Bachelor of Computer Science (Optional Co-op)

Application Fees : CAD$ 251

Undergraduate Entry Requirements:

1. Academic Achievement: International students applying for undergraduate programs at the University of Waterloo are expected to have a minimum academic achievement of 80% or above in their secondary school studies.  

2. English Language Proficiency: The accepted English language tests and their minimum score requirements are as follows:

   • IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.5 in writing, 6.0 in reading, 6.0 in listening, and 6.5 in speaking.
   • TOEFL: Minimum score of 90 on the Internet-based Test (iBT).
   • PTE: Minimum score of 63.
   • DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission to the University of Waterloo. The university receives a large number of applications and admission decisions are based on a holistic assessment of various factors, including academic performance, test scores, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.

The University of Waterloo offers several scholarships and financial aid options to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to the community. 

1. International Master's Award of Excellence: This scholarship is available to international students entering a research-based master's program. It provides funding of up to $2,500 per term for a maximum of five terms.

2. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): The OGS is a merit-based scholarship available to domestic and international students pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Waterloo. The scholarship provides funding of up to $15,000 per year for a maximum of two or three years, depending on the program.

3. President's Scholarship of Distinction: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to top international students entering an undergraduate program at the University of Waterloo. The scholarship covers full tuition for up to four years of study.

4. International Student Entrance Scholarships: These scholarships are available to high-achieving international students applying for undergraduate programs. The value of the scholarships varies and is renewable for up to four years, based on academic performance.

5. Faculty-specific Scholarships: Various faculties at the University of Waterloo offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships are based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and involvement in extracurricular activities within the respective faculty.

6. Donor-funded Scholarships: The university receives generous contributions from donors, which are used to establish scholarships for international students. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria and application processes.

It is important to note that the availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines for scholarships may vary. To apply for scholarships, international students are typically required to submit an application for admission to the university. Some scholarships may have additional application requirements, such as essays or reference letters. It is important to care

Graduates of the Bachelor of Computer Science (Optional Co-op) program at the University of Waterloo have diverse career prospects across various industries, including software development, data science, cybersecurity, machine learning, project management, entrepreneurship, academia, and research. The program's emphasis on practical experience, technical skills, and professional development prepares graduates for successful and rewarding careers in the dynamic field of computer science.

1. Software Developer/Engineer: Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers as software developers or engineers. They possess strong programming skills, knowledge of software development methodologies, and experience working on real-world projects through co-op placements. They may work in various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and gaming, developing software applications, web platforms, mobile apps, and more.

2. Data Scientist/Analyst: With a solid foundation in computer science, mathematics, and statistics, graduates can pursue roles as data scientists or analysts. They have the skills to analyze large datasets, derive insights, and make data-driven decisions. They may work in industries such as e-commerce, marketing, healthcare, and finance, helping organizations leverage data for strategic decision-making, predictive modeling, and business intelligence.

3. Cybersecurity Specialist: Given the increasing importance of cybersecurity in today's digital landscape, graduates may choose to specialize in cybersecurity. They can work as cybersecurity analysts, consultants, or engineers, helping organizations protect their systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. They may be involved in threat detection, vulnerability assessment, incident response, and security architecture design.

4. Machine Learning Engineer: Graduates with a focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning can pursue careers as machine learning engineers. They develop algorithms, build predictive models, and implement machine learning solutions to solve complex problems in various domains such as healthcare, finance, autonomous vehicles, and natural language processing. They may work on projects involving computer vision, speech recognition, recommendation systems, and more.

5. Software Development Manager/Technical Lead: With experience gained through co-op placements and leadership skills developed during their studies, graduates may transition into managerial or leadership roles within software development teams. They may work as software development managers, technical leads, or project managers, overseeing software projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring successful project delivery.

6. Product Manager/Product Owner: Graduates with strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and technical expertise may pursue roles as product managers or product owners. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to define product requirements, prioritize features, and drive product development from conception to launch. They work closely with stakeholders, customers, and development teams to ensure products meet market needs and deliver value.

7. Systems Architect/Cloud Engineer: Graduates may specialize in systems architecture, cloud computing, or DevOps, designing scalable and reliable systems infrastructure for organizations. They may work as systems architects, cloud engineers, or DevOps engineers, designing, deploying, and managing cloud-based solutions, infrastructure as code, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.

8. Entrepreneur/Startup Founder: Some graduates may choose to leverage their technical skills and entrepreneurial spirit to start their own technology ventures. They may found startups, develop innovative products or services, and build scalable businesses. The University of Waterloo's entrepreneurial ecosystem, including incubators, accelerators, and funding opportunities, provides support for aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into successful businesses.

9. Academic/Researcher: Graduates interested in academia or research may pursue advanced studies in computer science or related fields. They may pursue master's or doctoral degrees, conducting research in areas such as artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, theoretical computer science, or software engineering. They may pursue careers in academia, research institutions, or industrial research labs, contributing to advancements in technology and knowledge.

10. Continual Learning and Adaptation: Regardless of their initial career paths, graduates of the Bachelor of Computer Science program are equipped with the skills and mindset for lifelong learning and adaptation. They possess strong problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and a solid understanding of foundational principles in computer science, allowing them to thrive in a rapidly evolving technology landscape and pursue diverse career opportunities throughout their professional journey.