Cutoffs

Microbiology at Waterloo

Not directly. At University of Waterloo you apply to Life Sciences, then choose microbiology you name Biology as your major when you apply to Life Sciences; the Microbiology option is added after first year.

The program you actually 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

When you choose microbiology

You name Biology as your major when you apply to Life Sciences; the Microbiology option is added after first year.

What to watch for

There is no standalone Microbiology major or admission program. Microbiology is an option — roughly eight courses added onto a Science major, started after first year. You apply to Life Sciences, major in Biology, then add the option.

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.

Microbiology at the other campuses

Compare the entry programs side by side →

Entry routes were researched against each university’s own program pages in 2026-08-16, and this one is marked medium confidence. Waterloo’s page. Faculties restructure — confirm before you apply.