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. A recurring theme is that combining coursework with co-op terms makes for a demanding pace, and students 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.

Official website: https://uwaterloo.ca

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