Language of instruction
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
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 17 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 22 June (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 18 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 23 November (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Student testimonials
- B EngineeringSemester 1, 2019
Pitter patter, let's skiddader.
- Bachelor of Engineering/CommerceSemester 1, 2018
A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.
- Bachelor of Mathematics/ScienceSemester 1, 2018
Participate in activities that you wouldn't have the opportunity to in Brisbane. Go skiing, build a snowman!
Full-time study load
Undergraduate students:
2.5 credits at U Waterloo is equivalent to 8 UQ units.
Postgraduate students:
1.5 credits at U Waterloo is equivalent to 8 UQ units.
Minimum academic requirements
You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.5 to study at U Waterloo.
Architecture students must have completed two years of study at UQ and show relevant academic background in the proposed field of study before going to Waterloo.
Find courses
Search the U Waterloo course catalogue for undergraduate programs or postgraduate programs if courses do not appear in the database.
Search the Credit Precedent Database to find courses offered by your host university that have been previously approved for credit at UQ. The database should be used as a general guide only.
Study areas taught in English
Course restrictions
Additional academic information
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 17 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 22 June (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 18 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 23 November (for Semester 2 of the following year)
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 the Student Exchange Program 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
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 17 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 22 June (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 18 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 23 November (for Semester 2 of the following year)
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 UQ Abroad 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, UQ Abroad programs to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.
Find out the risk level and travel advice for your host country on the Smartraveller website.
Register your travel plans
We recommend that you register your travel plans on the Smartraveller website so that the Australian Government can contact you or your family in an emergency.
Non-Australian citizens should register with their closest consulate.
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 17 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 22 June (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 18 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 23 November (for Semester 2 of the following year)