If you have received an Offer of Admission to the University of Waterloo for an undergraduate degree program but wish to begin your studies in a later term, you may request a deferral of your admission.
Deferral Conditions
- You must confirm your Offer of Admission for the term to which you were initially admitted by the deadline stated on the offer.
- You will not be required to reapply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).
You must submit a written request to the Manager, Admissions no later than one month prior to the beginning of the term to which you were initially admitted.
- You must explain your reasons for requesting the deferral and summarize your plans for the deferral period. Include your Waterloo ID number, first and last name, the program you are requesting the deferral for, and the future entry term you are requesting.
- Your deferral may not exceed 3 academic terms (1 year).
- Normally, your deferral will be granted only if you have not undertaken full-time academic studies during the deferral period unless those studies are deemed to enrich your education and will not negatively affect your admissibility. Each case will be considered on an individual basis.
- You will be guaranteed a place in residence if you were initially admitted to a first-year program. For the year you were initially admitted, you will not be required to pay a residence deposit to hold your place in residence. You will be required to pay your deposit by the deadline date for the term that you actually begin your studies at Waterloo. Details will be outlined when you receive your new Offer of Admission.
- If you received a President’s Scholarship for the term to which you were initially admitted, the scholarship will be held for you during the deferral period and will be applied to the term you begin your first-year studies.
- Consideration for other entrance scholarships will be on a case-by-case basis.
- You must meet all conditions outlined on your original Offer of Admission by the date specified on that offer.
- A revised Offer of Admission will be sent, and you will need to confirm in writing your intention to enrol.
- If you're requesting a deferral for a graduate studies program (master's or PhD), please email gsoffice@uwaterloo.ca.
Note:
Many programs consider deferrals for a fall term only. Residence is not guaranteed for any deferrals approved for a winter or spring term.
For more information on how to submit your deferral request, please visit: www.findoutmore.uwaterloo.ca/admissions/offers.php#deferred.