Software Engineering at University of Waterloo

Programme overview

Bachelor of Software Engineering, a joint program between the Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Mathematics, offered only as a co-op program (not available as a regular program or minor).

What you will study

First year covers Programming, software design, digital and linear circuits, linear algebra, calculus and chemistry, plus engineering economics and a communication elective. Upper years cover data structures, algorithms, operating systems, databases, user interfaces and large-scale software engineering with team projects, and specializations in Artificial Intelligence, Business, Computational Fine Art and Human-Computer Interaction.

Career pathways

96% employment within six months of graduation; common roles include software developer, full-stack developer, DevOps engineer, data engineer, cybersecurity analyst, game developer and machine learning engineer, with Professional Engineer licensure a possibility.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Ontario students need six Grade 12 U/M courses including Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, Chemistry, Physics and English (ENG4U) each at a minimum of 70%; the admission average is typically in the low to mid-90s on individual selection. Programming experience, a supplementary Admission Information Form and an online interview are also required.

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/programs/software-engineering

Explore more study programmes

Engineering