Why Laurier?

A Place to Belong

At Laurier, you'll receive the education and experience you need to succeed in all aspects of life. Community is at the core of who we are and what we do – grow personally and professionally and make lifelong friends with students from Canada and around the world.

As an international student, you bring new perspectives, experiences and goals that make the Laurier Golden Hawk community better. In exchange, you receive specialized supports and services that help you find your place in the Laurier community. No matter how you choose to live your student experience, you’ll know and feel you belong here.

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"I wanted a tight-knit community where students and faculty maintain close contact and learn from each other. Laurier was the one school that made me feel most welcome and provided me with a way to obtain my goals. Above all, Laurier boasts number one in student satisfaction and this is something that I came to find out for myself – I will never regret the decision I made!"

Emmanuel Bimpong, LLB/BA, Ghana

A Celebration of Diversity

Our students come from more than 95 countries around the world. Take a stroll through our Hall of Nations and you’ll see a proud display of flags that represent the many nations Laurier students call home.

Our community celebrates student diversity – celebrate and share your culture, and learn about Canadian culture, at Laurier-hosted events and student-led group gatherings. Cultural engagement activities include:

  • Canadian nature activities at a local camp.
  • Outdoor excursions and field trips to Canadian landmarks and cultural festivities.
  • Lunar New Year celebrations and an annual multicultural gala.
  • Holiday hosts where you’ll celebrate Canadian holidays with local families.
  • Tandem language learning.

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Top 6%
Laurier is in the top 6% of universities worldwide based on quality of education, alumni employment and research performance.
95+
nations represented in our student body.
91%
of Laurier's 2022 international graduates secured employment or went on to postgraduate studies.

A Community Where You’ll Belong

Hear from the President of Wilfrid Laurier University, Dr. Deborah MacLatchy, as she shares a message for future international students about what makes our community so special.

By staying true to our most cherished Canadian value of belonging, we aim to ensure that all students feel welcome, included, and supported in our thriving community.


Hundreds of Clubs and Activities

There are more than 250 clubs and associations across our campuses, bringing like-minded people together to share their passion for anything from arts and business, to religion and culture. Find what interests you and meet friends that share your passions.

Highlights:

  • Intramural Sports: Last year more than 8,000 students participated in a variety of intramural sports to keep their bodies as active as their minds.
  • Coffee Club: A great opportunity for you to learn more about Canadian culture and share experiences from your home country in a relaxed and informal setting.
  • Laurier International Students’ Association: An inclusive and official campus club on the Waterloo campus that provides all international and non-international students with a collective voice at Laurier.
  • Drop-In Lunches: Every month during the academic year, Laurier International hosts a free drop-in lunch for new international students.
  • Game Night: Play different games, meet new people and have fun together.

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An Enhanced Residence Experience

Residence provides that extra care and support to help you feel at home, where live-in staff and upper-year students are committed to your personal growth and safety.

It’s more than a place to eat and sleep – you’ll meet people who share your commitment to making the most of their university experience and form lifelong friendships. With mixed-gender housing options, and multiple residence styles to choose from that prioritize your safety and security, we have the perfect place for you to call home.

Let’s Get Social

If you haven’t already, follow Laurier International's social accounts to stay up-to-date on all things Laurier. Slide into our DMs if you have any questions. #LaurierInternational

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@laurierinternational
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WeChat ID: WilfridLaurierU

Get in Touch

Undergraduate International Recruitment

Graduate International Recruitment