Planning at University of Waterloo

Programme overview

Leads to the Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Planning. Go beyond urban planning and learn to tackle the environmental and social challenges facing the world's urban, rural, and natural areas. Learn how to manage the growth of cities, design efficient transportation systems, protect parks and other natural areas, preserve heritage, and more. This multidisciplinary program covers everything from economic and legal considerations to design skills, land development, and GIS technology. Offered as a co-op programme only.

Faculty: Faculty of Environment | Study mode: co-op | Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

Most of the classes you’ll take will be Planning courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from a wide range of subjects. Sample upper-year courses include Transportation and Housing: A Systems Approach, Community Design Fundamentals for Planners, Planning Theory and Ethics, Municipal Finance and Land Economics, Planning and Municipal Law.

Career pathways

Waterloo Planning graduates have been very successful pursuing careers in transportation and transit, land development, and policy for government, conservation groups, as well as in the private sector as consultants, developers, project managers, and more.

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 75% is required); Admission averages: low 80s. How to apply: Apply directly to this program on your application.

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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