4 programs, side by side

Full	McMaster Engineering I - Software Engineering OUAC MES ☆ Add to planRemove	Waterloo Computer Science (Regular/Co-op) OUAC WCS ☆ Add to planRemove	U of T (Scarborough) Computer Science (regular and co-op) OUAC TXC ☆ Add to planRemove	Waterloo Software Engineering (Co-op Only) OUAC WSO ☆ Add to planRemove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	87%“A minimum of 87% is required for consideration. Admission is by selection.”Admission by selection — the real bar may sit above this	90–97%“Low to Mid-90s”	93–100%“Mid-90s (regular); high 90s (co-op)”	90–97%“Low- to mid-90s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4UMCV4USCH4USPH4U	ENG4UMCV4UMHF4U	ENG4UMCV4UMHF4U	ENG4UMCV4UMHF4USCH4USPH4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	—	—	—
Prerequisitesas published	English 4U Calculus & Vectors 4U Chemistry 4U Physics 4U	Any Grade 12 U English Advanced Functions Calculus and Vectors One other Grade 12 U course	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U	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 Mandatory supplementary application Usually closes before January 15	Yes An Admission Information Form (AIF) is required. We will send you instructions when we acknowledge your application. You are strongly encouraged to write the Euclid Mathematics Contest and the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest. Individual selection may vary. 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. Experience in developing well-structured, modular programs is required, as demonstrated by at least 1 of the following: strong performance in a programming course such as ICS3U, ICS4U or equivalent; strong performance in a programming contest; significant work experience; other (must be explained on the Admission Information Form). Usually closes before January 15
Co-op	Available	Available	Available	Available
Degree	Bachelor of Engineering, BEng, Bachelor of Engineering and Management, BEng&Mgt, Bachelor of Engineering and Society, BEngSoc	Bachelor of Computer Science, BCS, Bachelor of Mathematics, BMath	—	—
First-year intakewhere published	—	360	165	127
What you study	Software Engineering	Artificial IntelligenceComputer GamesComputer ScienceHealth Informatics	Artificial IntelligenceComputer ScienceEntrepreneurshipInformation Systems	Artificial IntelligenceComputer ScienceInformation SystemsInformation Technology
What it is	You study how to design, build, and test software systems that solve real problems. Software engineering goes beyond pure coding to include planning, teamwork, and understanding what users actually need. This program includes mandatory co-op work terms where you apply what you learn in paid positions, and you can choose a degree stream that adds management skills or explores the social impact of technology alongside the technical core.	You study the design, development, and theory behind computer software and systems. In the co-op stream, you alternate between classroom terms and paid work terms at tech companies, giving you practical experience alongside your degree. This program suits people who want to build real-world coding skills early and explore whether they prefer software development, artificial intelligence, games, or other computing specializations while earning money.	You study the theory and practice of computing, from writing software and building systems to artificial intelligence and how businesses use technology. The co-op stream requires you to alternate between semesters of coursework and paid work terms at tech companies, giving you real workplace experience alongside your degree. This suits students who want hands-on industry exposure while learning, or who prefer the traditional full-time study path.	You study how to design, build, and maintain large software systems using engineering principles and mathematics. This co-op stream requires you to alternate between classroom terms and paid work terms in industry, giving you real project experience alongside your degree. It suits people who want hands-on experience, enjoy problem-solving with code, and are ready to balance school with regular full-time work placements.
The door tomajors you reach through it	software engineering	computer science	computer sciencesoftware engineering	software engineering
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	5 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	4 published, 4 with no applicationfrom 85%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them
Source	McMaster University on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo	University of Toronto — Scarborough on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo

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.