Architecture at Waterloo: Admission Average
University of Waterloo · Waterloo, ON
What average do you need for Architecture at Waterloo?
Architecture at University of Waterloo typically admits students with averages in the high 80s, roughly 85–89%. It ranks #15 of 18 Waterloo programs by admission average.
Portfolio and academics both required. Highly regarded nationally.
How competitive is it?
Of the 7 universities we track that offer it, none ask for a higher average and none ask for a lower average.
As a rough guide, 89% or higher is above the typical range, 85% up to 89% is inside it, and 81% up to 85% is a reach. Cut-offs move every year, so apply to a mix of schools.
Ontario applicants are assessed on their top six Grade 12 U/M courses, including the program's prerequisites. Work out yours with the Best 6 calculator.
Architecture at other universities
- University of Toronto – high 80s
- Carleton University – high 80s + portfolio
- Toronto Metropolitan University – high 80s
- Université de Montréal – high 80s + portfolio
- Université Laval – high 80s + portfolio
- University of Manitoba – high 80s + portfolio
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- Advanced Functions
- Physics (recommended)
- Portfolio of creative work
- One additional U/M course
First-year courses
- Design Studio I
- Architectural History
- Structures I
- Environmental Systems
- Drawing & Representation
These are typical for Architecture programs across Canada. About the Architecture degree
After a Architecture degree
Architecture usually takes 5-year BArch or 4-year BA + 2-year MArch.
- Architect – $55,000 to $120,000
- Urban Planner – $60,000 to $120,000
- Studio culture means very long hours - architecture students consistently report the highest workload of any program.
- The portfolio is the single most important admission component - start building it in G10.
- Waterloo's architecture program co-op is unique - students alternate between school and practice every semester.
Applying to Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is Canada's most respected technology and engineering university, and operates the world's largest post-secondary co-op program. It places more graduates at top global tech companies than any other Canadian school. Admission is highly selective, and the academic culture is intensely demanding - Waterloo attracts and produces some of Canada's sharpest technical minds. The AIF (Admission Information Form) is a critical part of every application and is read carefully.
University of Waterloo is in Waterloo, ON, was founded in 1957 and has about 42,000 students. Domestic tuition is about $6,300 a year, co-op is available and first-year residence is guaranteed.
Deadlines: OUAC (Ontario) January 15; direct application N/A - OUAC for ON students, direct for others.
- The AIF (Admission Information Form) is extremely important - Waterloo reads every word. Be specific and genuine.
- A strong CCC score (especially Senior) meaningfully improves CS/Math admission chances.
- Euclid contest scores are reviewed for Math and CS applicants.
Other Waterloo programs
- Computer Science – high 90s (95-98%+)
- Software Engineering – high 90s (94-97%+)
- Computer Engineering – low-to-mid 90s
- Electrical Engineering – low-to-mid 90s
- Mechanical Engineering – low 90s
- Systems Design Engineering – low-to-mid 90s
- Management Engineering – low 90s
- Biomedical Engineering – high 90s
- Nanotechnology Engineering – low-to-mid 90s
- Mathematics – high 80s-low 90s
- Computing & Financial Management – mid-to-high 90s
- Actuarial Science – high 80s-low 90s
- Statistics – high 80s
- Accounting & Financial Mgmt – low 90s
- Honours Economics – high 80s
- Kinesiology – high 80s
- Environmental Engineering – low 90s