Wilfrid Laurier University

Wilfrid Laurier University, located in Waterloo, Canada, is a public university recognized for its academic excellence, inspiring student experience, and welcoming community. With campuses in Waterloo, Brantford, and Milton, Laurier offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares graduates for future success.

Academics

Laurier offers over 100 undergraduate and 60 graduate programs across its faculties, including Arts, Education, Science, Liberal Arts, Music, Human and Social Sciences, and the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics. The university emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, such as co-op programs and community placements, to provide practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. Notable programs include Business Administration, Computer Science, Data Science, User Experience Design, Game Design and Development, and Criminology. Laurier also offers multidisciplinary studies, allowing students to customize their degrees with various minors and options.

International Students

International Student Support (ISS) at Laurier provides comprehensive services to help international students maximize their academic and cultural experiences. This includes immigration advising, orientation programs, academic assistance, housing support, and opportunities for cultural exchange. As of November 2023, Laurier hosted 1397 international students from 108 countries, with significant representation from China, India, United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Pakistan, Kenya, and Vietnam. The university offers English-taught programs and provides resources to support students with varying English skills.

Campus & Location

Laurier's Waterloo campus is situated in the heart of a city known for its thriving tech sector and diverse food and entertainment options. The campus itself is student-friendly, with classes, residences, and amenities within walking distance. Waterloo, part of the tri-city area (Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge), offers a vibrant off-campus life with various bars, cafes, shops, and live music venues. First-year undergraduate students are guaranteed residence, with both dormitory and apartment-style options available on or near campus.

Career Outcomes

Wilfrid Laurier University boasts a strong placement rate for its graduates, with a 95.8% overall placement rate for all graduates in 2024. The university's career center holds a national rank for its student career services, providing resources, career consultants, and experiential learning opportunities like co-op programs and internships. Business and Economics co-op programs had a 99.5% employment rate in 2020. Laurier graduates are employed by notable companies such as KPMG, PepsiCo, Scotiabank, and Manulife Financial. Eligible international graduates can also benefit from Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, which can support applications for permanent residency.