University of Waterloo

Home of one of the world’s largest co-op programmes and a pipeline to tech jobs.

What It Costs

Tuition, living and the total in rupees.

Tuition a year

CA$15,000 – CA$35,000 / year

Living

CA$1,200 – CA$1,800 / month

Per year, in rupees

Rs 60 lakh – Rs 1.2 crore

Typical ranges for Canada; University of Waterloo’s fees vary by course. Rupee figures are rough, at about Rs 280 per US dollar.

How To Apply

Route, timeline and the next deadlines.

Master’s & PhDUndergraduate

Route: Apply directly to the graduate school; research master’s and PhDs usually need a supervisor to agree first.

1. 12–15 months beforeShortlist, GRE/IELTS and refereesStep 1
2. 9–12 monthsSOP, CV and research proposalStep 2
3. 6–10 monthsApply (scholarship rounds first)Step 3
4. 3–6 monthsOffers, funding and acceptanceStep 4
5. 1–3 monthsVisa and travelStep 5

Your Study permit

Demanding: Caps on study permits and high refusal rates for Pakistani applicants in recent years.

1. 1Letter of acceptanceFrom a Designated Learning Institution.
2. 2Provincial attestation letterMost students now need a PAL or TAL from the province; your university arranges it.
3. 3Proof of fundsFirst-year tuition plus the living-cost amount set by IRCC (check the current figure), often via a GIC.
4. 4Online applicationApply for the study permit online with a strong study plan.
5. 5BiometricsAt the visa centre in Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi.
6. 6Decision and POEApproval letter first; the permit itself is issued when you land.

Watch out: A vague study plan, or a course that doesn’t follow from your background, is the most common reason for refusal.