University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo, founded in 1957, has grown into one of Canada’s most distinctive universities, best known for its large-scale co-operative education programme and its strength in mathematics, engineering, and computer science. Its main campus sits in the city of Waterloo, part of Ontario’s technology-focused Kitchener-Waterloo region.

Why students choose Waterloo

• Famous for its co-op programme, alternating study terms with paid work placements.
• Home to Canada’s largest Faculty of Mathematics and a highly regarded computer science programme.
• Strong ties to the local technology sector, including many start-ups and established firms.
• Consistently regarded among the country’s leading universities for engineering and innovation.
• Practical, industry-connected approach that appeals to career-focused students.

Campus and location

The campus sits in the city of Waterloo, within Ontario’s Kitchener-Waterloo tech corridor, giving students close proximity to a dense cluster of technology companies and start-ups tied closely to the university’s co-op network.

What students say

Students consistently point to the co-op programme as one of the most valuable parts of studying at Waterloo, giving graduates real industry experience and connections before they finish their degree. Students often note that combining coursework with co-op terms makes for a demanding pace, and those in maths, engineering, and computer science in particular describe the academics as rigorous. This trade-off is generally seen as worthwhile given the strength of the outcomes many associate with the co-op model.

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