Bachelor Programme
Computer Science
Waterloo's Computer Science program, offered by the Faculty of Mathematics, starts from first principles, so no previous coding experience is needed. First year pairs functional programming and algorithm design with honours algebra and calculus, and upper years draw on more than 70 CS courses in areas such as algorithms, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction and security. Students can add specializations such as Artificial Intelligence, Bioinformatics, Game Design or Software Engineering, switch to the Data Science major after first year, and in the co-op stream graduate with up to two years of paid work experience.
University
University of Waterloo
Country
Canada
Level
Bachelor
Field
Computer Science
Duration
4 years (regular) or 5 years (co-op)
Language
English
Campus
Waterloo
Degree
Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) or Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath) in Computer Science
Intake
September
Application Deadline
February 1, 2027 (documents and Admission Information Form due February 15, 2027)
Tuition Information
Estimated first-year tuition and incidental fees: CAD 73,000 for international students, CAD 18,000 for Canadian students from outside Ontario and CAD 16,000 for Ontario residents. Waterloo's estimate for two terms (eight months) based on fees for students starting in September 2026; books and supplies about CAD 1,500 extra. Co-op students also pay a co-op fee of CAD 836 per school term.
Admission Requirements
- Admission Information Form required (due February 15, 2027)
- Ontario: six Grade 12 U/M courses including Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, any Grade 12 U English and one other 4U course; admission average: individual selection from the low to mid-90s (Grade 11 U Introduction to Computer Science recommended)
- IB: HL Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (minimum 6) and HL or SL English A; total 32 (IB diploma with at least three HL courses)
- Not studying in Ontario or IB? Waterloo's admission requirements tool lists the equivalent courses for other provinces and countries
- English language proof, if required (four most recent years of full-time study not in English): IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (6.5 writing and speaking, 6.0 reading and listening), TOEFL iBT 4.5 overall with 5 in writing and speaking (90 overall with 25/25 for tests before January 21, 2026), PTE Academic 63 (65 writing and speaking) or Duolingo 120 (125 Literacy and Production), due by the document deadline