
Source: University of Waterloo
Waterloo’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community is reflected in its international student population, with 22% of undergraduate and 40% of graduate students hailing from outside of Canada in 2019-20.
The university’s global reach extends beyond its student body, with 10,067 donors from 39 different countries contributing $46 million in 2019-20. Waterloo students also have access to an extensive network of employers, with 22,440+ work terms available in over 60 countries through partnerships with 7,182 active employers in 2019-20 making it one of the best universities in Canada.

Some of the other important highlights include:
- – The university has over 244,000 alumni spanning 156 countries, showcasing the global reach and influence of the University of Waterloo’s graduates.
- – It has a diverse and vibrant international community with 19% of undergraduate and 41% of graduate students coming from around the world in the 2022/23 academic year.
- – A rich array of academic and cultural exchange opportunities, including 100+ student exchange programs, fostering a global perspective and enriching the student experience.
- – A commitment to physical well-being and teamwork, with 32+ varsity teams providing students with opportunities to excel in competitive sports.
- – A thriving campus life with over 200 student clubs, pitch competitions, and hackathons, encouraging students to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and innovate.

From: the University of Waterloo blog
Some of the key highlights of studying at the University of Waterloo are:
Student quote:
When I first came to Waterloo, I thought I wanted to be a mechanical designer of some kind. But my experiences in co-op have shaped me into who I am now and showed me what kind of opportunities I want to pursue as a career.
Co-op sparked an interest in me that they don’t teach in school. Co-op teaches you something different. You have no idea whether you like sales, coding or some other business just from courses. You only know when you experience it. When you go into the real world, you will see there are many more possibilities around you than just focusing on your major.
Saurav Gurhale, fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student
Some of the key highlights of studying at the University of Waterloo are:
Access to an Innovative Co-operative Education Programme
Waterloo’s cooperative education programme provides students with scholarships and work-based learning opportunities. Students typically graduate with up to two years of paid work experience, with earning potential ranging from $8,400 to $18,000+.
Excellent Job Opportunities
Upon graduation, 96% of co-op grads employed six months after graduation worked in positions related to skills they acquired at Waterloo. QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022 has ranked the university as the number one in Canada for graduate employment rate, further demonstrating the success of the co-op programme.
Entrepreneurship and Start-up Culture
Waterloo’s vibrant community of students, faculty, alumni, and staff have founded more than 1,000 ventures, demonstrating their commitment to tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges head-on.
Among its entrepreneurial pillars, Waterloo proudly houses Velocity, which has been instrumental in nurturing and supporting over 400 companies since its inception in 2008. 511 entrepreneurs have collectively raised $17 billion USD collectively and have created over 5000 jobs.
Additionally, the university boasts the presence of the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business and the GreenHouse Social Impact Incubator, further catalyzing the development of innovative ideas and socially responsible initiatives.