University of Waterloo

University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

• 30,997 Students

• Cost of Attendance:   $30,000 - $40,000 – Varies by program

• No Need Based Aid

• MIT of Canada

• 1 of 18 universities in the world to earn 5+ stars for research, teaching, employability, facilities and innovation

• 1 of 10 global universities leading the UN Women’s HeForShe IMPACT 10x10x10 initiative, to equip women for success and leadership in traditionally male dominated fields.

• #2 in Canada for graduate employability

• Research Mecca

• Co-op program is very big here – 4 month paid work rotation – 5 years total. 4 – 6 co-op terms available (4 required to graduate).    75% of students participate in the co-op program.  Largest co-op program in the world.

• #1 in world for partnerships with employers.   6,700 co-op employers in more than 60 countries have hired Waterloo students.

• Average total co-op earnings:   $45,000 - $85,000 over 5 terms.

• 96% of co-op grads find jobs in their field within 6 months of graduation.

• ‘Creator-Own’  - intellectual property policy means students own their ideas.

• #1 in Canada for entrepreneurs founding companies valued at $1B or more.

• Waterloo region is among the world’s top 25 startup ecosystems, with regional startup density second only to Silicon Valley.    1,845 startups in the area.

• Velocity – Largest free incubator in world – 25% of Waterloo students are enrolled in business related majors, minors, and program options.   Adding a business minor to another major greatly increases employability.   They offer 17 different business programs. 

• Many majors are direct entry.   High school experience is very important in admissions. Applicants really need to know what they want to do before applying.

• 100 US students per year.

• 18% international students including from US.

• Transferring between programs is very difficult (only if a spot opens).

• No general classes

• Some Greek life

• Admissions:  they translate grades to a numerical score (1 – 100).   Min of 88 to get into engineering.   Better chances if higher.    Do not weigh AP or IB classes.

• In engineering program they reserve 220 spots per year for international students.

• Merit scholarships awarded automatically upon application if qualified (these are one time only upon entry.   Not renewed.  Other scholarships available for upper classman to apply for).

• Decision from them June 1.   Offers made during May.   Application deadline for engineering is 2/1.   Others vary by major.

• 33 varsity sports teams

• 300 academic, charitable, social, religious, political, sports and cultural clubs to join

• 2500 drop-in fitness classes each year

• Cool Class:  Mafia Culture and the Power of Symbols, Ritual and Myth

• Fun Fact:  There are 34 places to buy coffee on campus