QS World Ranking
#112
Acceptance Rate
53%
Annual Tuition (USD)
$35,000
On-Campus Housing
Available
Application Deadline
March 1
via Direct
Student Body
Total Enrollment
42,000
students
International Students
22%
US % data not publicly reported
Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.
Why This School
World's largest co-op program; top feeder to Google, Microsoft, and top US tech companies.
QS Subject Rankings 2025
Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject
Notes for US Students
Strong co-op program with guaranteed work terms. Silicon Valley's favorite Canadian university for CS/Eng.
Admission Criteria
Key requirements for US students applying to University of Waterloo
Acceptance Rate
53%
Moderately selective
Application System
Direct
Deadline
March 1
Instruction Language
English
School Type
Public
Annual Tuition
$35,000
Requirements Checklist for US Applicants
- Apply via OUAC
- SAT 1350+ or ACT 30+ recommended; strong math scores essential
- High school math and science grades critical (calculus, physics)
- Admission Information Form (AIF) — activity profile required
- Acceptance is program-specific; CS and Engineering are very competitive
Class Size
Academic Calendar
Co-op students alternate study and work terms.
Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.
Admission Details
- Language of Instruction
- English
- Estimated Annual Tuition
- ~$35,000 / year
- Application Deadline
- March 1
- Application System
- Direct
- School Type
- Public
- Acceptance Rate
- 53%
Programs Offered
Scholarships to Explore
- ✓President's Scholarship
- ✓International Master's Award
Cost of Living — Waterloo, Canada
Moderate CostEstimated monthly total
$1,385
vs. avg US college student
27% cheaper
US avg ~$1,900/mo
Waterloo is a mid-sized university town with low costs compared to Toronto or Vancouver. Co-op earnings offset expenses.
Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.
About Studying at University of Waterloo as a US Student
University of Waterloo is located in Waterloo, Canada and is ranked #112in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Business, Sciences. Instruction is offered in English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$35,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 53%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of March 1. Scholarships available include the President's Scholarship.