Life Sciences at Waterloo
Yes — life sciences is a direct-entry program at University of Waterloo. You apply to it from Grade 12.
You apply to
Life Sciences (Regular/Co-op)
80–83%OUAC WLSCo-op available
Prerequisites
- English (ENG4U – min. 70%)
- Advanced Functions (min. 70%)
- Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%)
- Any two of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of
- Data Management, or Physics
What to watch for
Life Sciences is the admission code, not a degree you graduate with — you finish in Biochemistry, Biology, or Psychology, and you indicate which one when you apply. If you want a genuinely undecided science first year instead, Honours Science is a separate admission program and the flexible BSc where a large share of your science courses are electives.
The same application also gets you to
Life Sciences (Regular/Co-op) is the entry point for 4 other majors at Waterloo. You are not choosing between these at application time.
Life Sciences at the other campuses
Compare the entry programs side by side →- Algomavia Biology (BSc 4 year) (JGA)70%
- Brockvia Sciences (BI)73–77%
- Carletonvia Science - Honours (CT)78%
- Guelphvia Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours (GZ)80–91%
- LakeheadDirect entry70–75%
- Laurentianvia Biomedical Biology (LBW)70%
- Laurier (Waterloo)via Honours Science (BSc) (UZL)73–77%
- McMastervia Life Sciences Gateway93–97%
- Nipissingvia Bachelor of Science (PS)70%
- Ontario Techvia Biomedical Science (DSU)70–73%
- Queen'sDirect entry83–87%
- TMUDirect entry80–85%
- Trentvia Biology (RBI)70%
- U of T (Mississauga)via Life Sciences80–87%
- U of T (Scarborough)Direct entry73–80%
- U of T (St. George)via Life Sciences (including Psychology)83–90%
- Westernvia Science (ES)80–87%
- Windsorvia Biomedical Sciences (NSD)70%
- Yorkvia Biology (BSc) (YSB)80–87%
Entry routes were researched against each university’s own program pages in 2026-08-16. Waterloo’s page. Faculties restructure — confirm before you apply.