Language of instruction
Generally available as a second or third preference.
The University of Waterloo has created an outstanding educational reputation recognised around the world. In the heart of Waterloo Region, at the forefront of innovation, the University of Waterloo is home to world-changing research and inspired teaching. The UWaterloo campus is a friendly, supportive, and multicultural environment.
Located in Canada’s “technology triangles”, Waterloo has been consistently voted one of the nation’s smartest cities. The city offers a unique blend of intriguing restaurants, boutique stores, several microbreweries, galleries and nightlife. Waterloo is just a one-hour drive from downtown Toronto.
Semester dates
| UQ Semester | Host Semester | Dates |
| Semester 1 | Winter Term | January–April |
| Semester 2 | Fall Term | September–December |
Campuses
University of Waterloo has multiple campuses, with exchange programs available at:
- Main campus
- School of Architecture, Cambridge
Exchange deadlines
Exchange deadlines
The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ’s Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ’s Semester 1, 2026.
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Applications close: 31 May
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Applications close: 31 October
Student testimonials
- Master of ArchitectureSemester 1, 2024
- B EngineeringSemester 1, 2019
Pitter patter, let's skiddader.
Full-time study load
Host university requirements
GPA
You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.5 to study at U Waterloo.
Study Options
You must choose one admission faculty from the available list. Further details are outlined in the Additional Academic Information section below.
Other Requirements
Architecture students must have completed two years of study at UQ and show relevant academic backgrounds in the proposed field of study before going to Waterloo.
Note: Host university eligibility criteria are at the discretion of the host and may change without notice.
Find courses
Search the U Waterloo course catalogue for undergraduate programs or postgraduate programs .
UQ Credit Precedent Database
The first step is to review the host university's most recent course catalogue and identify the courses available to exchange students in the semester you plan to attend (e.g. Fall/Spring or Semester 1/Semester 2).
Once you have identified suitable courses, you can search the Credit Precedent Database (CPD) to check whether any of those courses have previously been assessed for UQ credit.
Please note:
- Always use the host university course catalogue to identify available courses. The CPD should only be used to check whether those courses have previously been assessed for UQ credit.
- The CPD is a guide only and does not represent the full or current range of courses available at a host institution.
- Previous credit assessments may have expired or no longer reflect the current course content.
- Courses that do not appear in the CPD can still be considered for UQ credit through the Study Plan assessment process.
Study areas taught in English
Academic restrictions
Additional academic information
Exchange deadlines
Exchange deadlines
The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ’s Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ’s Semester 1, 2026.
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Applications close: 31 May
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Applications close: 31 October
Accommodation
Waterloo offers a variety of on-campus living options. Residence space for exchange students is limited and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cost of living
Use the University of Waterloo's budget calculator to get an idea of the cost of living and studying in Waterloo.
Additional Mandatory Fees
Waterloo has additional mandatory incidental fees, which include mandatory health insurance and a student services fee that provides unlimited access to the regional transit system. These fees cannot not be waived.
Financial support
A range of funding for student exchange including scholarships, grants and loans are available to UQ students.
Insurance
Students approved to participate in a Semester-based Exchange are automatically covered by UQ’s Travel Insurance for the country of their host university only.
For more information, read the Student Travel Insurance Policy Summary on UQ’s Travel Insurance web page (login required).
If you plan to travel outside of your host country, you should purchase additional insurance.
All students going on exchange to the University of Waterloo are required to purchase their compulsory health insurance. More information regarding the University Health Insurance Plan can be found on Waterloo's website.
Exchange deadlines
Exchange deadlines
The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ’s Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ’s Semester 1, 2026.
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Applications close: 31 May
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Applications close: 31 October
Organise your visa
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.
Contact the High Commission of Canada for visa information.
Travel risk levels
The University of Queensland cannot and does not allow students to travel to any country with a risk level of 3 (Reconsider your need to travel) or above, as assessed by the Australian Government.
If a country's risk level changes to 3 or above, experiences to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.
Find out the risk level and travel advice, and sign up to receive updates for your host country on the Smartraveller website.
Exchange deadlines
Exchange deadlines
The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ’s Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ’s Semester 1, 2026.
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Applications close: 31 May
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Applications close: 31 October