Materials and Nanosciences at University of Waterloo

Programme overview

Leads to the Bachelor of Science in Materials and Nanosciences. Discover how to manipulate individual atoms and molecules in Materials and Nanosciences at Waterloo. As one of the top five material science programs in Canada (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026), this program has lots to offer, including paid co-op opportunities. You’ll learn the ins and outs of designing composite materials, ceramics, semiconductor materials, fuel cells, energy storage devices, solar cells, and more. Available in the regular system of study or the co-op system.

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

What you will study

About half of the classes you’ll take will be Materials and Nanosciences courses with about the other half being Chemistry, Math and Physics courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo. Sample upper-year courses include Chemistry and the Solid State, Polymer Materials, Biomaterials, Special Topics in Solid-State Materials.

Career pathways

Graduates often pursue careers in fields ranging from aerospace, biomedicine, the energy sector, and materials research and development. Some also choose to pursue further education and conduct their own research in graduate school.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Ontario applicants: Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required); Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required); Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required); Two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, or Physics; Admission average: low 80s. How to apply: Apply to Physical Sciences and select Materials and Nanosciences as your major.

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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