3 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.

	McMaster Engineering I - Software Engineering OUAC MES Remove	Waterloo Architectural Engineering (Co-op only) OUAC WEA Remove	Ottawa Software Engineering (4 years) (French Immersion Stream is available) OUAC OJA Remove
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	83–90%“Mid- to High 80s”	85%
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4U MCV4U SCH4U SPH4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U	MCV4U MHF4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	—	one of ENG4U, FRA4U one of ICS4U, SBI4U, SCH4U, SPH4U
Prerequisitesas published	English 4U Calculus & Vectors 4U Chemistry 4U Physics 4U	English (ENG4U – min. 70%) Advanced Functions (min. 70%) Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%) Chemistry (min. 70%) Physics (min. 70%)	ENG4U or FRA4U MHF4U MCV4U 1 of SBI4U, SCH4U, SPH4U, Computer Science 4U A minimum average of 70% is required for each prerequisite course. +2 more on the program page
More than marks?supplementary application	Yes OUAC application deadline: January 15, 2027 Mandatory supplementary application 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	Marks only
Co-op	Available	Available	Available
Degree	Bachelor of Engineering, BEng, Bachelor of Engineering and Management, BEng&Mgt, Bachelor of Engineering and Society, BEngSoc	—	Bachelor of Applied Science, BASc, Bachelor of Engineering (Co-op), BEng (Co-op)
First-year intakewhere published	—	90	92
What you study	Software Engineering	ArchitectureBuildingCivil Engineering Design	General or Integrated Engineering Software Engineering
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 how buildings are designed and constructed, combining architecture with engineering principles like structural systems, materials, and building codes. This program requires you to do co-op work terms alongside your studies, so you alternate between school and paid job placements in design firms or construction companies. It suits students who want hands-on experience in the building industry and prefer learning by doing real projects, not just in classrooms.	You study how to design, build, and test software systems that solve real problems — the programs and apps that run on computers and devices. The co-op stream requires you to alternate between study terms and paid work terms at software companies, giving you workplace experience alongside your degree. This program suits people who want to combine coding and problem-solving skills with practical industry experience before graduating.
The door tomajors you reach through it	software engineering	Applied to directly	Applied to directly
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	5 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	22 published, 5 with no applicationfrom 75%See them
Source	McMaster University on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo	University of Ottawa on OUInfo

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