Physics at University of Waterloo

Programme overview

Leads to the Bachelor of Science in Physics. Study the most fundamental aspects of nature in one of Canada’s largest and most innovative physics departments. In fact, Waterloo is ranked 45th in the world for Physics in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2025. Join a program that fosters curious minds to question the smallest particles, the largest forces, and everything in between. 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

Most of the classes you’ll take will be Physics courses and some Math courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo, and you have the opportunity to pursue a minor. Sample upper-year courses include Quantum Physics 1, Introduction to the Implementation of Quantum Information Processing, Statistical Mechanics, Advanced Computational Physics, Research Project, Electricity and Magnetism 1.

Career pathways

Career opportunities for Physics graduates include research and development, nuclear power research and operation, modelling, computer hardware and software development, financial analysis and forecasting, and more.

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 averages: low 80s. How to apply: Apply to Physical Sciences and select Physics as your major in first year.

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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