Software Engineering at Waterloo
Yes — software engineering is a direct-entry program at University of Waterloo. You apply to it from Grade 12.
You apply to
Software Engineering (Co-op Only)
90–97%OUAC WSOCo-op availableSupplementary application
Prerequisites
- English (ENG4U – min. 70%)
- Advanced Functions (min. 70%)
- Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%)
- Chemistry (min. 70%)
- Physics (min. 70%)
What to watch for
Co-op only — there is no regular-stream option. The prerequisite trap: because it is jointly run by Mathematics and Engineering, it carries the Engineering course list, so you need Chemistry AND Physics on top of Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors and English (all 70%). Computer Science does not require chemistry or physics, so students who assume the two programs take the same courses can find themselves eligible for one and not the other. Individual selection from the low to mid-90s, Admission Information Form required, and programming experience is expected. Applying to Software Engineering does not put you in the running for Computer Science.
Software Engineering at the other campuses
Compare the entry programs side by side →- AlgomaDirect entry65%
- Brockvia Computer Science (BG)77–80%
- CarletonDirect entry75–80%
- GuelphDirect entry85–90%
- Lakeheadvia Engineering (AM)70%
- Laurentianvia Computer Science (LCS)70%
- Laurier (Waterloo)not offered at Laurier
- McMasterDirect entry87%
- Nipissingvia Bachelor of Science (PS)70%
- Ontario Techvia Computer Science (DSD)73–77%
- Queen'svia Computing (QD)83–87%
- TMUvia Computer Engineering (SCE)85–90%
- TrentDirect entry85–90%
- U of T (Mississauga)not offered at UTM
- U of T (Scarborough)via Computer Science93–100%
- U of T (St. George)via Computer Science90–93%
- Westernvia Engineering (EE)87–93%
- Windsorvia General Engineering (NE)74%
- Yorkvia Engineering (BEng) (YT)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.