UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO · CANADA
Civil Engineering (B.A.Sc.)
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
51 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 6 paid co-op work termsCo-op Experience
- Flexible curriculum with specialization optionsCustomization
- Focus on smart cities and sustainable infrastructureFuture-Oriented
- Learn in high-tech simulation labsResources
- Eligibility for Professional Engineer designationProfessional Development
Civil Engineering at the University of Waterloo addresses critical global challenges such as population growth, climate change, and aging infrastructure. You will learn to design, analyze, construct, and manage essential large-scale infrastructure, from bridges and transportation networks to municipal water systems and buildings. This program emphasizes developing solutions for a sustainable future and creating smarter cities. The curriculum is flexible, allowing you to tailor your education through a wide range of electives and specializations. This is a co-op only program, integrating academic learning with practical, paid work experience. You will alternate between study and work terms, gaining valuable professional skills and exploring diverse career paths. Graduates are prepared for roles in project planning, design, and construction, and are eligible for Professional Engineer designation.
Curriculum
The Civil Engineering program builds foundational analytical and problem-solving skills in the first year, followed by specialized upper-year courses. The program structure includes six paid co-op work terms, typically alternating with study terms.
- First Year
- Chemistry for EngineersCHE 102
- Civil Engineering ConceptsCIVE 100
- Mechanics 1CIVE 104
- Linear AlgebraCIVE 115
- Calculus 1 for EngineeringMATH 116
- Communication in the Engineering ProfessionENGL 191 / COMMST 191
- Mechanics 2CIVE 105
- Computational MethodsCIVE 121
- Earth EngineeringCIVE 153
- SeminarCIVE 199
- Electrical Circuits and InstrumentationCIVE 123
- Calculus 2 for EngineeringMATH 118
- Upper Years
- Transport Principles and ApplicationsCIVE 241
- Introduction to Structural DesignCIVE 310
- Civil Systems and Project ManagementCIVE 332
- Engineering Law and EthicsCIVE 491
Careers
A Civil Engineering degree prepares graduates for diverse roles in planning, design, construction, and management of infrastructure. You can contribute to projects ranging from transportation and water systems to buildings and urban development.
- Tunnel Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Transportation Planner
- Field Engineer
- Project Manager
Frequently asked questions
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students applying to the Civil Engineering program?
- You need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each band. Alternatively, TOEFL iBT scores are accepted with specific band requirements. You may be exempt if you meet certain criteria related to education in an English-speaking country or being a bilingual Francophone Canadian.
- How do I apply for the Civil Engineering program?
- Applications are submitted through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). After applying, you will need to complete a Declaration of Academic Experience in the applicant portal and submit supporting documents like official transcripts and English test scores by the specified deadline.
- What is the duration of the Civil Engineering program?
- The Civil Engineering program is a co-op program that integrates academic learning with six paid co-op work terms, typically alternating with study terms. Specific program length details are not provided.
- Where can I find information about tuition and living costs?
- Tuition fee estimates are available via the Tuition Fee Estimator tool on the University of Waterloo website and vary based on student status. The estimator does not include living costs or preliminary English language training expenses.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from the Civil Engineering program?
- Graduates can pursue roles in planning, design, construction, and management of infrastructure, such as Tunnel Engineer, Structural Engineer, or Project Manager. The program also prepares you for the Professional Engineer (PEng) designation.
Entry requirements
High School DiplomaAdmission requirements vary by country and curriculum. Specific details should be confirmed on the university's admissions pages.
IELTS Academic6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each band.
TOEFL iBT90 overall (completed before Jan 21, 2026), with 25 in writing and 25 in speaking. After Jan 21, 2026: 4.5 overall, with 5 in writing and 5 in speaking.
PTE Academic63 overall, with 65 in writing and 65 in speaking.
You may be exempt from submitting English language test scores if your first language is English and you have completed four or more years of full-time education in Canada, or if you are a bilingual Francophone Canadian. Students educated in an English-language school system outside of Canada may also be exempt if they provide official documentation confirming the language of instruction for their last four years of full-time study. Official test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency and completed on or after May 1, 2024.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fee estimates are available via the Tuition Fee Estimator tool on the University of Waterloo website. Costs are program-specific and vary based on student status.
Tuition (home)Tuition fee estimates are available via the Tuition Fee Estimator tool on the University of Waterloo website. Costs are program-specific and vary based on student status.
LivingLiving cost estimates are not provided by the Tuition Fee Estimator and may include off-campus housing, groceries, textbooks, and supplies.
The Tuition Fee Estimator provides an estimate for the Fall 2026 term and assumes a full-time study load. It does not include costs for preliminary English language training programs or expenses beyond tuition and incidental fees. Fee schedules offer a more detailed breakdown.
How to apply
1. Apply OnlineSubmit your application through the OUAC portal.
2. Complete Declaration of Academic ExperienceOnce you have applied, fill out the Declaration of Academic Experience in the applicant portal to determine if English language proficiency test scores are required.
3. Submit Supporting DocumentsUpload required documents, including transcripts and official English test scores (if applicable), by the document deadline.
4. Pay FeesSubmit tuition and incidental fees as per the payment instructions provided.
Frequently asked questions
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students applying to the Civil Engineering program?
+
You need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each band. Alternatively, TOEFL iBT scores are accepted with specific band requirements. You may be exempt if you meet certain criteria related to education in an English-speaking country or being a bilingual Francophone Canadian.
How do I apply for the Civil Engineering program?
+
Applications are submitted through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). After applying, you will need to complete a Declaration of Academic Experience in the applicant portal and submit supporting documents like official transcripts and English test scores by the specified deadline.
What is the duration of the Civil Engineering program?
+
The Civil Engineering program is a co-op program that integrates academic learning with six paid co-op work terms, typically alternating with study terms. Specific program length details are not provided.
Where can I find information about tuition and living costs?
+
Tuition fee estimates are available via the Tuition Fee Estimator tool on the University of Waterloo website and vary based on student status. The estimator does not include living costs or preliminary English language training expenses.
What are the career prospects after graduating from the Civil Engineering program?
+
Graduates can pursue roles in planning, design, construction, and management of infrastructure, such as Tunnel Engineer, Structural Engineer, or Project Manager. The program also prepares you for the Professional Engineer (PEng) designation.