's undergraduate programs offer a diverse and inclusive learning environment, with nearly one in five students holding international status.

The graduate programs at the University of Waterloo are even more diverse, with international students comprising 41% of the graduate student population in the 2022/23 academic year. This high percentage of international graduate students enhances the cultural richness and global perspective within the university's graduate programs. The university's reputation for excellence and innovation in graduate studies, particularly in research, draws inspiring and creative minds from around the world.

The University of Waterloo takes pride in its large cohort of international graduate students. With over 5,800 graduate students on campus, 40% of them, or 2,320 students, represent countries from all corners of the globe. The international graduate student community at the University of Waterloo is a vibrant and integral part of the university's academic landscape.

The university's overall student population, including both undergraduate and graduate students, stands at approximately 42,000 in the fall of 2023. While the exact breakdown of international students across different programs and levels is not publicly available, the university's strong reputation and focus on innovation contribute to its appeal to international students. The University of Waterloo is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, enhancing the educational experience for all its students.

Graduate students: 5,800+ on campus, 40% international

The University of Waterloo is a hub of academic excellence, attracting students from across the globe. With a strong reputation for innovation, it is no surprise that the university boasts a large cohort of international graduate students. As of the latest update in November 2024, there are over 5,800 graduate students on campus, with a significant 40% of this population comprising international students. This diverse group of graduate students represents an impressive 84 countries worldwide.

The University of Waterloo's graduate programs are a melting pot of cultures, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. With approximately 2120 international graduate students, the campus is a vibrant community where students can broaden their horizons, both academically and culturally. This diverse student body is a testament to the university's international reputation for excellence and innovation, consistently ranking it as the top comprehensive research university in Canada.

The international graduate students at the University of Waterloo bring a wealth of knowledge, experiences, and unique viewpoints to the campus. They contribute to a dynamic and stimulating learning environment, enriching the educational experience for all students. The university's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community is evident in its active pursuit of international students and its dedication to providing resources and support for this significant portion of its graduate population.

The University of Waterloo's recognition as a leading research institution extends beyond Canadian borders, attracting top talent from around the world. Its graduate programs offer a unique blend of academic rigour and practical opportunities, such as the world's largest paid-internship education system, providing an appealing proposition for ambitious international students. The university's entrepreneurial culture and intensive focus on research create a powerful innovation hub, further enhancing its appeal on the global stage.

The University of Waterloo's graduate student body, with its substantial international contingent, is a testament to the university's inclusive and forward-thinking approach to higher education. The diverse nationalities represented on campus contribute to a global mindset, preparing students to tackle complex challenges and find innovative solutions. As the university continues to nurture its international community, it strengthens its position as a leading destination for graduate studies, known for its dynamic and culturally enriching environment.

International student resources: student success office, admissions brochure

The University of Waterloo is a diverse and vibrant community of students, professors, and researchers from across Canada and the world. In 2022-23, 19% of undergraduate and 41% of graduate students at the university were international, totalling more than 25,000 students from 120 countries.

International Student Resources: Student Success Office

The Student Success Office at the University of Waterloo is dedicated to supporting students throughout their academic journey and helping them shape their path to success. Here are some of the resources available to international students:

• Peer Success Coaching: Receive one-on-one academic support and guidance from an upper-year student.
• SMART Program: Boost your skills through self-paced, online micro-courses that you can complete at your own pace.
• My Learning Skills Evaluation: Discover your academic strengths and identify areas for improvement to reach your full potential.
• International Orientation: Start your first year by connecting with other new international students before the rest of the incoming class arrives.
• Immigration Consulting: Get free support and appointments with Immigration Consultants to help you navigate the complexities of maintaining your immigration documents.
• International Peer Community: Make friends from all over the world and participate in fun events and community-building activities.
• International Student Advisory Committees (ISAC): Share your perspective and contribute to important discussions on issues and projects that impact international students at Waterloo.

Admissions Brochure

The University of Waterloo offers a wide range of programs and opportunities for international students seeking a world-class education. With a rich history of academic excellence, Waterloo is consistently ranked among the top universities in Canada and the world. Our cooperative education program, the largest in North America, provides paid internship opportunities and is open to both Canadian and international students.

Waterloo is committed to supporting international students throughout the admissions process and their time at the university. Our international recruitment team is available to answer any questions you may have about our programs or the application process. We also offer an information session specifically for international students, where you can learn about our unique offerings, cooperative education, and what makes Waterloo a special place to study.

As a global community with students from over 120 countries, Waterloo provides a diverse and enriching environment. Our various on-campus residence options offer social opportunities and study spaces, making it easy to connect with fellow students. Additionally, with over 250 student clubs, you can find your community and connect with students from similar backgrounds, such as the African Student Association, Indian Cultural Association, and Muslim Students' Association.

We understand that travelling to a new country can be intimidating, which is why we provide comprehensive support for international students. Our dedicated team can assist you with the study permit application process, and our student success office offers a range of resources to help you excel academically and socially.

International student admissions: English language proficiency (ELP) requirements

The University of Waterloo is home to a large cohort of international graduate students, with over 5,800 graduate students on campus, 40% of whom are international, from 84 countries. The official language of instruction at the university is English, and all students are required to have the necessary English language skills to succeed. The University of Waterloo's Senate Graduate and Research Council (SGRC) establishes the minimum academic admission requirements for all graduate students. While the university sets the minimum standards, specific programs may have additional or higher requirements.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) Tests

The University of Waterloo accepts various English language proficiency tests, including:

• Internet-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) - the required scores must be met in a single test, and TOEFL MyBestTM scores are not accepted. When ordering your TOEFL, use the institution code 0996 (University of Waterloo) and the department code 01 (Educational Administration).
• IELTS (academic) - International English Language Testing System - the required scores must be met in a single test, and IELTS One Skill Retake is not accepted.
• Cambridge English Test - C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency.
• CAEL - Canadian Academic English Language.
• PTE (academic) - Pearson Test of English.
• EFAS - English for Academic Success.

It is important to note that ELP scores are valid for two years from the test date. Letters from your university stating that English is the medium of instruction will not satisfy Waterloo's admission requirements.

Conditional English Language Proficiency Admission

If you are applying to a graduate program and have provided an ELP test but are slightly below the required score, conditional admission may be offered. Similarly, if you are applying with a sponsorship that includes funding for English language studies, you may also be considered for conditional admission.

Exemptions from English Language Proficiency Requirements

You may be exempt from submitting an English language proficiency examination score if any of the following conditions apply at the time of your application to Waterloo:

• You have completed three or more years of post-secondary education at a Canadian institution or university.
• You have obtained a graduate degree from a Canadian university.
• You have finished three or more years of post-secondary education or earned a graduate degree in an exempt country (Eswatini, Ireland, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Turks and Caicos Islands, or the United States of America).
• You have been employed for a minimum of three years in a position where English was the primary language of business in one of the exempt countries listed above.
• You have completed three or more years of post-secondary education or obtained a graduate degree from a university where English is listed as the sole language of instruction on the International Association of Universities World Higher Education Database (WHED). Please note that the ELP exemption from a WHED institution is valid for two years after graduation.

International student fees: tuition fee estimator available online

The University of Waterloo has a large international community, with 19% of its undergraduate students and 40% of its graduate students coming from outside Canada, representing 84 countries. The university offers over 100 programs to choose from, and its international reputation for excellence and innovation attracts some of the most inspiring and creative graduate students and researchers in the world.

International Student Fees and Tuition Fee Estimator

The University of Waterloo charges tuition fees based on residency status. There are three residency statuses: Domestic Ontario, Domestic Out of Province, and International. The fees for international students are significantly higher than for domestic students. For example, the estimated tuition and incidental fees for two terms (eight months) in the Faculty of Engineering for a Domestic Ontario student are $11,700, whereas for an international student, the fees are estimated at $50,000.

The University of Waterloo charges tuition one term at a time, and fees are due before the start of the term. The terms are as follows:

• Fall: September to December
• Winter: January to April
• Spring: May to August

The specific tuition fees for international students vary by program and level (undergraduate or graduate). To estimate the tuition fees for a particular program, the University of Waterloo provides an online Tuition Fee Estimator. This tool allows prospective international students to receive an estimate of their tuition, incidental, and residence fees for their desired program.

The University of Waterloo's website provides detailed information on the fee schedules for international students, including estimates for the 2024-2025 academic year. It is important to note that incidental fees are subject to change. International students can expect to pay fees that cover items such as health and dental plans, transit passes, recreation facilities and classes, student clubs and services, orientation activities, and support services.

Additionally, students in the co-op program pay a fee of $865 per term to cover the costs of the program. However, during their co-op work terms, students do not pay tuition. The University of Waterloo also offers various forms of financial assistance, including scholarships, bursaries, and government student loans and grants.

Frequently asked questions