University of Waterloo architecture admission requirements: a mid 80s average, a portfolio and an interview in Cambridge

Ontario students need English (ENG4U), Physics (SPH4U) and either Advanced Functions (MHF4U) or Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U). The Waterloo program page sets a 78% minimum in English and 70% in the math and Physics.

The School of Architecture's own page puts English at 75%, and says it is typically 80%. It puts math and Physics in the low 70s. These two pages do not match on English, so plan for at least 78% and confirm with Waterloo. Art courses in Grade 11 or 12 are recommended but not required. Check your plan with our course planner.

Waterloo says it selects architecture students individually from the mid 80s. The school page says you need an overall average in the low to mid 80s to be considered for Stage 2. Grades get you to the portfolio round. They do not get you an offer alone.

Waterloo does not publish an acceptance rate or class size for architecture. To keep an offer, you need 70% in the required courses and 75% in English in your final grades. Work out your number with our Top 6 average calculator.

Stage 1 is your OUAC application. Waterloo says an Admission Information Form (AIF) is not required for architecture. That is different from Waterloo Engineering, even though architecture sits inside the Faculty of Engineering.

Stage 2 is by invitation. In early March, selected applicants get an email. It asks them to upload a portfolio, fill in an About You survey and pick interview times. Waterloo has used an English Précis test in past years, but says it is waived for September 2026 applicants. Watch for an update for 2027.

Waterloo sets no fixed page count. It suggests about 10 to 20 pieces, not counting sketchbook pages. It wants to see creativity, critical thinking and skill. Drawings, paintings, 3D work, craft, digital media, photography, video and performance all count. 3D work and sketchbooks are strongly encouraged. Pure technical or CAD drawings are discouraged. Recent work is preferred.

The work must be your own. Group pieces must be credited properly. Waterloo says that sending work that is not your own will result in the dismissal of your application. Portfolios are due in mid to late March.

Interviews take place in person at the Cambridge campus in April. You present your portfolio and talk about it. Virtual interviews are offered to applicants who live more than 200 km away or face hardship. Waterloo says both formats are considered equally.

Practise explaining why you made each piece and what you would change. The panel wants to see how you think, not a polished speech.

Architecture follows Waterloo's regular deadlines, not the Engineering ones. For Fall 2027 entry, apply by February 1, 2027. Documents are due February 15, 2027. Waterloo says a deadline may be extended if a program is not full.

Stage 2 invitations come in early March. Portfolios are due in mid to late March, and interviews run in April. Engineering's online interview does not apply to architecture. Compare dates on our Ontario deadlines page.

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies is co-op only. Starting in second year, you alternate four month school terms with four month paid work terms. There are six co-op terms, and you must finish at least five. You graduate with about two years of work experience.

Waterloo says most students spend at least one work term outside Canada. Recent employers are in cities such as New York, London, Paris, Madrid and Vancouver. Waterloo reports an employment rate above 98%.

The School of Architecture is in Cambridge, about 30 km from the main Waterloo campus. You live and study there, not in Waterloo.

In the fall of fourth year, students study at Waterloo's studio in Trastevere, Rome. Waterloo says it is the only Canadian architecture school with a permanent facility in Europe. It has run since 1979. Students take field trips across Italy and show their work back in Cambridge.

The Honours BAS is a pre professional degree. To become a licensed architect in Canada, graduates go on to an accredited Master of Architecture. Waterloo's own M.Arch is accredited by the CACB until 2030.

Transfer students can enter first year only. No advanced standing is given, and transfer credit is assessed after an offer.

Waterloo's tuition page lists about $14,000 for tuition and incidental fees for Canadian students starting in September 2026. International students pay about $75,000. Both figures cover two terms.

Architecture also has a high supplies estimate of $8,100 a year. It covers a laptop, books, studio supplies, equipment and field trips. You also pay a co-op fee of $836 per school term. You do not pay tuition during work terms.

Waterloo gives automatic entrance awards with no application. A 95% or higher average earns the President's Scholarship of Distinction: $2,000 plus a $1,500 International Experience Award and/or a $1,500 Research Award. A 90% to 94.9% average earns $2,000. An 85% to 89.9% average earns a $1,000 Merit Scholarship.

Awards are announced in mid May after final grades arrive. You must stay full time through the fall term.

A mid 80s average is only the first gate. The portfolio and interview decide most offers, and the work must be your child's own. Help them start a sketchbook early and keep making things.

Budget for supplies as well as tuition, and plan for life in Cambridge. Also read the Waterloo admissions overview.