University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo is one of Canada’s leading comprehensive universities, with strong teaching and research programs in six faculties: applied health sciences, arts, engineering, environment, mathematics, and science.

Collaborating with real life

Our researchers focus on solving problems and exploring issues that face our society and economy. This practical and creative orientation also applies to our teaching: our aim is to graduate applied scholars and professionals equipped with the skills and courage to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Co-operative education is one of the best ways to learn from experience. Waterloo’s innovative co-op program was the first in Canada and is now the world’s largest at the university level. By connecting theory with practice, and new knowledge with tried-and-true, our students make the most of their potential. Waterloo students have come first in the national co-op awards for three years in a row.

Waterloo offers other forms of experiential learning as well. Internships, volunteer service opportunities, and research assistantships are available in some academic programs.

Innovators of tomorrow — and today

Year after year, Canadian heads of education and industry have recognized Waterloo as the place to find tomorrow’s leaders, people who bring a “can-do” attitude to life.

It’s not just that some of the smartest students come here. In unconventional programs such as knowledge integration, students are encouraged to think critically and explore different areas of knowledge in creative ways. And students who enrol in co-op gain maturity, initiative, and life skills as well as job skills.

In or out of co-op, Waterloo encourages a spirit of entrepreneurship. Our grads are famous for having the courage to take risks. Many have spun off their own companies — sometimes while they’re still students, like Mike Lazaridis (right), the co-founder of Research In Motion and inventor of the BlackBerry.

An essential ingredient in our students’ success is great teachers who spark curiosity and instill a passion for learning. They are among the main reasons why our graduates have achieved a widespread reputation as strong leaders and innovators.

Connected around the globe

Waterloo students come from more than 100 countries around the world. As alumni they spread out over the globe, making a deep impact on society as creative-minded leaders.

So we’re already well on our way to achieving our goal of becoming one of the leading institutions of higher learning worldwide. We’ve expanded our connections globally with the Waterloo Institute for Computer Research Manhattan Office, the joint Waterloo-Nanjing University Sino-Canadian College in Nanjing, and the School of Architecture’s Rome Studio Program. A new University of Waterloo campus in the United Arab Emirates will be opening soon.

On our home campuses, students can expand their horizons by choosing from more than 100 international exchange programs in 30 countries, or by taking co-op work terms abroad. Some academic programs, such as peace and conflict studies, include an international fieldwork option.

Many programs have a direct international focus: options or specializations in international studies, international trade, and global engagement; a new bachelor’s degree program in international development; and grad programs in global governance, with links to the Centre for International Governance Innovation. In all programs, the university offers grants to encourage faculty members to infuse international perspectives into teaching and learning activities.

More than a conventional university

When people think of Waterloo, they may first think: Co-op. Engineering. Computers. And while Waterloo is justly famous for these programs, the university is also home to a surprising range of educational experiences.

Based in our faculties and colleges are nine schools: accounting and finance; architecture; computer science; environment, enterprise and development; international affairs; optometry; pharmacy; planning (above right, planning students in action); and social work.

And for students who prefer a more intimate experience, Waterloo has four partners who offer that ambience. Students can enjoy smaller classes, personal connections to professors, and a close-knit community while retaining all the benefits of the large research university that is literally a footbridge away, across the creek that separates the “university colleges” from Waterloo’s main campus.