Requirements
Bachelor
Admission is based on grades in required prerequisite courses; Mathematics (including the Cheriton School of Computer Science) and Engineering require additional profile information after applying and admit competitively above the published English and academic minimums. There is no single published minimum average across all programs.
Graduate
Set by the individual department; applicants should confirm requirements, references and, for research programs, a supervisor, on the specific program's page.
Documents
Official transcripts in required prerequisite courses; English proficiency test results unless exempt; a supplementary profile for Mathematics and other competitive programs, completed after the OUAC application; a copy of the passport information page for the later study permit application.
How to apply
- Confirm prerequisite courses and the English test minimum for your chosen program.
- Apply through OUAC (form 105 for applicants outside Ontario, including international applicants) and pay the application fee.
- Complete the supplementary information profile if your program requires one.
- Arrange transcripts and English test scores to reach Waterloo.
- Track your application through Waterloo's applicant portal (Quest) and respond to document requests.
- Accept an offer and apply for a study permit.
English test waiver
Waterloo does not publish a separate higher institutional minimum for Mathematics and Engineering, but these faculties admit competitively at English and academic scores above the published minimum. TOEFL iBT scores from tests taken on or after 21 January 2026 use a new 1 to 6 scale; Waterloo's minimum on that scale is 4.5 overall.