Over the last few decades, Waterloo Region, Ontario has become Canada’s leading technology hub. While many factors influenced this, the University of Waterloo (UW) is a key driver for local innovation. As one of Canada’s premier research institutions, UW is home to world-class facilities in science, engineering, and many other areas. Students from all around the world call the University of Waterloo home.
If you’re considering studying abroad, we’re highlighting the top seven reasons the University of Waterloo is an excellent place for international students below. Read on!
Want to study in Ontario, Canada? Check out these international student scholarships.
7 Reasons International Students Should Study at the University of Waterloo
1. In Canada’s Top 10
The University of Waterloo consistently ranks highly among Canadian academic institutions. In fact, it ranks 10th overall in Times Higher Education’s annual rankings. The University of Waterloo consistently scores high marks for its international outlook, engineering and technology programs, reputation, and physical and social science programs.
Courtesy of the University of Waterloo.
2. A Large International Student Population
UW is a space where international students feel at home. The university attracts talented students from across the globe. In fact, 22% of undergrads and 40% of graduate students are international students! As of 2021, there are over 227,000 UW alumni in 151 countries. It also offers a wide range of student services, from a new student welcome guide to breakfast seminars where you can learn about campus programs and events.
3. International Grads Get Jobs
The University of Waterloo has an excellent postgraduate employment rate of 97.5%. This success continues to attract students from around the world. UW grads are highly sought-after thanks to the university’s high-quality education and close partnerships with many successful companies.
Additionally, UW placed 24th in the world in the annual QS Graduate Employability Rankings. It ranked second in Canada, just behind the University of Toronto.
Courtesy of the University of Waterloo.
4. Work Terms
Another major reason why students graduate work-ready from UW is the university’s world-class co-op programs. Most programs at UW have co-op terms to help students gain work experience in their field. Even better, many of these co-op positions are paid, with UW co-op students earning over C$285 million in the 2019-2020 academic year.
Read more about the University of Waterloo’s co-op programs.
5. World-Class Computer Programs
Although the University of Waterloo has many excellent programs, its reputation is especially strong in computer science and engineering. Called the “MIT of the North,” many UW graduates have worked or started companies in Silicon Valley. These graduates have also helped to establish Waterloo Region as a tech hub. In fact, companies including BlackBerry, Kik Interactive, and ApplyBoard were founded by UW grads!
Learn more about UW computer science and computer engineering on our program pages.
Courtesy of the University of Waterloo.
6. Canada’s Tech Hub
The University of Waterloo’s main campus is located in the heart of Canada’s tech hub. More than 1,570 tech-related businesses have Waterloo Region offices, including OpenText, D2L, Google, OpenText, Shopify and of course, ApplyBoard.
UW has played a central role in growing this tech hub. Velocity, Canada’s most productive startup incubator, is backed by UW. Startups that go through its program have a three-year company survival rate of 69%. Their success inspires confidence: by 2021, University of Waterloo entrepreneurs had raised more than C$7.4 billion in funding!
7. Great Campus Location
Waterloo has something for every kind of student. Whether you want to enjoy an afternoon walking around Uptown or running on the Iron Horse Trail, there are plenty of ways to spend your downtime. The tri-cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge are also home to Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College, so they have a lively energy reflecting their “university town” nature.
Waterloo Region is well-suited to student life. You’ll find excellent food, transit, and entertainment options close to campus. Plus, the region is close enough to Toronto that you can easily visit by bus or car on the weekend.
Ready to study abroad at the University of Waterloo? Discover exciting programs on ApplyBoard today!
