Course at a Glance
- BachelorDegree level
- 4 years (regular system of study); 5 years (co-op)Duration
- Main Campus, Waterloo, CanadaLocation
- Faculty of HealthField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Main Campus, WaterlooCampus
- Bachelor of Arts in Therapeutic RecreationAwards
- $50,592Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Activity, sport, creative arts, music, or nature-based activities – there are many ways to help people enhance their quality of life, foster social connections, support independent living, and have fun, too. Recreation therapists are health care providers who work in clinical and long-term care environments who address emotional, physical, and social needs – and use leisure, recreation, and play to help people of all abilities meet their goals, wherever they are.
Read more
In this program, you’ll gain valuable academic and practical experience to prepare you for a career in therapeutic recreation. You'll learn how to develop formal, evidence-based programming and get hands-on experience working with populations of interest through a required 105-hour practicum placement and a required 560-hour internship. Throughout your degree, you can pursue the requirements for the academic pathway to becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, allowing you to practise across North America. Upon graduation, you’ll also be eligible for registration with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario. Have your sights set on another professional health program? Therapeutic Recreation can also be your stepping stone to specialized programs such as occupational therapy. You'll take Recreation and Leisure Studies courses that dive into the theory and importance of leisure; recreation programming; and th
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
Canada- 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 70% is required) || Admission average: low 80s (co-op and regular) || Not studying in Ontario? || Search our admission requirements for Recreation and Leisure Studies (RLS). You'll apply to RLS for the Therapeutic Recreation major. · 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$50,592 CAD / year≈ $37,200 / year
- Application feeNo application fee for this programme
- 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 Therapeutic Recreation cost?
CAD 50,592 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
4 years (regular system of study); 5 years (co-op), 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 70% is required) || Admission average: low 80s (co-op and regular) || Not studying in Ontario? || Search our admission requirements for Recreation and Leisure Studies (RLS). You'll apply to RLS for the Therapeutic Recreation major. · 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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