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Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy

Canada

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What will I learn?

Do you look up at night and dream of distant galaxies? Do you wonder about the origin of the universe? Explore your curiosity with a degree in Physics and Astronomy at Waterloo.

Complement your foundational studies in physics and mathematics with additional courses in astronomy.

The program’s strong ties to Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing provide additional opportunities to get involved in research. Meanwhile, if you opt for our co-op program, you’ll gain valuable résumé-building experience on your work terms.

Once you complete your degree, you’ll have what it takes to pursue specialized graduate programs or to launch directly into a career in fields like aerospace, astrophysics, or remote sensing.

Co-op

By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore career in astronomy and work for different types of employers as your career interests evolve.

Sample co-op job titles

  • RADARSAT operations support assistant
  • Sun-earth development program assistant
  • Science & math tutor
  • Undergraduate research assistant
  • Software development & testing coordinator

Recent graduates

  • Astronomer - The National Research Council's Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics
  • Aerospace Scientist - NASA
  • Researcher - Canadian Space Agency
  • Hazard Analyst/Modeller - National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research

Which department am I in?

Faculty of Science

Study options

Full Time (4 years)

Tuition fees
CAD$52,000.00 (31,53,618) per year
Start date

September 2025

Venue

Faculty of Science

200 University Avenue West,

WATERLOO,

Ontario (ON),

N2L 3G1, Canada

Entry requirements

For international students

Applicants must have completed an Ontario high school diploma or equivalent.

  • Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
  • English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, or Physics
  • Admission averages: Low 80s

English language requirement:

  • Internet - based TOEFL (iBT) - 90 overall; 25 writing, 25 speaking.
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall; 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening.
  • MELAB: 85 overall; 80 per section; if you're applying to a co-op program: 3 speaking.
  • CAEL: 70 overall; 60 per band; 70 writing, 70 speaking.
  • PTE Academic: 63 overall; 65 writing, 65 speaking.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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