Computer Science at Waterloo: Admission Average

University of Waterloo · Waterloo, ON

What average do you need for Computer Science at Waterloo?

Computer Science at University of Waterloo typically admits students with averages of about 95–98%. It is the most competitive of the 18 Waterloo programs we track.

One of the hardest programs in Canada. The AIF carries real weight, and CCC or Euclid results can strengthen an application.

How competitive is it?

Of the 31 universities we track that offer it, none ask for a higher average and 30 ask for a lower average.

As a rough guide, 98% or higher is above the typical range, 95% up to 98% is inside it, and 91% up to 95% 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.

Computer Science at other universities

• University of Toronto – low-to-mid 90s
• University of British Columbia – high 80s-low 90s (BC) / low-mid 90s (OOP)
• McGill University – low-to-mid 90s
• Université de Montréal – high 80s-low 90s
• McMaster University – high 80s
• Western University – high 80s
• University of Ottawa – high 80s
• Carleton University – high 80s
• University of Guelph – high 80s
• Wilfrid Laurier University – high 80s
• Brock University – high 80s
• Ontario Tech University – high 80s
• University of Windsor – high 80s
• York University – high 80s
• Toronto Metropolitan University – high 80s
• University of Victoria – high 80s
• Concordia University – high 80s
• Université Laval – high 80s
• University of Calgary – high 80s
• Dalhousie University – high 80s
• Acadia University – high 80s
• University of Manitoba – high 80s
• University of Saskatchewan – high 80s
• University of Regina – high 80s
• University of New Brunswick – high 80s
• Memorial University of Newfoundland – high 80s
• University of Northern BC – mid-to-high 80s
• Thompson Rivers University – mid-to-high 80s
• MacEwan University – mid-to-high 80s
• University of Prince Edward Island – mid-to-high 80s

Typical high school prerequisites

• English
• Advanced Functions
• Calculus & Vectors
• One additional U/M course
• Computer Science (recommended)

First-year courses

• Calculus I & II
• Linear Algebra
• Introduction to Programming
• Discrete Mathematics
• Statistics

These are typical for Computer Science programs across Canada. About the Computer Science degree

After a Computer Science degree

Computer Science usually takes 4 years. Many graduates go on to graduate or professional school.

• Software Engineer – $85,000 to $180,000+
• Data Scientist – $70,000 to $150,000
• AI / Machine Learning Engineer – $95,000 to $200,000+
• Cybersecurity Analyst – $75,000 to $150,000
• Game Developer – $65,000 to $130,000

• Waterloo CS is among the most competitive CS programs in Canada - the Admission Information Form is required, and contest results (CCC, Euclid) can strengthen an application.
• The theory-heavy first two years surprise many students - if you want applied work immediately, co-op is the relief valve.
• AI coding tools have reduced traditional junior developer openings - co-op experience, internships, and depth in areas like AI, security, or systems matter more than ever.

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

• 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
• Architecture – high 80s

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