I don't meet the program's minimum requirements. Can I still apply?
Your overall profile would be considered. Not having a specific score does not automatically disqualify you, as your overall profile is considered. However, meeting or exceeding the requirements would benefit your application.
Applicants for all degree programs are expected to have a formal background in the following areas of computer science:
- Programming languages
- Data structures
- Operating systems
- Algorithms
- Computer organization (architecture)
Applicants lacking in the formal background in CS may be required to take remedial courses, in addition to the regular program requirements.
Do I need a supervisor before applying?
It is not required to find a supervisor before applying. If an offer were to be made, a supervisor would be assigned at that time. However, students are advised to establish contact with potential supervisors before applying.
Further, in the application there is an opportunity to list supervisors you’d be interested in working with. We recommend filling that portion out; note that you do not need to have established contact with the supervisors themselves to list them in your application.
How do I choose my referees and how many are required?
Three letters of reference are required for both master's and doctoral applications to the School of Computer Science. References should be able to give us a sense of an applicant's research potential or how successful someone will be in graduate school. At least two of your letters should be from academic sources. All letters should be from former or current instructors or supervisors but not from colleagues.
Please review the reference requirements page for more information.
When should I start my application?
It is advisable to apply at least two weeks prior to the application deadline date, as it will take time to upload your application documents and for your referees to submit their forms.
When is the application deadlines?
Application deadlines can be found on your program's admission webpage. Application documents are due the same day as the application deadline, with the exception of letters of reference. Letters of reference can be submitted up to14 calendar days after the application deadline.
Application deadlines are the same for everyone.
Do I need to submit official transcripts at the point of application?
Unofficial transcripts (including awarding of degree/degree certificate) are accepted at the application stage. Applicants are required to upload a copy of their transcript(s) in their Applicant Portal. Documents must be current dated. Should you receive an offer of admission, official documents will be requested. Please see our webpage on Admissions Documents for more information.
Can I apply or submit application documents past the application deadline?
You cannot apply after the application deadline and you must submit your application documents by the application deadline. The only exception is letters of reference: your referees may submit their letters up to 14 calendar days after the application deadline. Once the application deadline is reached, applications that are complete move forward for review and the decision process begins for a limited number of spaces.
What is the Accelerated Master's program?
The Accelerated Master's Program in Computer Science is intended to shorten the time required to obtain a Master's when compared to the usual route for graduate studies. The accelerated admission streamlines the process by allowing a student in a University of Waterloo Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath) program to complete two graduate courses during their 4A/4B terms that will count towards the Master of Mathematics (MMath) degree. This is particularly useful for those students who have taken extra courses during their first three years of study, either during their school or work terms.
How do I apply to the Accelerated Master's program?
In order to apply for Accelerated Master’s program, please follow the steps listed below before you apply. Please submit your outline to your Graduate Coordinator for your Proposed Research including a Project Title, Background and Purpose as well as Methodology Approach. Please also list the two grad courses you wish to take in 4A/4B.
- Confirm that you have completed your undergraduate course requirements by speaking with your undergrad advisor.
- Arrange for a supervisor by contacting our faculty members. You can select a supervisor by reviewing the Research Areas that you are interested in.
- Choose two grad courses to take in your 4A and 4B terms
- Prepare an outline of your proposed research. Submit to your supervisor for approval and sent to your Graduate Coordinator once approved (by email is appropriate)
Please note that by completing the Accelerated Master’s program you are not guaranteed admission to the MMath program without going through the application/admission process after completing your undergraduate degree.
The benefit of the Accelerated Master’s program is that you are taking 2 graduate-level courses ahead of time so that if you are later admitted to the MMath program you would have 2 out of the 4 coursework requirements completed.