The University of Waterloo offers students two different systems of study: the regular system and the co-operative (co-op) system. Academic programs and/or plans may be offered under one system only, or under either system. Refer to each faculty section of this Calendar for additional information.
To facilitate both systems of study, the University has three academic terms per year: fall (September - December), winter (January - April), and spring (May - August).
Regular System
Under the regular system, the student normally follows the conventional eight-month academic year (two consecutive terms) from September to April.
Co-operative (Co-op) System
Students studying in the co-op system alternate their on-campus academic terms with off-campus work terms in business, industry, or government. Further information about the co-op system is provided in Co-operative Education & Career Action.
Courses are normally four months in duration regardless of the system of study.