Admission requirements

Students who are graduates of approved universities and colleges* are eligible for admission to Graduate Studies. Application for admission should be made as early as possible using our online application for admission. Students should check with their chosen department/school for application deadlines and additional application requirements. A non-refundable application fee must be paid with each application.

The department/school of the University of Waterloo in which the applicant intends to pursue graduate study must approve the application and the applicant's proposed program. In addition, applicants must be recommended for admission by the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) of the appropriate Faculty. At the discretion of the committee, an applicant may be required to write a set of qualifying examinations.

An official academic transcript from each postsecondary institution must be submitted if an applicant is offered admission. Transcripts must show all courses, grades and the awarding of degree(s). To be considered official, transcripts and other academic documents must be received from the issuing institution. Transcripts can be received as hardcopy documents via mail or courier. Hardcopy transcripts must be received in a signed/sealed university envelope. Transcripts received as secure electronic documents must be received from the issuing institution directly or through services that issue verified digital credentials.

Documents received electronically through an external transcript service or an external examination agency will be considered official. These may include one of the following; MyCreds, Digitary, Parchment, National Student Clearninghouse, eScript-Safe, or TranscriptsNetwork.  

A certified English translation must also be included if the official transcripts are written in a language other than English. All transcripts will be verified by the University of Waterloo for authenticity.

Official admission to any program of graduate studies is in the form of an "Offer of Admission" issued only by Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA). Admission decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

For further information, prospective graduate students should contact the department/school to which they seek admission.

*Information on approved universities and colleges is available in Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA).