Post Secondary Education
Kitchener-Waterloo is home to two world-class universities, The University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, and a top ranking college, Conestoga College of Applied Arts and Technology. These schools are constantly attracting newcomers to the area, and enrich the community with bright, career-oriented individuals.
The University of Waterloo School of Optometry provides the only English optometric training in Canada. An extensive clinic program provides practical experience for students and health services for the public. The School also has an impressive program supporting research in Vision Science and Optometry.
Conestoga College Health Science Program offers a bachelor degree program and two graduate certificate programs. These programs prepare graduates with integrated knowledge and skills in Health Sciences, Information Technology (IT), Health Information Science and Management Sciences.
The University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy will help to fill the urgent demand for more pharmacists across the country. The School is committed to providing an educational program that fosters teamwork, collaboration, and a broad approach to health.
Wilfrid Laurier School of Social Work offers programs at the Master and Doctoral levels. Since 1966, the Faculty has developed a national and international reputation for teaching excellence and research.
McMaster Satellite Medical School, Waterloo Region Campus, part of McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, is located in downtown Kitchener. This satellite school attracts a wide range of health professionals and addresses the need for expertise in health technology, health informatics, biosciences, population studies and biomedical engineering.
Public and Catholic Schools
In K-W, publicly funded Public and Catholic school boards provide elementary and secondary education, serving approximately 74,000 students in the region. K-W is also served by private schools, providing courses of study at many levels of instruction. French immersion education is also available.
Religious Institutions
K-W’s culturally varied community is home to diverse religious and spiritual organizations that welcome new members.