2 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.

	Waterloo Nanotechnology Engineering (Co-op Only) OUAC WNT Remove	Western Science OUAC ES Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	83–90%“Mid- to High 80s”	80–87%“Low to mid 80s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U	ENG4U MCV4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	two of ICS4U, MDM4U, MHF4U, SBI4U, SES4U, SPH4U
Prerequisitesas published	English (ENG4U – min. 70%) Advanced Functions (min. 70%) Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%) Chemistry (min. 70%) Physics (min. 70%)	English, ENG4U Calculus and Vectors MCV4U Two of: Advanced Functions, MHF4U Biology, SBI4U +7 more on the program page
More than marks?supplementary application	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 Unless otherwise noted, required courses must be completed with a minimum average of 70%. Western Integrated Science applicants must submit a supplementary application. More information Usually closes before January 15
Co-op	Available	Available
Degree	—	—
First-year intakewhere published	83	550
What you study	Biotechnology Chemistry Electronic & Electrical Engineering General or Integrated Engineering	Animal Science Astronomy Biological Sciences Chemistry
What it is	Nanotechnology Engineering is the study of designing and building materials and devices at the molecular and atomic scale, combining chemistry, physics, materials science, and engineering. Unlike a general engineering program, this one requires you to complete mandatory work terms alongside your studies, alternating between classroom and industry jobs so you graduate with significant hands-on experience. It suits students strong in math and sciences who want practical engineering experience and are interested in how materials behave at extremely small scales.	This is a broad science degree where you choose from fields like biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, geology, and others. You take foundational science courses in first year, then specialize by selecting which science subjects to focus on. Co-op is available, letting you do paid work terms at science-related employers alongside your studies.
The door tomajors you reach through it	Applied to directly	biology chemistry earth science environmental science life sciences mathematics physics statistics
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	6 published, 5 with no applicationfrom 85%See them
Source	University of Waterloo on OUInfo	Western University 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.