Admission tips for international students
1. How and when can I apply?
2. When will I know that Waterloo received my application?
3. How soon will I hear?
4. Can international students apply for co-op programs?
5. What if my English Language Test Scores don't meet Waterloo's admission standards?
6. Do you require the SAT, a reference letter, or an essay?
7. Where should I send my official documents?
8. How do I know whether I have to submit English language test scores (e.g., TOFEL, IELTS, MELAB, CAEL)?
9. How do I submit my test scores to Waterloo?
1. How and when can I apply?
All applications for the University of Waterloo and all other Ontario universities are processed online by the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). You'll apply using the 105 application form. For fall term admission, the 105 form is available in late September of the year prior to the start of your studies (e.g., applications for fall 2013 are available in September 2012).
- If you're applying for Engineering at Waterloo, including Software, you can apply to only ONE Engineering program on your application.
- You can indicate your other Engineering choice(s) on the Admission Information Form (AIF). You'll receive instructions about completing your AIF after you've applied to Waterloo.
- If you are equally interested in Architecture and an Engineering program, you should apply to both architecture and one engineering program on your application.
- If you're applying for Engineering at Waterloo, including Software, you can apply to only ONE Engineering program on your application.
2. When will I know that Waterloo received my application?
OUAC will notify the University of Waterloo that you have applied, and about one week later, we will send you an email about the next steps in your admission process.
If you are interested in applying to begin your studies in the winter term (January) or spring term (May), please visit our winter/spring admissions page.*
*Please note, not all Waterloo programs are offered for winter and spring admission.
3. How soon will I hear?
For the fall term, which starts in September, Waterloo begins sending Offers of Admission in December, but the majority of Waterloo offers will be sent by late May.
4. Can international students apply for co-op programs?
Yes, international students are eligible for all programs* offered at the University of Waterloo through either the co-op or regular systems of study.
Find out more about co-operative education and career services at Waterloo. The world-class services available through these departments are part of the reason that Waterloo students enjoy one of the country's highest career success rates after graduation.
* Exception: International students are not eligible for Waterloo’s Accounting programs: Accounting and Financial Management/Public Accountancy, Biotechnology/Chartered Accountancy, Math/Chartered Accountancy.
5. What if my English Language Test Scores don't meet Waterloo's admission standards?
If your English Language test scores don't meet Waterloo's admission standards, you may still qualify for conditional acceptance. Read about our BASE program. The BASE program is available in all faculties, except Mathematics which has the ELAS program.
If you are applying to the Faculty of Mathematics and your scores are below the admission standards, you may be eligible for conditional admission through the English Language for Academic Studies (ELAS) program.
- The ELAS program is considered only for Faculty of Mathematics programs and is not considered for admission or transfers to programs in other faculties.
6. Do you require the SAT, a reference letter, or an essay?
If you're applying from a high school in the United States or from a high school that follows the American system, you are required to submit SAT I scores or the results of the ACT test. The minimum required SAT I combined Math and Critical Reading score is normally 1100 for all faculties. The writing component is evaluated on an individual basis. SAT II scores are not required.
Letters of reference are required only for Faculty of Mathematics programs, Independent Studies, Optometry, Pharmacy, and Social Work.
Essays are not required for admission to the University of Waterloo except for the Optometry program. Waterloo has an Admission Information Form (AIF) - an online form that is a chance for you to provide the admissions committee with information about you in addition to your marks, such as your activities outside of the classroom, or reasons for achieving a mark lower than required. The AIF is required or strongly recommended for all programs. Find out more about the AIF.
7. Where should I send my official documents?
All official documents should be sent to
Office of the Registrar
University of Waterloo
200 University Ave W
Waterloo ON N2L 3G1 Canada
8. How do I know whether I have to submit English language test scores( e.g., TOFEL, IELTS, MELAB, CAEL)?
To determine whether you must submit test scores, visit the English language requirements website. On this site, you'll also find minimum scores required and admission deadlines.
9. How do I submit my test scores to Waterloo?
You must request that the testing agency forward your test scores directly to the Office of the Registrar. Faxes and student copies of test scores are NOT accepted for admission to Waterloo.
Codes for the TOEFL and TSE tests:
Waterloo's Institution Code is 0996.
Waterloo's Department Code is 00.
Waterloo's mailing address:
ELR Requirements
Office of the Registrar
University of Waterloo
200 University Ave W
Waterloo ON N2L 3G1 Canada
