Wilfrid Laurier University: Admissions, Tuition & Scholarships Guide for International Students

Wilfrid Laurier University, known as Laurier, is a public university in Ontario with its main campus in Waterloo, in the heart of Canada's technology corridor, and additional campuses in Brantford and Milton. It grew from a Lutheran seminary founded in the early twentieth century and is best known for business, through the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, along with music, social work, communications, science, and computing. It ranks in the 601-650 band of the QS World University Rankings. It offers co-op in many programs and double-degree pathways with the University of Waterloo. This guide covers exactly what Wilfrid Laurier University international students need to know: ranking and programs, admissions and English requirements, the 2026-27 tuition by program, the cap on increases, renewable scholarships, living costs, and Canada's study-permit and Post-Graduation Work Permit rules.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: Wilfrid Laurier University, a public university in Ontario, with campuses in Waterloo, Brantford, and Milton
• QS World University Rankings: band #601-650
• International undergraduate tuition 2026-27 (two terms): arts, human and social sciences, music, and social work C$36,624; Lazaridis Business Administration C$44,332; economics C$39,112; computer science and data science C$39,470; other science programs C$36,624
• Double degrees with the University of Waterloo: Business Administration and Computer Science C$69,886, and Business Administration and Mathematics C$58,520
• Ancillary fees: C$2,338 to C$5,167 for two terms, depending on program and co-op participation
• Increases: tuition for continuing international students will not rise by more than 5% between years of study
• Scholarships: renewable entrance awards of C$6,000 a year for admission averages of 95% to 100% and C$5,000 below that, plus Inspiring Lives awards of C$500 to C$5,000
• Co-op: many undergraduate and postgraduate programs include co-op or internships

Rankings and reputation

Laurier sits in the 601-650 band of the QS World University Rankings, which is a lower global position than the University of Waterloo next door, but its reputation is strong in business, where the Lazaridis School is well known nationally, and in music, social work, and communications. Maclean's rankings have also historically placed it well for student satisfaction. Rankings measure the whole university, so check subject rankings and professional accreditation for your program, and compare Laurier with Waterloo, McMaster, and Guelph.

Academics and signature programs

Laurier teaches business and economics, arts and humanities, social sciences, science, computing and data science, music, social work, education, and law-related programs. Its business program is competitive, and its double-degree pathways with the University of Waterloo combine Laurier's business or arts strengths with Waterloo's computing and mathematics. Many programs offer co-op, and professional programs such as social work carry accreditation and registration rules that affect practice outside Canada.

Admissions and international eligibility

Laurier does not publish a single acceptance rate for international applicants, and business and computing are competitive. Undergraduate applicants submit secondary school results assessed against Canadian entry standards, and graduate applicants submit university transcripts and program-specific materials. After admission, students apply for a Canadian study permit, and many undergraduate applicants also need a provincial attestation letter.

English language requirements

• Laurier accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE, and the Duolingo English Test
• Applicants may qualify for an English waiver if they studied an English subject in their three most recent years of full-time education
• Some programs, such as business and music, may set higher scores
• Confirm the exact requirement for your program before booking a test

Application checklist

A typical application includes secondary school or university transcripts, English test results, and passport details, plus supplementary materials for some programs, such as an audition for music or a profile for business. Ask Laurier how it handles the provincial attestation letter and what deposit is required.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

For 2026-27, Laurier lists international undergraduate tuition of C$36,624 for two terms in arts, human and social sciences, music, social work, and most science programs, C$44,332 for Lazaridis Business Administration, C$39,112 for economics, and C$39,470 for computer science and data science. The Laurier and Waterloo double degrees cost C$69,886 for Business Administration and Computer Science and C$58,520 for Business Administration and Mathematics. Ancillary fees add C$2,338 to C$5,167 across two terms. Laurier says tuition for continuing international students will not increase by more than 5% between years of study, except if a student changes program, so a four-year degree could still cost more than four times the first-year figure.

Estimated living costs in Waterloo

• Laurier estimates residence in Waterloo at C$8,373 to C$11,760 for two terms and meal plans at C$2,920 to C$7,800
• Students in apartments should budget about C$3,300 for groceries, C$1,500 for textbooks and supplies, and C$3,200 for personal expenses
• Waterloo Region is cheaper than Toronto, though rents have risen
• Study-permit applicants must show funds for tuition, travel, and living costs, and the required amount is updated periodically
• Winters are cold, and the region has light rail and bus services

Scholarships

Laurier's renewable entrance scholarships give international undergraduates C$6,000 a year for admission averages of 95% to 100% (the President's Gold Scholarship) and C$5,000 a year below that, renewable in upper years as in-course awards if grade point averages are maintained. The Inspiring Lives Scholarship gives C$500 to C$5,000 for leadership and extracurricular engagement and needs a separate application. The President's Gold Scholarship of Distinction is described as covering a significant part of tuition for exceptional students. Ask which awards are automatic, what averages keep them, and whether they can be combined.

Campus life and student support

Laurier's Waterloo campus is compact, friendly, and close to the University of Waterloo and the tech sector, and the Brantford and Milton campuses are smaller. The university provides international student services, academic advising, and immigration information on the Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Waterloo Region is one of Canada's technology hubs, with startups, large tech firms, and financial companies, and Laurier's co-op and business connections help students access them. Ask for co-op placement rates for international students and typical employers.

Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit

Graduates of eligible programs at designated learning institutions can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, whose length generally depends on the program length up to three years. Canada has tightened rules, including language requirements and, for some program types, field-of-study conditions, and it caps new study permits, so confirm the current rules with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and ask Laurier whether your program qualifies.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

International students need health coverage, which may be through a provincial plan after a waiting period or a university plan, so ask Laurier what applies. Budget for the study permit fee, flights, winter clothing, and a housing deposit, and arrange housing early.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, registration, and adapting to Canadian classroom culture, which values participation and regular assignments. Students who use tutoring, writing support, and co-op advising early tend to settle faster.

A realistic four-year budget

At C$36,624 a year, four years of arts or science tuition come to about C$146,500, and at C$44,332 a business degree comes to about C$177,300, before ancillary fees, housing, and living costs and allowing for annual increases of up to 5%. A C$5,000 to C$6,000 scholarship each year would reduce that materially if you qualify and keep your average.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• Which fee applies to my program, and how much can it rise each year?
• Do I need a provincial attestation letter, and does Laurier arrange it?
• Is co-op available to me, and what does it cost?
• Which scholarships apply to me, and what average keeps them?
• Does my program qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit?
• What housing and residence options are available in Waterloo, Brantford, or Milton?

Who Laurier suits best

Laurier suits students who want a business, music, social science, or computing degree at a friendly, mid-sized Ontario university with co-op, renewable scholarships, and a capped tuition increase. It may suit less well students who want a top-ranked global brand, a very large campus, or the lowest tuition.

Laurier or the University of Waterloo?

The two universities are neighbours in Waterloo and offer double degrees together. Waterloo is stronger in engineering and computing and ranks higher globally, while Laurier is known for business and a smaller, more personal environment. Compare the program, the fee, the scholarship offer, and the campus feel.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your program and confirm entry requirements.
2. Check the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts and passport details.
4. Accept your offer and obtain the documents needed for your study permit.
5. Apply for your study permit and arrange insurance.
6. Book housing and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified transcripts, English results, and proof of funds, and start the study-permit process early because processing times vary. Keep written confirmation of fees and scholarships.

Frequently asked questions