Software Engineering
Admission criteria
This program does not ask for a separate upload portfolio, but it does require applicants to demonstrate prior programming experience and interest. Waterloo specifically asks Software Engineering applicants to explain their experience with programming languages and values evidence of solving open problems, debugging, testing, and learning new languages.
Bar to clear: Demonstrated programming experience in coursework or self-study; experience developing well-structured modular programs is required
There is no traditional personal statement, but Waterloo requires the Admission Information Form (AIF) and other supplementary forms for Engineering. These are used to learn about your interests, experiences, skills, and why you want to be a Waterloo Engineering student, especially because the program is highly competitive beyond grades alone.
Bar to clear: Required AIF and supplementary forms that clearly explain motivation, experiences, and fit for Waterloo Engineering
Grades are a major factor. For Software Engineering, Waterloo lists a competitive admission average in the low to mid-90s and requires strong performance in specific senior courses including Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, Chemistry, English, and Physics, with minimum 70% in each required course.
Bar to clear: Low to mid-90s admission average, with 70% minimum in each required course
Waterloo Engineering does not use math or computing contest scores as part of the applicant review process, and there is no general standardized entrance test requirement. English-language test scores are only required for applicants who do not qualify for Waterloo's English-language exemption.
Bar to clear: If English proof is required: IELTS 6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT 90 overall