Economics at University of Waterloo

Programme overview

Leads to the Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Economists approach these questions using a mix of institutional knowledge, theoretical models developed with mathematical tools, and the statistical analysis of economic data. You'll learn to apply the tools of economics to business and finance; data analysis; government and politics; education, work, and wages; health and well-being; the environment; or forecasting the impacts of events on the interconnected global economy. At Waterloo, you'll combine statistical training with skills that prepare you for careers in both business and public policy. Available in the regular system of study or the co-op system.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study mode: full-time | Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

40% of the classes you’ll take will be Economics courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo. Sample upper-year courses include Money and Banking I, Models of Choice in Competitive Markets, International Finance, Workers, Jobs, and Wages.

Career pathways

The careers listed below are examples of what you might be able to pursue. Through the courses you take, specializations you choose, extracurriculars, and any work experience you gain, you'll graduate with a degree that's uniquely you and be ready to pursue a career that's right for you!

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Ontario applicants: Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%); Admission average: High 70s (co-op and regular); Recommended courses: We strongly recommend that you take high school Calculus and Vectors and Advanced Functions (or equivalents) as economics is a mathematically intensive discipline. Students without this background can take the necessary mathematics courses in first year; Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business. How to apply: Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business and choose Economics as your major at the end of first year. Related program Mathematical Economics

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-year students are admitted for the September (fall) term only. Terms: fall (September to December), winter (January to April), spring (May to August). Part-time, online, post-degree and non-degree studies can start in the winter, spring or fall term.

Applications for September 2027 entry close on 1 February 2027 for programs other than Engineering (documents due 15 February 2027) and on 15 January 2027 for Engineering programs other than Architecture (documents due 1 February 2027). International students have the same deadlines. Full-time applicants apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).

Part-time, online, post-degree and non-degree studies: winter 2027 applications close 30 October 2026 for degree and non-degree (13 November 2026 for post-degree); spring 2027 applications close 26 February 2027 for degree and non-degree (12 March 2027 for post-degree). Optometry closes 12 November 2026 and Pharmacy closes 6 January 2027.

Apply through the official page: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/how-to-apply

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