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.

	Trent Software Engineering - Co Op OUAC RZC Remove	Waterloo Computer Engineering (Co-op Only) OUAC WWJ Remove	Waterloo Systems Design Engineering (Co-op Only) OUAC WD Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	85–90%“85 to 90%”	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 ICS4U MHF4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	one of MCV4U, MDM4U	—	—
Prerequisitesas published	Minimum 80% calculated from best six 4U/M courses Required Courses: ENG4U @ 60% MHF4U One of: MCV4U or MDM4U +2 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	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
Degree	—	—	—
First-year intakewhere published	15	220	94
What you study	Computer Engineering Computer Science	Artificial Intelligence Computer Engineering Computer Science Electronic & Electrical Engineering	Artificial Intelligence Computer Science Design General or Integrated Engineering
What it is	You study the practical design and development of software systems, combining computer science fundamentals with engineering principles. Unlike a straight computer science degree, this co-op program alternates your school terms with paid work placements in real software companies, letting you apply what you learn and build professional experience. It suits students who want hands-on experience building software and prefer learning by doing alongside their coursework.	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.	This program teaches you to design and build complex systems — often combining software, hardware, human behaviour, and business — that solve real-world problems. Unlike a traditional engineering program focused on one discipline, it blends computer science, design thinking, and management so you learn how systems work across multiple fields. It suits students who want engineering skills but prefer understanding how all the pieces fit together and spending time working in industry during their degree.
The door tomajors you reach through it	software engineering	Applied to directly	Applied to directly
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	4 published, 4 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them
Source	Trent University on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo

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