Ranking among the top public research universities, the University of Waterloo and the University of Alberta are two of the reputable universities in Canada. Let us discuss the qualitative and quantitative aspects for comparing the two universities in Canada
| University of Waterloo | University of Alberta | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 5.3 Out of 10 | 5.7 Out of 10 | ||||||||||
| ranking (overall) | # 112 QS World University 2024 # 158 Times Higher Education 2024 # 154 QS World University 2023 | # 109 Times Higher Education 2024 # 111 QS World University 2024 # 110 QS World University 2023 | ||||||||||
| Subject Strength | # 69 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2024 # 359 for Medicine by QS World University 2023 # 151 for Law by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2021 | # 90 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2024 # 69 for Medicine by QS World University 2023 # 101 for Law by Times Higher Education 2024 | ||||||||||
| Programs | UG Programs -47 PG Programs -33 Doctorate Programs -5 | UG Programs -72 PG Programs -63 Doctorate Programs -8 | ||||||||||
| Acceptance Rate | 53.0 % | 66.0 % | ||||||||||
| Exam Score | IELTS - 6.5 PTE - 63 TOEFL - 90 | GMAT - 550 IELTS - 6.5 PTE - 61 TOEFL - 90 | ||||||||||
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 66000 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 11790 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 20583 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 22125 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 13972 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 15600 Per Year | ||||||||||
| placement (average package) | Graduate Employability Rankings- # 24(QS 2023); 98.9% international student employment rate; Top recruiters are Manulife, TD Canada, Sun Life Financial Inc. etc. Average Salaries by Degree: Doctorate: $156,000 Masters in Finance: $91,000 Bachelor (Other): $75,000 Bachelor of Science: $69,000 Masters in Science: $61,000 Masters in Management: $54,000 | Graduate employability Ranks QS: #99 It is ranked #110 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
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| application requirements | Indian UG aspirants must have around 85% score with 75% in English and Maths. Fulfill Country-specific requirements | LOR, SOP, Academic transcripts, and program-specific requirements. Grade required for UG and PG admission is B. GMAT/GRE scores are also required for various PG program admissions. | ||||||||||
| Campuses and B-Schools | NA | School of Business, University of Alberta | ||||||||||
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.2/10 Read 41 reviews | 7.6/10 Read 14 reviews |
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| General Facts | University of Waterloo | University of Alberta |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1957 | 1908 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 27:1 | 0:1 |
| Male:Female | 54% Male, 46% Female | 44% Male, 56% Female |
| Location Facts | 1,000 acres campus located in the Quantum Valley (Canada’s emerging technological hub); surrounded at the borders by Waterloo Park, Wilfrid Laurier University & Laurel Creek Conservation Area; easily accessible via public transport; dozens of food outlets & restaurants within 20 minutes of distance. | Six campuses, with main (north campus) located on the edge of North Saskatechwan river. |
| Library | 4 libraries: 3 on-campus, 1 in Cambridge; Library system is a part of TriUniversity Group; Houses more than 1.4 million books including e-books, serial titles, databases. | Eight million volumes |
| Campus Life | Student Life Centre (SLC) responsible for organizing cultural, social and recreational activities; Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) and Student Housing Office; 24/7 information desk known as Turnkey Desk; 200+ student clubs; 100+ volunteer services; Earth Sciences Museum; Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Center (largest center for Quantum Research) | Aboriginal Peoples Network, BearsDen (online student community), Fraternities and Sororities, Graduate Students' Association, Peer Support Centre, Sport Clubs, Student Music Ensembles, Students' Union, and Volunteer Opportunities |
| Hostel | #Double Room - $3677 #Interconnecting Room - $3912 #Single Room - $4099 | #Single Room - $12400 |
| Famous Alumni | Over 203,000 graduates; Robert Mundell (Nobel Laureate), Donna Strickland (Nobel Laureate), Mike Lazaridis (Founder of BlackBerry Ltd.), Prem Watsa (Founder of Fairfax Financial); Rupi Kaur (Canadian Poet); Karl Ting (Actor); Apoorva Mehta (Founder of Instacart); David Cheriton (Canadian Computer Scientist). | One Nobel laureate, four justice of supreme court, and 68 Rhodes scholars |
| Weather |
The University of Waterloo and the University of Alberta rank at #7 and #4 respectively in Canada according to the QS World University Rankings 2020. The rankings of UAlberta are higher than the University of Waterloo according to all major ranking agencies.
- Also considering the score requirements and the acceptance rate, admissions at UAlberta are comparatively easier than admissions at the University of Waterloo.
- Also, the cost of study at UAlberta is more affordable than the University of Waterloo.
- The University of Waterloo ranks higher for its engineering & technology and computer science programs while UAlberta ranks higher for its arts & humanities and life sciences programs.
- According to QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020, the University of Waterloo ranks higher than UAlberta at #25 and #87, respectively.
- UAlberta not only has a cheaper cost of attendance it also offers better funding opportunities to its students in comparison to UWaterloo.
- Number of countries represented at UAlberta’s student population are 170 while at UWaterloo is 120 pointing towards the international diversity of University of Alberta.
Thus students looking for a budget-friendly degree must opt for the University of Alberta. However, if budget is not a concern, quality education and a higher salary might lead students to choose the University of Waterloo for higher education in Canada.
