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01 Welcome
02 Why Waterloo for Graduate Studies
03 Graduate Studies Guide
04 Application Guide

APPLICATION GUIDE

OVERVIEW: HOW TO APPLY

Do your research, allow ample preparation time, and put together a strong application. Watch this video for a quick overview of the process, and then read more about each of the steps below.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

STEP 1

UNDERSTAND THE TYPES OF ADMISSION

There are both standard and non-standard pathways for admission to graduate studies, depending on your situation.

LEARN MORE →

STEP 2

UNDERSTAND THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Find your program to make sure you meet the minimum academic admission requirements. Remember that meeting the minimum requirements does not mean you will be guaranteed admission.

Find out if you need to submit an English language proficiency examination score or if you are exempt.

STEP 3

UNDERSTAND YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS

This includes things like transcripts, references, resumes and the Supplementary Information Form (SIF), which contains your personal statement/letter of intent if your program requires one.

LEARN MORE →

STEP 4

DO YOU NEED TO FIND A SUPERVISOR IN ADVANCE?

For research-based master’s and PhD programs, make sure to check the details of your program to find out if you need to have a supervisor before you apply. If so, it’s important to take the time to find a supervisor who will complement your research and learning styles.

LEARN MORE →

STEP 5

CONTACT YOUR REFEREES

References are an important part of your application to Waterloo. Your referees will be completing and submitting a confidential online reference form.

We recommend that you give your referees a minimum of four weeks' notice before the application deadline!

LEARN MORE →

APPLY


ONCE ALL YOUR DOCUMENTATION IS READY, APPLY ONLINE THROUGH THE GRADUATE ONLINE APPLICATION SYSTEM

Apply at least two to four weeks ahead of your program's application deadline to ensure you have time to upload your supporting documents, and your referees have time to submit their reference forms.

CREATE YOUR WATERLOO STUDENT ACCOUNT (QUEST)

You can do this one to two business days after you have completed your online application and the application fee has been processed.

UPLOAD YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS THROUGH QUEST

LEARN MORE AND ACCESS THE ONLINE APPLICATION →

AWAIT YOUR ADMISSION DECISION

Check out the quick reference guide for after you’ve applied.

RECEIVED AN OFFER? ACCEPT IT!

We’re excited to welcome you to Waterloo!

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