University of Waterloo Engineering evaluates applicants for admission based on their grades and also based on their responses in the Admission Information Form. As a result, there is no absolute cut-off for each engineering program, and the admission marks/acceptance rate varies from year to year, depending on the number of applications.
The goal of the University is to enroll students who will bring balanced and well-rounded skill sets to their academic and extra-curricular activities.
In addition, short-listed applicants to the School of Architecture will be requested to submit a portfolio, attend an interview, and write an English précis test.
University of Waterloo Admission Averages
The University of Waterloo Acceptance Rate in Engineering is determined by the admission average.
Your admission average is based on our required courses and your top mark in a 6th, grade 12 course. Admission averages are calculated based on the marks are available at the time of review, and may include Grade 11 subjects if more recent marks are not yet available.
Students should anticipate minimum admission averages as follows for enrolment. (Note: Averages for applicants with post-secondary experience may be calculated differently, depending on their specific background).
| Programs | Grade range (%) | Probability of receiving an offer |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | N/A | Subject to an interview process |
| Biomedical and Software | 95+ 90-94 85-89 | 50% 25% 4% |
| Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, and Systems Design | 95+ 90-94 85-89 | 82% 59% 20% |
| Architectural, Chemical, Civil, Environmental, Geological, Management, and Nanotechnology | 95+ 90-94 85-89 | 92% 84% 63% |
- All courses and grades are normalized to Ontario Secondary School Requirements.
- Stated grade averages do not include adjustment factors, admission information form assessments, or interview assessments.
- Grade averages reflect admitted student averages in 2020.
- Visa applicants typically have a slightly lower probability of acceptance.
- English language requirements often play a significant role in visa applicant decisions.
Admissions frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Check out our frequently asked questions for information regarding English language requirements, private/summer/night school courses, programming experiences, repeated courses and more.
