If you’re looking into computer science programs in Canada, chances are the University of Waterloo has come up on your radar. The school has built a reputation for rigorous academics, an unmatched co-op program, and strong industry ties — all reasons why so many people say “yes, it’s worth it.”
But the reality is more nuanced. The program is demanding, the costs add up, and the student experience depends a lot on how you balance everything. Let’s break down what it’s really like: the courses, professors, co-op program, student life, costs, career prospects, and the challenges you’ll face along the way.
Key Takeaways
- Balanced academics: You’ll get a mix of theory and hands-on skills, with plenty of room to tailor your degree.
- Career ready: Over 90% of grads land jobs within six months, largely thanks to co-op and industry connections.
- High pressure, high reward: The workload is intense, but students who manage their time well come out stronger.
- Student life counts: Clubs, events, and networks play a huge role in making the experience manageable — and fun.
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Overview of the University of Waterloo CS Program
Waterloo’s Computer Science program is internationally respected because it blends deep theoretical grounding with real-world skills. With more than 70 courses, students can customize their degree to fit their interests.
Interested in AI, software engineering, or human-computer interaction? There are tracks for all of these, plus the flexibility to mix and match electives as you figure out your path.
Beyond academics, the Computer Science Club and other student groups help students practice their skills, build community, and prepare for the job hunt. That mix of challenging coursework and supportive networks is a big part of why Waterloo attracts so many motivated students.
Academic Experience
Waterloo is known for being demanding — but also rewarding. The CS curriculum has three pillars:
- Core classes in programming, algorithms, and data structures, which give you a strong foundation.
- Advanced courses in areas like AI, software engineering, and HCI, letting you specialize.
- Electives that let you shape your degree toward research, startups, or industry roles.
Professors and teaching quality
Most faculty members are not only teachers but active researchers. This means you’re often learning material that’s cutting-edge. Teaching quality, like anywhere, can vary — but students generally describe the professors as knowledgeable and passionate. Student evaluations also influence how faculty are assessed, so feedback is taken seriously.
Class sizes and learning environment
First-year CS classes can be huge, which some students find overwhelming. But by the time you reach upper-year electives, classes get smaller and more personal. Group work and collaboration are common, and most courses encourage discussion and teamwork — which helps offset the intensity of the material.
Co-op Program
Ask any Waterloo student what makes the school stand out, and you’ll hear the same answer: co-op.
Instead of just learning in the classroom, you rotate between academic terms and paid work terms. By graduation, most students have five or six internships under their belt, sometimes at big names like Google, Microsoft, and Shopify, and other times at startups where they get more hands-on responsibility.
That kind of real-world experience gives grads a huge leg up. Employers value students who can hit the ground running — and Waterloo’s system is designed to make sure you graduate with more than just theory on your résumé.
Student Life and Social Experience
Yes, the workload is intense, but it’s not all about studying. Waterloo has over 200 student clubs ranging from cultural groups to gaming to sports. Even Quidditch and dragon boat racing have clubs here.
Joining groups like the Computer Science Club is a great way to meet like-minded peers, while athletic or arts clubs give you a break from the grind. Orientation Week and Welcome Week are especially valuable in first year for meeting friends. Many students say extracurriculars are what make the tough academics bearable.
Clubs, extracurriculars, and making friends
One of the best ways to balance Waterloo’s heavy workload is to get involved outside the classroom. The university has nearly 30 athletic clubs — yes, including quirky ones like Quidditch and dragon boat racing — plus hundreds of others covering arts, culture, and tech. If you’re into coding, the Computer Science Club is a go-to spot for sharpening your skills, meeting peers, and finding networking opportunities.
Clubs aren’t just for fun — they’re a chance to step away from academics, build new skills, and create friendships that last long after graduation. Whatever your interests are, there’s likely a group that fits.
Building your network
The co-op program itself is a massive networking opportunity, giving you access to industry professionals and potential employers before you even graduate. On campus, first-year students have plenty of ways to connect too. Orientation and Welcome Week are designed to help you meet new people, and nearly 70% of first-years get involved in clubs or extracurriculars.
Other ways to grow your circle:
- Jump into student societies or interest groups
- Attend workshops and university events
- Volunteer or take part in hackathons and competitions
These activities make it easier to find like-minded friends and, at the same time, expand your professional network.
Living Expenses and Financial Considerations
Tuition and fees
One of the biggest factors in deciding on Waterloo is cost. Tuition depends on where you’re from: Ontario residents, out-of-province Canadians, and international students all pay different rates. For 2023/2024, tuition for undergrads averages around $15,000 CAD per year for domestic students, plus about $1,500 in incidental fees.
Financial aid is available through scholarships, grants, and student loans, but for many students the real game-changer is Waterloo’s co-op program. Paid work terms bring in extra income that can go directly toward covering tuition and living expenses, making the program more manageable.
Cost of living in Waterloo
Living costs vary depending on lifestyle and where you choose to live. Here’s what students typically budget for:
- Housing: $600–1,000/month for shared student housing; $1,700–2,300+ for a one-bedroom apartment off campus.
- Utilities: Around $238/month for a one-bedroom.
- Food: Roughly $300/month on groceries, though the average student spends closer to $700/month on all food.
- Transportation: $85–124/month for transit.
- Extras: Gym memberships, laundry, and entertainment can add another $250–500/month.
All in, you’re looking at about $1,700–3,000/month, depending on whether you share a place or live alone.
Career outcomes
This is where Waterloo really shines. The job numbers are hard to argue with:
- 90%+ of CS grads land a job within six months of graduating.
- Two years out, the employment rate is nearly 97%.
- 41% of tech grads working in the U.S. are at FAAMA companies (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet).
- Between 2017 and 2019, over 845 companies hired Waterloo tech grads, with the top 25 alone accounting for a third of placements.
These numbers reflect both the strength of the program and the value of the co-op system. By the time you graduate, you’re not just “job-ready” — you already have experience that makes you competitive with grads worldwide.
Alumni stories
Success stories aren’t hard to find. Take Greg Burgoon, who started as an aspiring game designer and is now an engineering manager at a mobile strategy company. He credits co-op for opening doors and helping him figure out his path. Many others have gone on to companies like Google, Microsoft, and Shopify — and most will say the same thing: co-op plus coursework gave them the skills and connections they needed to get there.
The flip side: pressure and workload
For all the opportunities Waterloo offers, there are trade-offs. The workload is intense, and burnout is a real risk if you don’t manage your time well. Many students discover that university life isn’t as “free” as they imagined — reading week, for example, often turns into catch-up week.
Tips students recommend:
- Ask for help early from professors or advisors before stress snowballs.
- Stick to a consistent study routine.
- Prioritize tasks so you’re not constantly behind.
Balancing co-op and classes is its own challenge. Juggling deadlines from both sides takes planning, and staying active socially and physically helps keep you grounded. Study groups and peer networks can also make the load feel more manageable.
Final Thoughts
Waterloo’s Computer Science program has a reputation for being one of the toughest in Canada — and one of the most rewarding. Its mix of rigorous coursework, an unmatched co-op system, and strong ties to the tech industry make it a launching pad for careers at top companies. Many grads land high-paying roles quickly after finishing their degree, and they credit co-op for giving them the real-world edge.
That said, the program isn’t easy. The workload is heavy, and students often talk about the pressure that comes with it. But those who learn to manage their time and take advantage of support systems — from professors to clubs and extracurriculars — usually come out not only career-ready, but also more resilient and well-rounded.
Bottom line
If you’re serious about building a career in computer science, Waterloo is hard to beat. You’ll work hard, but you’ll graduate with skills, experience, and connections that pay off for years to come. For many students, the effort is absolutely worth it.
