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Mechatronics Engineering

University of Waterloo

Mechatronics and Robotics: blue ink subject illustration
Image source

AI-generated ink illustration

Conceptual study artwork, not a photograph of teaching facilities.

Unidex · generated with ImageGen

Checked 2026-11-05

Symbolic subject artwork; no university facility depicted

Deadlines

November 2026

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Next deadline

  • OUAC. Ontario high schools report midterm/final 4U/M grades

    2027 entry

    School deadline, not a student task. Universities receive these grades by November 26. Verbatim: "Deadline for the OUAC to receive all midterm or final grades available for 4U/M courses from Ontario high schools. Schools may report in-progress grades for full-year courses as soon as they are available." Universities receive these by the target date of November 26, 2026. This is a deadline on the high school, not on the student, but it governs which grades a university sees in the first round.

    Official deadline
Other deadline details
No single OUAC deadline, deadlines are set by each university and sometimes by programOUAC Undergraduate application, applicants who are not Ontario high school students (Group B)2026 entry
  • No single OUAC deadline, deadlines are set by each university and sometimes by program
  • No single OUAC deadline
  • University, program, transcript, portfolio, interview, and audition dates still apply
Full source wording

Verbatim: "There is no specific Undergraduate application deadline if you are a Group B applicant. Deadlines vary at each university and sometimes depend on the program. Visit the university websites or contact the universities directly for their deadlines. If you are interested in a program but the deadline has passed, you may contact the university's admission office for help. Be aware of university-specific deadlines for submitting transcripts and portfolios, if required, and for arranging interviews and auditions. You must ensure the OUAC has enough time to process your choices before the universities' program deadlines." OUAC defines Group B as anyone who does not meet the Group A criteria, e.g. not currently taking an Ontario high school course, a Canadian outside Ontario, an international applicant, a postsecondary transfer student, or a mature applicant.

SourceChecked

Requirements

Admission requirements

High-school prerequisites
  • MHF4UAdvanced Functions70% min.
  • MCV4UCalculus and Vectors70% min.
  • SCH4UChemistry70% min.
  • SPH4UPhysics70% min.
  • ENG4UEnglish70% min.
Waterloo Mechatronics Engineering: Ontario admission requirements
Application steps

Entry terms · Fall (September)

September 2027 full-time first-year Engineering entry.

Waterloo September 2027 application and document deadlines
  1. Step 1Check the admission requirements
    • Check the published entry route for your applicant category.
    Waterloo Mechatronics Engineering: Ontario admission requirementsWaterloo Mechatronics Engineering: Ontario admission requirements
  2. Step 2Apply through OUAC
    • Create your application and select this program.
    OUACOUAC
  3. Step 3Declaration of Academic Experience (DAE)
    • Complete the DAE in the Waterloo applicant portal. It updates your checklist with any required documents.
    Waterloo required documentsWaterloo required documents
  4. Step 4Admission Information Form (AIF)
    • Required for Engineering and Faculty of Mathematics programs. Waterloo sends access through its applicant portal after you apply.
    Waterloo Admission Information Form and supplementary formsWaterloo Admission Information Form and supplementary forms
  5. Step 5Online video interview
    • Required for Engineering applicants, alongside the AIF. Waterloo lists February 1, 2027 as the Engineering document deadline.
    Waterloo application and document deadlinesWaterloo application and document deadlines
  6. Step 6Apply directly to this programme through the official application; submit the applicant portal documents required for your education route.
    • Complete this item using the university’s applicant instructions.
    Waterloo Mechatronics Engineering: Ontario admission requirementsWaterloo Mechatronics Engineering: Ontario admission requirements
Applicant pathways
Ontario high-school entry

Ontario high-school applicants; average text uses the university's own published guideline

  • Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
  • Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Admission average: Individual selection from the high 80s to low 90s
Waterloo current exact programme admission requirements
Engineering required interview and forms

All Engineering applicants except Architecture; this programme is included

  • Admission Information Form and any required supplementary information forms; online interview required for admission.
Waterloo published September2027 application and document deadlines
Current AIF contents

Applicants to this programme; September 2027 entry

  • Complete four short responses, up to 150 words each: interests, community involvement, an experience reflection and goals for Waterloo.
  • List extracurricular activities and hours from January 1 to December 31, 2026. Submit the shared AIF once through the applicant portal.
Waterloo current 2027 AIF and faculty-specific supplementary forms
Required Engineering interview

Applicants to this Engineering programme

  • Record one 90-second response about experiences motivating your choice of engineering programme through the portal’s Kira Talent link.
  • A separate non-graded yes/no question asks about FIRST Robotics for scholarship consideration.
Waterloo current required Engineering interview format
Optional Engineering alternate choice

Engineering applicants choosing an eligible alternate programme

  • The alternate-choice form is optional. Software Engineering and Biomedical Engineering cannot be requested as alternates.
Waterloo current 2027 AIF and faculty-specific supplementary forms
Ontario students taking IB

Ontario high-school students taking IB courses, including students completing an OSSD

  • Admission uses your school's converted Ontario Grade 12 U/M marks.
  • Meet the Ontario course prerequisites listed above.
Waterloo: Ontario students taking IB
British Columbia high-school entry

First-year high-school applicants to the named curriculum route

  • High-school diploma and six Grade 12 academic courses.
  • At least 70% in English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12, Pre-Calculus 12, Calculus 12 or AP Calculus, Chemistry 12 and Physics 12.
  • Waterloo lists competitive grades in the high 80s to low 90s.
  • Economics 12 and Financial Accounting 12 are the only Applied Design, Skills and Technology courses that count toward the six.
  • Upload a transcript with second-semester midterm marks when available.
Waterloo Mechatronics Engineering: British Columbia high-school entry
American curriculum entry

First-year high-school applicants to the named curriculum route

  • High-school diploma from a school with recognized American regional accreditation.
  • AP Calculus or equivalent, AP Physics or equivalent, Algebra or Pre-Calculus, Chemistry, Grade 12 English and one other Grade 12 academic course.
  • At least 75% in each of the six courses and an 88% average across them.
  • SAT and ACT scores are optional. Waterloo encourages available AP scores.
Waterloo Mechatronics Engineering: American curriculum entry
Indian curriculum entry

First-year high-school applicants to the named curriculum route

  • First or Second Division in the CBSE All India Senior School Certificate, CISCE Indian School Certificate, or another qualifying 12-year pre-university certificate.
  • Standard XII Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English and one additional Standard XII subject. Applied Mathematics does not satisfy the mathematics requirement.
  • At least 70% in each of the five courses and an 85% average across them.
  • Waterloo reviews Grade 10 board results, final Grade 11 marks and predicted Grade 12 board results.
Waterloo Mechatronics Engineering: Indian curriculum entry
International Baccalaureate diploma entry

First-year high-school applicants to the named curriculum route

  • Full IB diploma with six courses, including at least three Higher Level courses.
  • Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, Physics, Chemistry, English A and one other IB course, with at least 4 in each. HL is recommended for mathematics and physics. HL English B with at least 5 can satisfy English A.
  • 31 total points excluding diploma points. Waterloo recommends grades of 6 or 7 and uses individual selection.
Waterloo Mechatronics Engineering: International Baccalaureate diploma entry

Degree requirements

Work and practical requirements
  • Complete 21.50 units, including required courses and nine approved electives. Co-op and Professional Development are separate.
  • Five credited co-op work terms are required. At least three must be standard work terms.
  • Complete PD 11, PD 19, PD 20 and one additional Professional Development course. PD 19 is taken in the first work term and PD 20 in the second.
  • Take Co-op Fundamentals for Engineering before the first work term.
ReferencesWaterloo 2026–27 Mechatronics Engineering calendarWaterloo 2026–27 BASc degree requirements and study/work streamsWaterloo Engineering: Mechatronics Engineering work-study sequence and co-op examplesWaterloo Engineering options and eligibilityWaterloo 2026–27 course calendar, CS 492Waterloo GEOG 368 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 341 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 195 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 201 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 100 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 471 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 131 academic calendar
Credits and degree requirements
  • Minimum 60% cumulative overall average and 60% term average.
  • MTE 100 satisfies the undergraduate communication requirement.
  • Complete one design project course in 4A and one in 4B.
ReferencesWaterloo 2026–27 Mechatronics Engineering calendarWaterloo 2026–27 BASc degree requirements and study/work streamsWaterloo Engineering: Mechatronics Engineering work-study sequence and co-op examplesWaterloo Engineering options and eligibilityWaterloo 2026–27 course calendar, CS 492Waterloo GEOG 368 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 341 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 195 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 201 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 100 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 471 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 131 academic calendar
Course planning
  • Exceptions require approval from the Mechatronics Engineering director or associate chair for undergraduate studies.
ReferencesWaterloo 2026–27 Mechatronics Engineering calendarWaterloo 2026–27 BASc degree requirements and study/work streamsWaterloo Engineering: Mechatronics Engineering work-study sequence and co-op examplesWaterloo Engineering options and eligibilityWaterloo 2026–27 course calendar, CS 492Waterloo GEOG 368 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 341 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 195 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 201 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 100 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 471 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 131 academic calendar

Program facts

Entering average~High 80s to Low 90s

Ontario high-school entry in 2027/28, exact listed route WMT. Later major/option selection and other applicant categories remain separate.

Waterloo university-supplied OUInfo: Mechatronics Engineering (Co-op Only), Ontario entry 2027/28Waterloo university-supplied OUInfo: Mechatronics Engineering (Co-op Only), Ontario entry 2027/28
Co-opCo-op details

Co-op only. Six scheduled work terms of four months each. Stream 4 starts in first-year winter. Stream 8X starts in first-year spring.

University work-study information
Co-op schedule
6 scheduled terms · 4 months each · 24 scheduled monthsWaterloo Engineering: Mechatronics Engineering work-study sequence and co-op examples
Stream 4
Year 1 winter, Year 2 fall and spring, Year 3 winter, Year 4 fall and spring.Waterloo 2026–27 BASc degree requirements and study/work streams
Stream 8X
Year 1 spring, Year 2 winter, Year 3 fall and spring, Year 4 winter and spring.Waterloo 2026–27 BASc degree requirements and study/work streams
Waterloo 2026–27 BASc degree requirements and study/work streamsCheck work experience options

Majors & specializations

Engineering degree options are optional. Check the individual option rules for eligibility, overlap and timing.

Artificial Intelligence Option

BASc

Study techniques for developing intelligent machine systems.

Published requirementsPublished courses

Courses

Waterloo’s 2026–27 calendar for students starting in Fall 2026. Includes all eight study terms, listed elective banks and program-specific graduation rules.

1A Term5 listed
  • CHE 102Chemistry for Engineers0.5 credits

    Apply chemical equilibrium, reaction rates and solution chemistry to engineering problems.

    Waterloo course description
  • MATH 115Linear Algebra for Engineering0.5 credits

    Solve linear systems and work with matrices, vector spaces and eigenvalues.

    Waterloo course description
  • MATH 116Calculus 1 for Engineering0.5 credits

    Use derivatives to analyse functions, sketch curves and approximate roots.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 100Mechatronics Engineering0.75 credits

    Plan and carry out a design project using measurement, control logic, sensors and actuators.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 121Digital Computation0.5 credits

    Study computer hardware and software and implement numerical algorithms for scientific problems.

    Waterloo course description
Waterloo 2026–27 Mechatronics Engineering calendar
1B Term6 listed
  • MATH 118Calculus 2 for Engineering0.5 credits

    Apply integration techniques, differential equations and parametric curves to engineering problems.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 100BSeminar0 credits

    Learn how the program, department and engineering societies are organized.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 111Structure and Properties of Materials0.5 credits

    Connect material structure to mechanical, electrical, thermal and other properties.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 119Statics0.5 credits

    Analyse forces, equilibrium, friction and internal loading in structures.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 120Circuits0.75 credits

    Analyse electrical and magnetic circuits, including DC, AC and transient response.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 140Algorithms and Data Structures0.5 credits

    Use data structures and algorithms for sorting, searching, hashing and other computing problems.

    Waterloo course description
Waterloo 2026–27 Mechatronics Engineering calendar
2A Term6 listed

1 approved elective.

  • MTE 182Physics 2: Dynamics0.5 credits

    Model the motion of particles and rigid bodies using force, energy and momentum.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 200ASeminar0 credits

    Explore program options, student teams, safety and professional opportunities.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 201Experimental Measurement and Statistical Analysis0.5 credits

    Estimate measurement error and use sensors, sampling and statistical methods to analyse data.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 202Ordinary Differential Equations0.5 credits

    Solve ordinary differential equations and study transient and steady-state responses.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 219Mechanics of Deformable Solids0.5 credits

    Calculate stress, strain and deformation under tension, compression, shear, bending and torsion.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 262Introduction to Digital Logic0.5 credits

    Design digital logic and state machines and implement them on FPGA boards.

    Waterloo course description
Waterloo 2026–27 Mechatronics Engineering calendar
2B Term6 listed
  • MTE 200BSeminar0 credits

    Explore program options, student teams, safety and professional opportunities.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 203Advanced Calculus0.5 credits

    Use multivariable calculus to analyse geometry, derivatives and extrema.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 204Numerical Methods0.5 credits

    Approximate roots, integrals, eigenvalues and differential equations with numerical methods.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 220Sensors and Instrumentation0.5 credits

    Analyse and build circuits for sensing and instrumentation using amplifiers and related components.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 241Introduction to Computer Structures and Real-Time Systems0.5 credits

    Study real-time computer systems, including scheduling, synchronization and memory management.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 252Linear Systems and Signals0.5 credits

    Model continuous and discrete signals and systems and analyse their response.

    Waterloo course description
Waterloo 2026–27 Mechatronics Engineering calendar
3A Term6 listed
  • MTE 300ASeminar0 credits

    Explore program options, student teams, safety and professional opportunities.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 309Introduction to Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer0.5 credits

    Analyse energy, work, heat transfer and entropy in engineering systems.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 320Actuators and Power Electronics0.5 credits

    Study power electronics, motor drives and the circuits that control actuators.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 321Design and Dynamics of Machines0.5 credits

    Design and analyse mechanisms, including linkage motion and material failure.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 325Microprocessor Systems and Interfacing for Mechatronics Engineering0.5 credits

    Interface microprocessors with sensors and actuators through buses and data-transfer methods.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 351Systems Models 10.5 credits

    Build graph and state-space models and analyse engineering systems in time and frequency.

    Waterloo course description
Waterloo 2026–27 Mechatronics Engineering calendar
3B Term6 listed

1 approved elective.

  • MSE 261Engineering Economics: Financial Management for Engineers0.5 credits

    Compare engineering investments using cash flow, returns and depreciation.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 300BSeminar0 credits

    Explore program options, student teams, safety and professional opportunities.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 322Electromechanical Machine Design0.5 credits

    Design motion-transmission systems and select bearings, gears, motors and sensors.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 352Fluid Mechanics 10.5 credits

    Apply fluid statics and conservation laws to engineering flow problems.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 360Automatic Control Systems0.5 credits

    Design feedback controllers and assess stability and system performance.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 380Mechatronics Engineering Design Workshop0.5 credits

    Turn a need into engineering specifications, compare alternatives and develop a design.

    Waterloo course description
Waterloo 2026–27 Mechatronics Engineering calendar
4A Term5 listed

3 approved electives. Choose one design project course from the three labelled options.

  • MTE 400ASeminar0 credits

    Learn how the program, department and engineering societies are organized.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 484Digital Control Applications0.5 credits

    Model and simulate dynamic systems and design digital controls.

    Waterloo course description
  • GENE 403Interdisciplinary Design Project 10.5 credits

    Define an engineering design problem and plan a solution with students from different engineering programs.

    One of three approved capstone choices for 4A.

    Waterloo course description
  • ME 481Mechanical Engineering Design Project 10.5 credits

    Develop a mechanical engineering capstone proposal and apply engineering analysis to the design.

    One of three approved capstone choices for 4A.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 481Mechatronics Engineering Design Project 10.5 credits

    Apply engineering design methods to a substantial individual or team project.

    One of three approved capstone choices for 4A.

    Waterloo course description
Waterloo 2026–27 Mechatronics Engineering calendar
4B Term4 listed

4 approved electives. Choose one design project course from the three labelled options.

  • MTE 400BSeminar0 credits

    Learn how the program, department and engineering societies are organized.

    Waterloo course description
  • GENE 404Interdisciplinary Design Project 20.5 credits

    Refine and test the interdisciplinary capstone design.

    One of three approved capstone choices for 4B.

    Waterloo course description
  • ME 482Mechanical Engineering Design Project 20.5 credits

    Complete the detailed design and feasibility work for the project started in ME 481.

    One of three approved capstone choices for 4B.

    Waterloo course description
  • MTE 482Mechatronics Engineering Design Project 20.5 credits

    Build and demonstrate the prototype developed from the MTE 481 design.

    One of three approved capstone choices for 4B.

    Waterloo course description
Waterloo 2026–27 Mechatronics Engineering calendar
Approved elective lists

Approved elective lists

Ethics List5 listed

Choose one. It may also count toward complementary studies or Professional Development.

Waterloo 2026–27 Mechatronics Engineering calendar
Technical Electives List43 listed

Choose five. Use the Mechatronics Engineering elective rules.

Waterloo 2026–27 Mechatronics Engineering calendar
Complementary studies, List A37 listed

Individually listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 BASc degree requirements and study/work streams
Complementary studies, List C98 listed

List C accepts eligible subjects or individually listed courses of at least 0.50 unit. Courses on List D or the exclusions list, and courses satisfying the major’s communication requirement, cannot count toward List C.

Waterloo 2026–27 BASc degree requirements and study/work streams
Complementary studies, List D155 listed

List D accepts eligible subjects or individually listed courses of at least 0.50 unit.

Waterloo 2026–27 BASc degree requirements and study/work streams
Elective choices
  • Complete four complementary studies electives. Choose one from List A, one from List C, and two from Lists A, C or D.
  • Complete five approved technical electives and one course from the Ethics List. The ethics course can also satisfy a complementary studies or Professional Development requirement.
  • Elective slots in the course sequence are one in 2A, one in 3B, three in 4A and four in 4B.
  • List C accepts eligible subjects or individually listed courses of at least 0.50 unit. Courses on List D or the exclusions list, and courses satisfying the major’s communication requirement, cannot count toward List C.
  • List D accepts eligible subjects or individually listed courses of at least 0.50 unit.
  • A course listed in more than one complementary studies list can count toward only one list, unless the program specifies an exception.
Study routes

Engineering degree options are optional. Check the individual option rules for eligibility, overlap and timing.

  • Artificial Intelligence option
  • Biomechanics option
  • Computer Engineering option
  • Computing option
  • Entrepreneurship option
  • Environmental Engineering option
  • Life Sciences option
  • Management Sciences option
  • Physical Sciences option
  • Quantum Engineering option
  • Software Engineering option
  • Statistics option
Study locations
Published academic-unit location
The Faculty of Engineering lists its Dean’s Office in the Pearl Sullivan Engineering Building, room 7302. This is a faculty contact office; individual mechatronics course rooms are separate.Waterloo: named tron academic-unit location

Careers

  • Robotics engineer
  • Automation engineer
  • Embedded systems engineer

Published employers

5
  • Etalim
  • exactEarth
  • Canadensys Aerospace Corporation
  • Inertia Engineering + Design
  • Lumafield
Published employersWaterloo Mechatronics Engineering undergraduate degree and career examplesWaterloo Engineering: Mechatronics Engineering work-study sequence and co-op examplesWaterloo co-op profile: Emily SteinerEngineers Canada: accredited programs at the University of WaterlooEngineers Canada: engineering licensing requirements
Scope and qualifications

Waterloo lists career and co-op role examples. Employers shown are from a published student co-op profile.

Professional recognition

CEAB accredited since 2008. The accredited degree meets the academic requirement for engineering licensure.

Scope and qualifications

Waterloo lists career and co-op role examples. Employers shown are from a published student co-op profile.

AccreditationWaterloo Mechatronics Engineering undergraduate degree and career examplesWaterloo Engineering: Mechatronics Engineering work-study sequence and co-op examplesWaterloo co-op profile: Emily SteinerEngineers Canada: accredited programs at the University of WaterlooEngineers Canada: engineering licensing requirements

Costs

Program or faculty

First-year estimate

2026–27 · Two terms · CAD

Ontario example · Choose your fee category

Tuition and incidental fees$19,000
Books and supplies$1,500
Co-op fee

$836 × 2 study terms

$1,672
Residence
Residence
$8,254
Meal plan
Meal plan
$8,040
Estimated total$38,466
TuitionCo-op feeResidenceMeal plansSources and notes

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