
Course at a Glance
- BachelorDegree level
- 5 yearsDuration
- Main Campus, Waterloo, CanadaLocation
- Faculty of ArtsField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Main Campus, WaterlooCampus
- Bachelor of Arts in EconomicsAwards
- $54,020Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
What's the appropriate mix of governments and markets in the economy? How should we mitigate the environmental side effects of economic activity?
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What are the impacts of AI on the future of work? How do firms develop from entrepreneurial ventures into public corporations? Economists approach these questions using a mix of institutional knowledge, theoretical models developed with mathematical tools, and the statistical analysis of economic data. You'll learn to apply the tools of economics to business and finance; data analysis; government and politics; education, work, and wages; health and well-being; the environment; or forecasting the impacts of events on the interconnected global economy. At Waterloo, you'll combine statistical training with skills that prepare you for careers in both business and public policy. You'll develop strong institutional knowledge in your areas of specialization. As well, a thorough grounding in economic theory gives you a framework with which to understand the world both inside and outside the workplace. Together, these skills will prepare you well for the decision-making roles you will take on later in your career. If you're looking for a stronger foundation in mathematics and quantitative analysis, you can choose Mathematical Economics as your major in Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business, giving you additional preparation for research-oriented careers and graduate studies in economics and related fields.
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modefull-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Ontario students || Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including || • any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%) || Admission average: High 70s (co-op and regular) || Recommended courses || We strongly recommend that you take high school Calculus and Vectors and Advanced Functions (or equivalents) as economics is a mathematically intensive discipline. Students without this background can take the necessary mathematics courses in first year. || Not studying in Ontario? || Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; PTE Academic 63; Duolingo English Test 120 · English test waiver: An English-language test score is required only if the applicant's four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system. Exemptions: four most recent years of full-time education completed in Canada; bilingual Francophone Canadians (or first-language French with four or more years of full-time Canadian high school); or four most recent years of full-time education taught in an entirely English-language school system in Canada or another country (supported by official transcripts showing language of instruction, or an official hardcopy letter sent directly by the school principal - emailed letters are not accepted). Full-time ESL programs do not qualify. Applicants below the required scores may enter through Waterloo's Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/english-language-requirements
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$54,020 CAD / year≈ $39,721 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsInternational Student Entrance Scholarship: CAD 10,000 for first-year studies, paid in two instalments of CAD 5,000 (late July and late November) against first- and second-term tuition. No application is required; eligible students see it in the Waterloo applicant portal from mid-April. Conditions: full-time enrolment (three or more courses) in the first and second terms, and continuing international fee-paying status. It does not replace or reduce other entrance scholarships. SourceView scholarship page
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: Application deadline 1 February 2027; documents deadline 15 February 2027 (programs other than Engineering). International students have the same deadlines. Waterloo admits first-year students for the September term only. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/fut…
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Economics cost?
CAD 54,020 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
5 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Ontario students || Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including || • any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%) || Admission average: High 70s (co-op and regular) || Recommended courses || We strongly recommend that you take high school Calculus and Vectors and Advanced Functions (or equivalents) as economics is a mathematically intensive discipline. Students without this background can take the necessary mathematics courses in first year. || Not studying in Ontario? || Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; PTE Academic 63; Duolingo English Test 120 · English test waiver: An English-language test score is required only if the applicant's four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system. Exemptions: four most recent years of full-time education completed in Canada; bilingual Francophone Canadians (or first-language French with four or more years of full-time Canadian high school); or four most recent years of full-time education taught in an entirely English-language school system in Canada or another country (supported by official transcripts showing language of instruction, or an official hardcopy letter sent directly by the school principal - emailed letters are not accepted). Full-time ESL programs do not qualify. Applicants below the required scores may enter through Waterloo's Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/english-language-requirements
Is there a scholarship?
International Student Entrance Scholarship: CAD 10,000 for first-year studies, paid in two instalments of CAD 5,000 (late July and late November) against first- and second-term tuition. No application is required; eligible students see it in the Waterloo applicant portal from mid-April. Conditions: full-time enrolment (three or more courses) in the first and second terms, and continuing international fee-paying status. It does not replace or reduce other entrance scholarships. Source View scholarship page
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