Wilfrid Laurier University: A Legacy of Purpose and Community

Wilfrid Laurier University (commonly referred to as Laurier or WLU) is a public research university in Waterloo, Ontario, with additional campuses in Brantford, Milton, Kitchener, and Toronto, as well as a location in Chongqing, China. Laurier traces its roots to the founding of the Evangelical Lutheran Seminary of Canada in 1911. On October 30, 1911, a jubilant crowd of nearly 1,500 people gathered on the rural outskirts of Waterloo to mark its opening. With just four students and one full-time professor, the seminary was modest in size but had the enthusiastic support of an entire community. Over the decades, it evolved: in 1925, Waterloo College of Arts was established and affiliated with the University of Western Ontario; in 1960, it obtained degree-granting powers and was renamed Waterloo Lutheran University. Finally, on November 1, 1973, it became a secular, provincially assisted university under the name Wilfrid Laurier University—named after Canada’s seventh prime minister, who served from 1896 to 1911.

A Multi-Campus University with a Community-Centred Culture

Today, Laurier has grown into a thriving institution with over 22,900 students, including approximately 20,700 undergraduates and 2,200 postgraduates. The Waterloo campus remains the heart of the university, located in a student-centric city within North America’s second-largest tech sector. The Brantford campus, opened in 1999, offers a close-knit community experience. The Milton campus, which welcomed its first students in September 2024, focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs. Laurier also houses the Faculty of Social Work in Kitchener and a research office in Yellowknife. At its core, Laurier is defined by a deep sense of community and belonging—students aren’t content with simply earning a degree; they view education as a springboard to shaping a life, building a community, and making a difference. Buy fake diploma online.

Academic Excellence Across Nine Faculties

Laurier offers a broad spectrum of traditional and innovative programs across nine faculties. The Waterloo campus is home to seven faculties: Arts, Music, Science, Education, Social Work, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, and the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics. The Brantford campus hosts the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Liberal Arts, offering innovative programs such as Game Design and Development and User Experience (UX) Design. The Faculty of Arts, established in 1925, is Laurier’s oldest and one of its largest faculties, offering 21 undergraduate and 9 graduate programs across the social sciences and humanities. The Lazaridis School of Business and Economics is particularly renowned, with its Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program offering 10 concentrations and a 98% graduate employment rate. Laurier also offers programs through its affiliated Martin Luther University College and the Balsillie School of International Affairs.

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Experiential Learning and Research with Purpose

Laurier’s holistic approach to learning ensures graduates are ready to face the future. Each year, more than 20,000 students participate in experiential learning opportunities, including co-op, field placements, community service-learning, and volunteer activities. Laurier was the first university in Canada to formally recognize volunteer and leadership activities through the Laurier Experience Record. The university has 23 research centres and institutes, addressing challenges from climate change to food security. Laurier consistently ranks among the top universities globally—in 2025, it ranked in the top 13% of universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings, and in 2026, it ranked in the top 12% globally and among the top 10 universities in Canada for sustainability impact.

Vibrant Student Life and Golden Hawk Spirit

Student life at Laurier is rich and engaging, with over 270 clubs, more than 3,000 volunteer opportunities, and study abroad programs. The Laurier Golden Hawks compete in 22 varsity teams, including baseball, basketball, curling, football, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, and swimming. The Athletic Complex on the Waterloo campus features an Olympic-size pool, a triple gymnasium, dance studios, and a large fitness centre. With a strong sense of community, award-winning faculty, and a commitment to experiential learning, Laurier continues to build on its legacy—proving that even a small seminary, founded with just four students over a century ago, can grow into a world-class institution that prepares students to make a lasting impact on the world.