4 programs, side by side

Rows marked with a dot are where these differ. Everything is each university’s own published wording; the “your average” row is yours, calculated the way each program does it.

Full	McMaster Computer Science I OUAC MC Remove	Carleton Computer Science OUAC COD Remove	Waterloo Mechatronics Engineering (Co-op Only) OUAC WMT Remove	Waterloo Computer Engineering (Co-op Only) OUAC WWJ Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	90%“A minimum of 90% is required for consideration. Admission is by selection.”Admission by selection — the real bar may sit above this	80–85%“80-85% (regular and co-op)”	87–93%“High 80s to Low 90s”	87–93%“High 80s to low 90s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4U MCV4U	MCV4U MHF4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	—	—	—
Prerequisitesas published	English 4U Calculus & Vectors 4U	Advanced Functions (MHF4U) Calculus (MCV4U) 4 best 4U/M courses Alternative Offers Find more information about alternative offers +1 more on the program page	English (ENG4U – min. 70%) Advanced Functions (min. 70%) Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%) Chemistry (min. 70%) Physics (min. 70%)	English (ENG4U – min. 70%) Advanced Functions (min. 70%) Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%) Chemistry (min. 70%) Physics (min. 70%)
More than marks?supplementary application	Yes OUAC application deadline: January 15, 2027 To be considered for this program, a mandatory supplementary application Usually closes before January 15	Marks only	Yes NEW: All Engineering program applications require an online video interview. You will receive more information after you apply. An Admission Information Form is also required. We will send you instructions when we acknowledge your application. Also considered: Involvement in extracurricular activities in school or community, evidence of interest in engineering and strong performance in mathematics, science or engineering-related competitions. Usually closes before January 15	Yes NEW: All Engineering program applications require an online video interview. You will receive more information after you apply. An Admission Information Form is also required. We will send you instructions when we acknowledge your application. Also considered: Involvement in extracurricular activities in school or community, evidence of interest in engineering and strong performance in mathematics, science or engineering-related competitions. Usually closes before January 15
Co-op	Available	Available	Available	Available
Degree	—	—	—	—
First-year intakewhere published	—	—	200	220
What you study	Computer Science	Artificial Intelligence Business Studies Computer Games Management	Artificial Intelligence Computer Engineering Electronic & Electrical Engineering General or Integrated Engineering	Artificial Intelligence Computer Engineering Computer Science Electronic & Electrical Engineering
What it is	Computer Science I is an introductory computer science program where you learn programming, algorithms, and core computational concepts. It differs from some other programs because it includes a mandatory co-op component, giving you paid work experience in tech roles alongside your studies. This program suits students who want hands-on industry experience early and are curious about whether computer science matches their strengths before committing to upper-year specializations.	You study the theory and practice of building software, designing systems, and solving problems with computers. Carleton's program lets you focus on specializations like artificial intelligence, games, or software engineering, and includes a co-op stream where you alternate between classroom and paid work terms. This suits students who want hands-on industry experience alongside their degree and are interested in both the technical and applied sides of computing.	Mechatronics Engineering combines mechanical systems, electronics, software, and artificial intelligence to design machines that think and act on their own. Unlike a traditional engineering program, this one requires you to complete paid work terms alternating with school, giving you real industry experience building the robots and automated systems you study in class. It suits people who want hands-on problem-solving across multiple engineering disciplines and are ready to balance studies with work semesters.	Computer Engineering combines the design of computer hardware and software systems with practical work experience. Unlike a regular computer engineering program, this version requires you to complete paid work terms alongside your studies, alternating between school and industry jobs. It suits people who want hands-on experience in tech roles while earning money and building a professional network during their degree.
The door tomajors you reach through it	computer science	computer science	Applied to directly	Applied to directly
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	5 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	16 published, 9 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them
Source	McMaster University on OUInfo	Carleton University on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo

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Ranges are what each university publishes, not guaranteed cutoffs, and limited-enrolment programs often admit above them. Confirm anything you are about to act on with the university; each column links to its source.